QinetiQ chosen to support Government's tech talent drive

Run by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), TechFirst is designed to engage a million young people to build a robust pipeline of technology talent, actively addressing the youth employability crisis whilst developing sovereign British skills.

Focused on supporting students from underrepresented communities, including those most at-risk of becoming NEETs (not in employment, education or training), the aim is to provide accessible role models and career pathways into high-growth sectors. QinetiQ has supported the programme’s predecessor CyberFirst for 10 years, inspiring thousands of teenagers around the country through practical technology programmes, with skills centred around cyber security and investigations, encryption and digital forensics.

QinetiQ will provide a range of support to TechFirst, including hosting 30 TechFirst Summer placements, delivering targeted work experience opportunities for 300 students and growing the Cyber Advanced course to reach more than 900 teenagers, aged 16-17 year olds by 2029.

Steve Wadey, Group CEO QinetiQ, said: "One of the biggest hurdles for young people is gaining the right experience and we’re pleased to be continuing our work with DCMS to inspire the next generation and provide practical pathways to lifelong careers.

"TechFirst allows our experts to share their knowledge and support the growth of the UK’s sovereign defence industry."

This announcement follows the recent commitment QinetiQ made by signing the Defence Youth Participation and Employment Pledge to increase the number of apprenticeships, expand work experience opportunities and deliver more STEM interactions. QinetiQ delivered the latest CyberFirst Advanced course, the predecessor to TechFirst, in July 2026.

During a week of learning, more than 200 teenagers aged 16-17, received practical experience in areas including encryption technologies, digital forensics and cyber investigation techniques at 10 universities across the country and at QinetiQ Malvern, Worcestershire.