Government launches new programme to help more women and girls enter the UK tech sector

"The TechFirst Women's Programme, backed by £4 million of government funding, aims to create at least 300 paid placements in technology roles across the UK. The programme will work with businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to identify opportunities for women to gain experience in fields such as software development, digital engineering, data science and artificial intelligence."

"Participants will receive career coaching, interview preparation and technical support to help them secure roles and progress within the sector. The government hopes the initiative will not only help individuals advance their careers but also support companies looking to adopt new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, by giving them access to skilled workers."

"Research suggests the UK loses between £2 billion and £3.5 billion each year due to women leaving the technology sector. Alongside the placement programme, the government is launching a pilot returnship scheme aimed at helping experienced developers re-enter the workforce after career breaks."

The UK government has launched a comprehensive initiative to boost female participation in the technology sector, addressing persistent gender imbalance that costs the economy £2-3.5 billion annually. The centerpiece is the TechFirst Women's Programme, funded with £4 million, which will create at least 300 paid placements across technology roles including software development, digital engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence. Participants receive career coaching, interview preparation, and technical support. The government is also piloting a returnship scheme to help experienced developers re-enter the workforce after career breaks. These measures aim to help women enter, remain in, and return to technology roles while encouraging schoolgirls to pursue digital careers earlier in their education.

Read at Business Matters