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About
TechFirst Yorkshire
TechFirst Yorkshire is part of a national network backed by the UK Government, inspiring and equipping the next generation with the skills, confidence and connections to thrive in a digital world.
What is TechFirst?
TechFirst is the UK Government’s flagship tech skills programme, opening pathways into the UK’s fast-growing technology sector and creating opportunities for people across the country.
Building on the success of CyberFirst, TechFirst expands beyond cybersecurity to introduce young people and future talent to a much wider range of technologies, skills and digital careers.
From schools and colleges to universities, research and industry, TechFirst is designed to help people discover technology, develop their skills and connect with opportunities that can lead to a career in tech.
Why does it matter?
Technology is transforming the way we live, learn and work. At the same time, the technology sector continues to create new careers and opportunities across an ever-growing range of industries.
TechFirst aims to help more people access these opportunities by developing skills, building confidence and connecting education with the world of work.
A key part of the programme is widening access to technology, ensuring that opportunities reach young people from all backgrounds and communities, including those who may have had fewer opportunities to explore technology and digital careers.
What does TechFirst offer?
TechFirst creates opportunities for people to explore technology, build digital skills and discover the wide range of careers available across the tech sector. Through engaging learning experiences, industry connections and pathways into further education, training and employment, TechFirst helps people develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to take their next steps into the world of technology.
The programme brings together schools, colleges, universities, employers and communities to make technology opportunities more accessible and help connect people with the support and experiences they need to progress.
For Schools
Access funding, resources and support to strengthen your computing provision.
For Students
Inspiring experiences, skills and pathways into exciting tech careers.
For Industry
Work with schools and shape the future digital workforce.
Recognition & Progression
TechFirst recognises that schools play an important role in helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need for a digital future. TechFirst School recognition provides a way for schools to celebrate their commitment to technology and computing education.
Schools can work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold recognition, reflecting their approach to developing technology education and creating opportunities for students to engage with the world of tech.
But the journey doesn’t stop at school. TechFirst supports progression into further education, research and employment through opportunities including university scholarships, postgraduate study, doctoral support and connections with industry.
From discovering technology at school to developing skills through further study and eventually entering the workplace, TechFirst aims to help people access opportunities at every stage of their journey into the technology sector.
Meet the Partners
TechFirst North East is delivered through a regional partnership between RTC North, CyberNorth, Kings Priory Digital and Sunderland Software City, combining expertise in education, technology, industry engagement and skills.
Together, we’re helping build the next generation of digital talent.
