Programme to boost skills in frontier tech for young people across West Midlands
New initiative aims to prepare young people for tech-driven careers
Young people aged 11 to 18 in the West Midlands will have the opportunity to engage with frontier technologies such as Advanced Connectivity Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Engineering Biology, Quantum Technologies, and Semiconductors, thanks to the new TechFirst programme.
The initiative is part of the UK Government-funded programme led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), with WM5G and delivery partner Digital Innovators appointed to lead the programme for the West Midlands Combined Authority region.
TechFirst seeks to address significant skills shortages nationally, involving over 130,000 STEM vacancies and 13,500 digital vacancies, and locally, where 56% of people lack essential digital skills for work.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, emphasised the necessity of equipping young people for a rapidly evolving digital economy through initiatives like TechFirst.
“We cannot afford to let our young people fall behind at a time when technology is rapidly changing the world of work,” he said.
The programme will offer students hands-on experiences through school sessions and access to a Frontier Tech Lab in Birmingham, designed to build confidence and knowledge about technology-enabled careers across various sectors.
The emphasis will also be placed on increasing participation among underrepresented groups, including girls and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. It will involve collaboration with schools, colleges, and employers to connect students directly with frontier technologies within workplaces.
Liz Lloyd, Digital Skills Minister, noted the importance of inspiring young people to envisage future tech careers.
“Too many young people don't picture themselves in a future career in tech — not because they lack the talent — but because they don't realise it's a realistic and rewarding option,” she said.
Schools involved in TechFirst will progress through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels as part of a new national recognition scheme to enhance technology curriculum quality.
Mike Westman, CEO of Digital Innovators, hopes the programme will bridge theoretical learning with practical skills.
“TechFirst is a genuinely exciting opportunity to bring our learning-by-doing model to thousands more young people across the region,” he said.