We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been selected for funding through the government’s TechFirst Local Fund to deliver TechLocal: Yorkshire — Community-to-Career Bridge into Local AI & Cyber Jobs.
Delivered in partnership with The Stitch Society, this project will connect people from underrepresented communities across Yorkshire and the Humber with career opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security.
Turning skills into local opportunities
Technology is creating new opportunities across industries, but accessing a career in these fast-growing sectors can still be challenging, particularly for people from underrepresented communities.
Through this funding, we aim to help bridge this gap by connecting skills development directly with local employment opportunities. The project will combine employer-led training, mentoring, work experience and micro-internships to help people build practical skills, gain valuable industry experience and take their next steps towards a career in technology.
Our ambition is to support the creation of 30–60 jobs, helping local people access new opportunities while enabling employers to connect with diverse talent in their communities.
Why local jobs and partnerships matter
We believe that developing digital skills is about more than learning to use new technologies. It is about creating opportunities for people to build their futures, strengthening local economies and ensuring that the benefits of technological innovation are shared more widely.
By bringing together community organisations, employers and skills development, TechLocal: Yorkshire will help create stronger connections between local talent and the businesses looking for their skills.
Partnerships are essential to making this happen. When employers and community organisations work together, we can create more inclusive routes into employment and help ensure that people who might otherwise face barriers to entering the tech sector have the opportunity to participate.
At Future Transformation CIC, we are passionate about using technology, education and collaboration to help people access opportunities and develop the skills they need for the future.
A huge thank you to the TechFirst Local Fund and the government team behind the programme for supporting this work. We look forward to working together to help connect local people with local opportunities and contribute to a more inclusive, skilled and innovative digital economy.
Find out more: Read the official TechFirst guidance