UK government and Microsoft support digital skills growth
Students and graduates are gaining access to work placements, scholarships, and mentoring that help build essential digital and AI skills for future careers.
Microsoft UK is the first industry partner in the UK government’s TechFirst program, offering 500 work placements and 5,000 volunteering hours over four years. The collaboration aims to develop AI and technology skills nationwide.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said the partnership will expand digital capabilities in education and the workforce. Microsoft UK CEO Darren Hardman will serve as Social Mobility Champion, linking students and early-career talent with technology-sector opportunities.
TechFirst aims to reach one million secondary students and over 4,000 graduates and researchers, providing school programs, scholarships, doctoral support, and regional funding to connect businesses with local talent.
Microsoft’s commitment includes mentoring and placements to support students entering technology careers.
Scholarships include TechGrad for undergraduates and master’s students, and the Spärck AI Scholarship, supporting AI degrees at nine UK universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College, and UCL.
Doctoral researchers benefit from the TechExpert initiative, while the Turing AI Fellowships attract top AI talent to UK institutions.
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