WM5G and Digital Innovators have been appointed to deliver the TechFirst youth programme across the West Midlands and surrounding counties. The government-backed scheme targets young people aged 11 to 18.
The initiative will run across the West Midlands Combined Authority area, as well as Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and Shropshire. Activity will centre on employer-led projects, school sessions and a dedicated Frontier Tech Lab in Birmingham.
TechFirst is part of a wider effort by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to address shortages in digital and science-related skills. In the West Midlands, the programme will focus on technologies including artificial intelligence, cyber security, quantum technologies, semiconductors, engineering biology and advanced connectivity.
The regional rollout comes amid persistent vacancies and a growing digital labour market. Nationally, more than 130,000 STEM roles remain unfilled and there are 13,500 digital vacancies, while the West Midlands digital economy supports more than 140,000 jobs. In the region, 56% of people lack the essential digital skills needed for work.
The programme is intended to expose pupils to technology-related work beyond conventional software or engineering roles. It will show how digital tools and frontier technologies are used in sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, sport, business services and the public sector.
Alongside school-based activity, the Birmingham lab is designed to give pupils direct contact with the technologies being adopted by employers. Schools and colleges will also be offered a route into a national recognition scheme tied to the quality of technology teaching and related activities, building on the existing CyberFirst accreditation model through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
Young people will also be able to help shape the programme by acting as ambassadors. The scheme will place particular emphasis on girls and pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, reflecting wider concerns about underrepresentation in digital and technical careers.
Liz Lloyd, Digital Skills Minister, set out the government’s rationale for the project.
“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. That’s what our landmark TechFirst programme is here to change. I’m pleased to welcome WM5G and Digital Innovators as our regional delivery partner, helping bring that ambition to life for young people right across the UK. Together, we’re making sure the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and tech leaders can come from anywhere, and that the West Midlands is ready to play its part in powering the UK’s future growth,” said Liz Lloyd, Digital Skills Minister at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, linked the scheme to the region’s wider economic transition.
“We cannot afford to let our young people fall behind at a time when technology is rapidly changing the world of work. We must prepare them for this new tech-driven economy, and that’s why programmes like TechFirst are so important. It means we can start early, building the skills and confidence needed in high-growth industries like AI, cyber security and advanced engineering. By doing this, we give businesses the talent they need to innovate and grow, and young people the skills to secure a job on which they can build a successful future,” said Parker.
Regional focus
WM5G said the partnership would bring together schools, colleges and employers to give pupils experience of real-world technologies. Its model follows what it describes as a Discover-Explore-Launch structure, beginning with broad awareness activity, then moving into employer-led project work and onward pathways into further study and training.
For employers, the scheme also creates a route into schools and colleges at a time when businesses across the region face recruitment challenges. WM5G is seeking industry contributors for the Birmingham lab to demonstrate how they use frontier technologies in practical settings.
Lesley Holt, Adoption Director at WM5G, said: “Frontier technologies are reshaping how every sector operates, from healthcare to advanced manufacturing, but too many young people still don’t know what these technologies are or where they could take them. TechFirst is designed to change that – building awareness and confidence, strengthening understanding beyond the national curriculum, and helping young people see how these skills apply across a wide range of careers, not just within the technology sector.”
Digital Innovators said its role would centre on employer-informed projects designed to give students a more practical understanding of digital work. The company argues that direct exposure to workplace problems can help pupils develop confidence and a clearer sense of career options.
“TechFirst is a genuinely exciting opportunity to bring our learning-by-doing model to thousands more young people across the region, while amplifying the importance of frontier technologies such as AI, cyber security and advanced connectivity. By working hand-in-hand with schools and colleges, we will use employer-informed projects to help students build confidence, resilience and genuinely job-ready digital skills, not just learn about technology in theory,” said Westman.
Schools are also expected to have input into how the programme develops. “We’re really excited to hear about TechFirst and to see how it develops. What’s particularly strong is the opportunity for schools to be involved early, helping shape the programme so it genuinely works in the classroom and reflects what young people need. Giving students the chance to build confidence with technologies like AI and cyber, while understanding how these skills apply across different careers, will make a real difference in helping them see what’s possible for their future,” said Green.
