Women looking to enter or return to the technology workforce can apply for a new UK government-backed programme aiming to support at least 300 women into paid jobs across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors and other emerging technology sectors.
The TechFirst Women’s Programme aims to provide technical training, mentoring, career coaching and job-matching support to women seeking technology roles across the UK. The initiative is backed by £4 million in government funding and is led by Plexal on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The programme targets women at different stages of their careers, including those entering technology for the first time, changing careers, returning after a career break or seeking to progress into a technology role.
A central feature of the programme is its focus on connecting participants with employers offering paid work.
Participating employers must provide technology roles lasting at least six months, with a minimum commitment of 25 hours a week. Opportunities can be based in the workplace, remote or hybrid, depending on the role.
The programme also aims to help small and medium-sized businesses recruit people with relevant skills by providing support with candidate sourcing, assessment, matching and training.
How to apply
Applications are open through the programme’s official website. Women interested in entering, returning to or progressing in technology can review the eligibility requirements and submit an application.
The published guide does not establish specific immigration-status eligibility or confirm whether participating employers will sponsor work visas.
