TechFirst Women’s Programme 2026: UK Government Initiative

Launch: Later in 2026

About the Programme

The UK Government has launched a £4 million TechFirst Women’s Programme aimed at bridging the gender gap in technology by supporting at least 300 women with paid, minimum 6-month placements. This initiative represents a significant commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the UK’s technology sector and building a more diverse, inclusive, and world-leading tech industry. The programme provides coaching, interview preparation, and returnship schemes to tackle underrepresentation, specifically targeting roles in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and addressing the CV gap barrier that often prevents women from re-entering the workforce after career breaks.

This initiative represents a clear signal that the UK government is addressing the challenges women face in tech with concrete action. By backing women at every stage from the classroom to the boardroom, and every point in between the TechFirst Women’s Programme has the potential to transform the UK’s tech sector into one that truly reflects the diversity of the population it serves. For women in tech, women transitioning into tech, and young girls who need role models to show the possibility of achieving a career in tech, this is truly a welcome development.

Why This Programme Matters

The Gender Gap in UK Tech:

Women remain significantly underrepresented in the UK technology sector. Research shows that:

• Women hold only a minority of tech roles, with representation declining at senior levels
• Many women leave the tech sector mid-career due to workplace culture, lack of advancement opportunities, or caregiving responsibilities
• The exodus of women from tech costs the UK economy an estimated £2–£3.5 billion annually in lost talent, innovation, and productivity

Key Features of the TechFirst Women’s Programme

Paid Placements:

• 300+ placements of at least 6 months duration
• Focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK
• Offers hands-on experience in tech roles, providing real-world skills and professional exposure
• Participants receive a salary for the duration of their placement

Returnship Pilot:

• Specialized support for women re-entering the workforce after career breaks
• Includes senior software developer roles aimed at women returning to tech
• Recognizes that skills and experience remain valuable even after time away from the workplace
• Addresses the “CV gap” barrier that often disqualifies women with career breaks from consideration

Support & Training:

• Participants receive career coaching to help navigate their professional development
• Interview preparation to boost confidence and employability
• Ongoing support throughout the placement period

Targeting Barriers:

• Designed to combat the estimated £2–£3.5 billion annual loss to the UK economy caused by women leaving the tech sector
• Acknowledges that retaining and returning women to tech is not only a matter of equity but also economic necessity

TechFirst Girls Competition:

• A nationwide competition intended to inspire 12 and 13-year-old girls to explore careers in coding and artificial intelligence (AI)
• Aims to build the pipeline of future female talent by engaging girls at a formative age
• Helps challenge stereotypes about who can succeed in tech

Barriers Addressed:

The TechFirst Women’s Programme tackles key barriers that prevent women from entering and staying in tech:

• CV Gap: Women returning from career breaks often face discrimination based on employment gaps, even when their skills remain current. Returnships provide a pathway back.
• Access to Opportunities: Paid placements in SMEs offer entry points for women who may not have traditional tech career paths.
• Confidence: Coaching and interview preparation help women rebuild confidence after time away from the workplace.
• Pipeline: The TechFirst Girls Competition ensures that the next generation of girls sees tech as a viable and exciting career option.

A Lifecycle Approach to Women in Tech

This initiative reflects a comprehensive strategy to support women at every stage of their tech careers:

• Classroom (Age 12–13): TechFirst Girls Competition inspires early interest in coding and AI.
• Entry-Level: Paid placements provide hands-on experience and entry points into tech roles.
• Mid-Career: Coaching and interview prep support career advancement.
• Returning to Work: Returnship pilot offers specialized pathways for women re-entering after breaks.
• Leadership: Senior software developer roles and SME placements create pathways to leadership.

This lifecycle approach recognizes that building a diverse tech sector requires action at every point, from inspiring young girls to retaining experienced professionals.

Economic Impact

The estimated £2–£3.5 billion annual loss from women leaving tech represents:

• Lost productivity and innovation
• Reduced competitiveness for UK tech on the global stage
• Missed opportunities for economic growth
• Undervalued talent and expertise

By addressing these losses, the TechFirst Women’s Programme is not only a social equity initiative but also a strategic economic investment. Bringing more women into tech and retaining them benefits businesses, the economy, and society as a whole.

How to Apply

The TechFirst Women’s Jobs Programme will launch later in 2026. Details on how to apply for a placement will be made available on GOV.UK in due course.

Interested women, employers, and organizations are encouraged to monitor official government channels for updates on:

• Placement opportunities for women seeking tech roles
• Information for SMEs interested in hosting placements
• Details on the returnship pilot and eligibility criteria
• The TechFirst Girls Competition for schools and youth organizations

Details on how to apply for a placement click here

For More Information: Visit GOV.UK for official updates and application details as they become available.