UK Tech Jobs Plan Targets 200,000 Entry-Level Roles Over 10 Years
The UK Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan aims for around 20,000 entry-level tech jobs a year, with Microsoft, IBM and others pledging 10,000+ placements.
UKIn brief
- About 800,000 digital and tech roles will need filling in the UK between 2025 and 2035.
- Government and employers aim to open around 200,000 genuine entry-level jobs over the decade, roughly 20,000 a year.
- TechFirst partners including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Arm and Kainos have pledged more than 10,000 work experience and placement opportunities.
- From April 2027, BCS will give free professional recognition to people finishing a digital T Level, V Level or apprenticeship.
| Country | UK |
|---|---|
| Organization | UK Government (DCMS) |
| Official source | GOV.UK – Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan ✓ gov.uk |
The UK has published a Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan that aims to open about 200,000 entry-level tech jobs over the next ten years. The plan, released on 21 October 2026, is the third of the government's sector Jobs Plans for young people.
The thinking behind it is simple: the country expects about 800,000 digital and tech roles to need filling between 2025 and 2035, yet first jobs for newcomers have become harder to find.
Key numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Tech roles to fill, 2025–2035 | About 800,000 |
| Entry-level jobs target (10 years) | About 200,000 |
| Average per year | About 20,000 |
| Placements pledged by TechFirst partners | 10,000+ |
| Young people to reach with AI and tech learning | 1 million by 2028 |
| Adults to gain AI skills (AI Skills Boost) | 10 million by 2030 |
Why entry-level jobs matter
The plan points to cyber security as an example of the problem. In 2022, about a quarter of cyber job adverts were open to people with less than a year's experience. By 2025, that had fallen to 16%. The new plan tries to reverse this by bundling work experience, T Level placements, apprenticeships, degree routes and first jobs into a single Skills Deal with employers.
Which companies are involved
Firms backing the TechFirst programme include:
| Company | Sector |
|---|---|
| Microsoft, IBM, Cisco | Big tech and cloud |
| Arm | Chip design |
| Kainos, Cognizant | IT services |
| QinetiQ, AtkinsRéalis | Defence and engineering |
Together they have promised over 10,000 work experience, placement and learning opportunities.
Other changes
- Public contracts worth £5 million or more will give more weight to "social value", such as hiring and training young people.
- From April 2027, the chartered IT body BCS will offer free professional recognition to people who finish a digital T Level, V Level or apprenticeship.
- Local delivery will be led with mayors, devolved governments and local partners, with extra help for small businesses.
How to apply
Tech apprenticeships are listed on the official Find an apprenticeship service. The full plan is on GOV.UK.
What it means for job seekers
- Target apprenticeships and placements. These are the main doors the plan is opening.
- Learn practical AI skills now. Free AI training through government schemes is expanding fast.
- Cyber and data are short of people. Entry routes into these fields are a stated priority.
- Check big suppliers to the public sector. Firms bidding for large government contracts will be pushed to hire young people.
The same week, the government published plans for 100,000+ youth openings in business services and construction.
Frequently asked questions
How many tech jobs does the UK need?
About 800,000 digital and technology roles are expected to need filling between 2025 and 2035.
How many entry-level tech jobs are planned in the UK?
Around 200,000 over ten years, or about 20,000 a year, including apprenticeships.
What is TechFirst?
A UK programme to give young people AI and technology learning, aiming to reach one million young people by 2028.
Apply only through the official source.
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