IN4 Group to Bring Tech Careers to 45,000 East Midlands Students in Landmark Deal

IN4 Group has been awarded the contract to deliver the TechFirst programme across the East Midlands, a government-backed initiative aimed at equipping 45,000 secondary school students with digital and AI skills. The programme, part of a £187 million government fund, will be rolled out through IN4's MEGA Hubs and a series of events and outreach days over the next three years.

What is TechFirst?

TechFirst is designed to bring digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and communities, targeting students from 390 schools across the region. It will offer a technology-enriched super curriculum and an AI Academy, in collaboration with industry partners like CGI, QinetiQ, PA Consulting, Energus, Roke, BT, KPMG UK, and Northrop Grumman.

Addressing Digital Skills Shortages

The East Midlands faces significant digital skills challenges, with 21% of residents lacking basic digital literacy. TechFirst aims to create stronger pathways into tech careers, especially for young people at risk of underachieving due to disadvantage, neurodiversity, or limited access to professional networks.

MEGA Hubs: A Proven Model

IN4's MEGA (Motivated, Educated, Generation with Ambition) Hubs provide hands-on training, mentoring, and pathways into apprenticeships and tech careers. The programme will include large-scale events covering AI, cyber security, robotics, data, and digital creativity.

Focus on Diversity

A key objective is to inspire girls, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, to consider STEM careers, as women currently make up only 22% of the UK's cyber security workforce. This builds on IN4's success with the CyberFirst programme in the West Midlands and North West.

Quotes

Lauren Monks, Director of CyberFirst and MEGA Hubs at IN4 Group, said: "TechFirst is about helping more young people see a future for themselves in technology. Through our MEGA Hubs model, around 45,000 students across the East Midlands will have the opportunity to develop AI and data skills, connect with employers and explore different career paths."

Minister for the Digital Economy Liz Lloyd added: "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."