Cognizant joins UK government’s TechFirst programme to boost tech talent pipeline

The UK government has appointed Cognizant as a strategic industry partner to its TechFirst programme, in a move designed to expand access to technology careers and strengthen the national skills pipeline.

Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the partnership forms part of the government’s wider AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Through the partnership, DSIT and Cognizant will work together over the next four years to:

• Support more than 4,000 graduates, researchers and innovators
• Reach a million secondary school students across the UK
• Open up clearer pathways into high-growth technology roles

The initiative reflects growing concern across government and industry that demand for digital and AI skills is outpacing supply, potentially constraining economic growth.

Placements and hands-on experience

As part of its role, Cognizant has committed to delivering 100 work placements for undergraduate and master’s students.

These placements will align with the six frontier industries identified in the government’s Digital & Technology Sector Plan under the UK Industrial Strategy, giving participants practical, real-world experience in areas critical to future growth.

Cognizant will also contribute 1,000 volunteering hours to support outreach activity in schools and colleges.

Building on its global Synapse initiative, which has helped more than one million people develop technology skills, the company plans to provide mentoring and inspiration to young people considering careers in the sector.

This element of the programme is intended to address persistent challenges around awareness, access and diversity in tech careers.

Liz Kendall, Science and Technology Secretary, said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to broadening participation in the digital economy.

“I am committed to creating a tech sector that is open to all – and that’s why programmes like TechFirst are so important. From inspiring children in the classroom to supporting innovators in the tech firms of tomorrow, TechFirst is about creating opportunity across the UK,” she said.

From an industry perspective, Cognizant highlighted the urgency of addressing the UK’s digital skills gap.

“Technology continues to accelerate, but the talent to harness it is lagging. Our research shows that 93 percent of jobs could already be disrupted by AI today. Structured collaboration between government and industry is crucial to developing the skills needed to thrive in this new world of work,” said Rohit Gupta, UK & Ireland managing director at Cognizant.

The TechFirst partnership builds on Cognizant’s existing role in government-backed skills initiatives, including its involvement in the national AI Skills Boost programme, which aims to upskill 10 million UK workers by 2030.