The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced Cognizant as its strategic industry partner for the TechFirst programme. The initiative forms part of the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and aims to broaden access to technology careers for young people from a range of backgrounds.
The TechFirst programme is designed to provide tailored support across the technology ecosystem, from encouraging early interest in technology among young people to supporting students and researchers in key technical disciplines, as well as assisting businesses in accessing new talent.
Over the next four years, DSIT and Cognizant will work together to develop skills aligned with economic growth objectives and to support the Government’s aim of reaching over 4,000 graduates, researchers, and innovators. The programme also aims to engage one million secondary school students across the UK.
As part of the partnership, Cognizant will provide 100 work placements for undergraduate and master’s students. These placements are aligned with the Government’s UK Industrial Strategy and focus on six frontier industries. They are intended to provide practical experience of the technology sector and support the development of future entrepreneurs, innovators, practitioners, and researchers.
Cognizant will also contribute through its Synapse initiative, which has supported over one million people globally in developing technology skills. In addition, the company plans to provide 1,000 volunteering hours to support mentoring and engagement with students in UK schools and colleges.
Alongside its involvement in TechFirst, Cognizant also participates in the national AI Skills Boost initiative, which aims to support upskilling ten million UK workers in AI skills by 2030.
