The UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a major milestone in the evolution of national tech skills programmes: Microsoft has been appointed as the first strategic industry partner for TechFirst, the new flagship initiative that will build on the success of CyberFirst. The announcement marks an important moment for the UK’s future tech workforce, signalling long‑term commitment from one of the world’s leading technology companies.
TechFirst aims to broaden the reach of CyberFirst by opening pathways into a wider range of digital and emerging technology careers. According to DSIT, the programme will support young people, university students, researchers, and local businesses, with the ambition to reach one million secondary school students and thousands of graduates and innovators across the UK. It will expand the proven CyberFirst model, which has already engaged more than 415,000 young people since launch, into new areas including AI, semiconductors, and advanced computing. gov.uk
While the current announcement applies to England, the principles behind TechFirst – widening access, strengthening digital skills, and ensuring every region benefits from the UK’s tech growth – resonate strongly here in Wales. CyberFirst Wales, delivered by the University of South Wales, in partnership with Swansea University and Coleg Cambria, continues to play a vital role in supporting young people, schools, and colleges to explore futures in cyber security and technology. As the UK-wide landscape evolves, our focus remains on ensuring Welsh learners and educators continue to benefit from high‑quality opportunities and strong industry partnerships.
One person who embodies this commitment is Callum Paine, Microsoft’s CyberFirst Ambassador for Wales. Callum’s passion for expanding opportunity across the nation is clear:
From Callum Paine
“Today’s TechFirst announcement really resonated with me, and it’s why I’m proud to be Microsoft’s CyberFirst Ambassador for Wales. The idea that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not, is something we see very clearly here in Wales.
CyberFirst has already made a real difference by helping young people across Wales understand what a future in cyber and technology can look like, and by giving schools, colleges and educators practical support to make that real. That work matters, and it deserves recognition.
TechFirst builds on that foundation by widening access to AI and digital skills and ensuring Wales is fully part of the UK’s future tech workforce. I’m grateful to CyberFirst and TechFirst for the opportunity to partner, and proud that Microsoft is supporting this effort with long‑term commitment. I’m looking forward to helping build on what’s already been achieved and supporting the next generation of tech talent here in Wales.”
Callum’s perspective reflects what many across the Welsh cyber and tech community already know: young people here have enormous potential, and when given the right support, they thrive. CyberFirst Wales has seen this first‑hand through school engagement, skills development activities, and the growing network of educators committed to strengthening digital capability across the region.
As the UK Government continues to shape the future of TechFirst, we remain focused on delivering the CyberFirst programme in Wales with the same energy, quality, and ambition that has defined our work to date. We welcome the national momentum behind digital skills and look forward to understanding how future developments will support learners, educators, and industry partners across Wales.
For now, we celebrate the achievements of our CyberFirst community and the leadership of ambassadors like Callum Paine, whose dedication helps ensure that Wales remains a vibrant part of the UK’s cyber and technology future.
Become a CyberFirst School
If you’re a school or college in Wales and want to enjoy the benefit of CyberFirst, there’s no better time than the New Year to start your award application.
