Hands-on activities
Workshops, challenges and competitions that give young people the chance to explore technology for themselves.
What we do
We bring technology to life for young people through hands-on activities, inspiring role models and support for schools and colleges across the South West.
We bring tech pathways to life for young people
Each delivery partner shapes activity for their local area, aligned to local employer clusters. We also create bespoke activities for schools and colleges around their needs and focus.
Real-world connections
Industry and researchers share their expertise through talks, visits and activities, bringing technology beyond the classroom.
Support for educators
Connections, enrichment opportunities and support to help teachers bring technology into school and college life.
School recognition
Government certification and recognition for schools and colleges that champion technology learning and engagement.
Explore examples of our activities alongside local partner initiatives and bespoke support. Some span more than one theme.
Explore opportunities for your schoolMore young people.
More possibilities
We want young people from every background to see a place for themselves in technology.
We work with schools, colleges, industry, researchers and outreach providers to open more doors, especially for girls, underrepresented groups and young people facing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Our activities build confidence, spark curiosity and show how different interests and skills can connect to technology.
Programme objectives
- Spark young people’s interest in technology.
- Encourage academic and vocational digital and computing qualifications at 14 and 16.
- Reach girls, underrepresented groups and students facing socioeconomic disadvantage.
- Build pathways into technology research and careers.
The technology we explore
Six frontier technologies run through everything we do. Here's what each one is.
Artificial Intelligence
Computers that can understand language, create text and images, and work out how to reach a goal on their own.
Cyber Security
Protecting computers, networks and people from hackers, scams and online attacks.
Quantum Technologies
At the very smallest scale, the world follows strange rules and we can use them to do things ordinary technology can’t.
Semiconductors
Special materials switched between letting electricity through and blocking it.
Engineering Biology
What if you could program living things the way you program a computer?
Advanced Telecommunications
The technology that moves information around the world and the next generation of faster, more reliable networks like 5G and 6G.
National ambition. Local delivery
1 million young people
TechFirst for Schools and Colleges, funded by UK Government, is giving 1 million young people across the UK the chance to build technology skills and confidence.
7 specialist organisations
In the South West, a consortium of seven organisations led by techSPARK (opens in a new tab) brings this to life through local school, college and industry connections, building on CyberFirst and specialist outreach activities.
Get involved
Choose the route that suits you, or talk to the team and we'll find the right way to engage.