The UK government has set out an ambition to open around 200,000 genuine entry-level jobs in digital and technology over the next decade, including apprenticeships. The Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan, published on GOV.UK, frames the move as a response to a hiring problem in which newcomers struggle to get a first role even though employers report strong demand for technical staff.

The plan estimates that around 800,000 digital and technology roles will need filling over the next decade in sectors backed by the Industrial Strategy. That figure is a projection of demand, including replacement hiring, not a promise of 800,000 newly created posts. The 200,000 entry-level ambition is separate: government and employers aim to open around 20,000 entry-level jobs a year through a single Skills Deal for employers.

What the plan brings together

The plan has four parts: inspiring young people, opening routes into work, delivering opportunities locally, and sustaining skills. It brings together work experience, T Level placements, apprenticeships, undergraduate routes and entry-level jobs. The TechFirst programme is central to the early stages, with an aim to reach one million young people with meaningful artificial intelligence and technology learning by 2028. Industry partners have also committed more than 10,000 work experience and placement opportunities, which are distinct from paid jobs and should not be counted as posts already filled.

What jobseekers should take from it

For school leavers, graduates and career changers, the point is the direction of travel: employers are being asked to make measurable commitments to first opportunities, delivered locally with mayoral authorities, devolved governments and local partners. No single application route covers the whole plan, so readers should follow the official GOV.UK plan page and the Skills Deal announcements that follow it, and check individual apprenticeship and vacancy listings for their own eligibility, location and closing date before applying.

Sources and official plan: GOV.UK, Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan; GOV.UK, full plan text.