West Midlands programme to boost young people’s skills in frontier technologies

Young people aged 11–18 across the West Midlands will gain earlier exposure to frontier technologies including Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Engineering Biology, Quantum Technologies and Semiconductors through the rollout of TechFirst in the region.

WM5G, alongside its delivery partner Digital Innovators, has been appointed as the TechFirst’s youth delivery partner for the West Midlands Combined Authority region, with coverage extending across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and Shropshire. Part of the UK Government-funded TechFirst programme, led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the initiative aims to remove skills as a barrier to growth in the digital and technology sector.

TechFirst will provide 11–18-year-olds with opportunities to develop digital skills, build confidence with AI, and gain insight into the wide range of technology-enabled careers now found across the employment ecosystem – not only in traditional “tech roles”, but increasingly across sectors including sport, healthcare, manufacturing, business services and the public sector.

In the West Midlands, the need is clear. Nationally, skills shortages remain significant, including over 130,000 STEM vacancies and 13,500 digital vacancies. Locally, 56% of people lack the essential digital skills needed for work, while the region’s digital economy is growing rapidly and already supports more than 140,000 jobs.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:

“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 young people 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 around which they can build a successful future.”

Liz Lloyd, Digital Skills Minister said:

 "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 working to help us bring that ambition to life for young people right across the UK. Together, we're making sure that the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and tech leaders can come from anywhere — and that the West Midlands is ready to play their part in powering the UK's future growth."

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.”

The partnership will bring together schools, colleges and employers to connect young people directly with real-world technologies combining career inspiration with hands-on, employer-informed learning. Through a combination of in-school sessions and access to a dedicated physical Frontier Tech Lab in Birmingham, TechFirst Youth will give young people direct, hands-on exposure to the technologies shaping the future of work. Schools and colleges will be able to connect students with immersive experiences that bring these technologies to life.

WM5G is inviting industry pioneers and market leaders to get involved as founding contributors to the Frontier Tech Lab, providing a platform to showcase how they are using frontier technologies, build visibility with future talent, and demonstrate their role in shaping the skills needed for future growth.

Crucially, the programme will show how frontier technologies are being used in practice to solve real-world challenges and drive growth — from elite motorsport teams making cars faster and safer, to organisations applying them across a wealth of operations.

Young people will also play an active role in shaping the programme, with opportunities to act as ambassadors — sharing their perspectives, influencing activity and helping ensure the offer reflects what matters most to their peers and the wider community.

Delivery will follow a Discover–Explore–Launch approach, building on proven youth engagement programmes to provide large-scale inspiration, deeper employer-led project learning, and clearer pathways into further study and training.

The programme will place a particular emphasis on increasing participation among underrepresented groups, including girls and young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, working with education and community providers to strengthen the sustainability and diversity of the future talent pipeline.

Alongside this, the WM5G consortium will lead the local rollout of a new national schools’ recognition scheme, designed to formally recognise the quality of schools’ and colleges’ technology curriculum and co-curricular activity. Building on existing CyberFirst accreditation, participating schools will be supported to progress through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

Mike Westman, CEO of Digital Innovators, said:
“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.”

Iain Green, Headteacher at Rugby Free School, said:
“We’re really excited to be 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.”

For further information visit: www.wm5g.org.uk

ENDS