Government plan aims for 200,000 entry-level tech jobs in 10 years
The Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan says beginners find it harder to get a first tech job. From April 2027, BCS will recognise digital T Level and apprenticeship learners for free.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport published a plan on 21 October 2026 to open more first tech jobs to young people.
The Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan says around 800,000 digital and technology roles will need filling over the next decade. The government and industry aim for around 200,000 entry-level jobs over that time, including apprenticeships. Government and employers commit to about 20,000 a year through a single "Skills Deal".
The plan says many young people who took a computing course or degree find it hard to get in. In cyber security, the share of job adverts open to people with less than a year of experience fell from 25% in 2022 to 16% in 2025. In 2025, 64% of those adverts asked for two to six years.
For learners, the plan lists one change with a date. From April 2027, anyone who completes a digital T Level, V Level or apprenticeship can be recognised by BCS against a professional standard at no cost. BCS confirmed this in an article on its site. The plan notes that T Levels, V Levels and several other named routes are for England only.
A related TechFirst AI Apprenticeship Pathway is being piloted in North West England. It trains young people in AI and digital skills, then helps them apply for Level 3 digital apprenticeships. The plan calls the 200,000 figure an ambition shared by government and industry, not a forecast. It says progress will be reported each year.
Sources
- Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (GOV.UK) Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan
- Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (GOV.UK) TechFirst AI Apprenticeship Pathway
- BCS Government's Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan Puts BCS at the Heart of Britain's Skills Future