Cognizant Named Strategic Partner to UK Government’s TechFirst Programme

In a press release, the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced that Cognizant has been appointed as a strategic industry partner for the Government’s TechFirst programme. The initiative is part of the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and aims to help young people from diverse backgrounds pursue careers in technology.

Over the next four years, DSIT and Cognizant plan to support the development of tech skills across the UK by offering work placements, mentoring, and volunteering opportunities. Cognizant will provide 100 work placements for undergraduate and master’s students aligned with the Digital & Technology Sector Plan’s six frontier industries.

The company will also contribute 1,000 volunteering hours to inspire and mentor students in schools and colleges. The collaboration is expected to reach one million secondary school students and support over 4,000 graduates, researchers, and innovators.

This announcement follows Cognizant’s participation in the UK government’s national AI Skills Boost initiative, which aims to upskill ten million UK workers with essential AI skills by 2030.