Phoenix Software, the public sector IT specialist, has joined TechFirst, the UK government-backed initiative to promote digital and technology careers for young people, further strengthening its commitment to inspiring the next generation of technology talent.
The announcement, to coincide withInternational STEM Day 2026, comes after a year in which Phoenix delivered an extensive programme of education outreach activities aimed at helping young people develop digital skills, explore technology careers and understand the opportunities available within the UK’s digital economy.
Over 8,000 students and counting
During the last financial year (between March 2025 and February 2026), Phoenix delivered 23 education outreach activities across the UK, reaching 8,211 students. The programme involved 88 Phoenix employees, who contributed 528 volunteering hours to support students through careers talks, STEM events, practical technology workshops and employability sessions.
The activities were delivered across the Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Scotland, the Northwest, London and Merseyside, working alongside a range of education and community partners including In4, RTC North,My Big Career, Rio Ferdinand Foundation,Wyke College, Woldgate School, the City of London Corporation, Sunderland Software City, Developing Young Workforce and STEM Ambassadors.
Phoenix’s outreach programme is particularly focused on encouraging participation from groups traditionally underrepresented within the technology sector, including girls and young people from disadvantaged communities. During the last financial year, the company estimates it engaged with more than 2,100 female students through its education activities.
The programme combines classroom-based “Workplace Safari” experiences with larger STEM and cyber security events. Students participate in hands-on activities such as laptop repair workshops, AI mascot design challenges, careers discussions and debates around the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. These activities are designed to demystify technology careers while showcasing the breadth of roles available across the industry, from sales, project management and customer success through to cyber security, software development and artificial intelligence.
Contributing to the TechFirst commitment to reach 1 million students by 2028
Demand for digital and technology skills is growing across the economy. But for many people, especially young people, the first step into a technology career is the hardest. Opportunities to gain experience, start an apprenticeship or secure an entry-level role can be difficult to find. Employers have a central role in changing this.
Through TechFirst, the government hascommitted to reaching one million young people across the UK with meaningful AI and technology learning by 2028, weighted towards the schools furthest from opportunity.
As a TechFirst member, Phoenix will continue to expand its efforts to connect young people with employers, workplace experiences and career opportunities within the technology sector.
Jennifer Clewley, ESG Manager at Phoenix Software:
“Joining TechFirst is a natural step for us. The programme’s mission aligns with our own commitment to helping young people build confidence, develop skills and discover pathways into fulfilling technology careers. We are proud to play our part in supporting the government’s mission to reach one million young people by 2028.”
“Technology offers a huge range of rewarding careers, but many young people still don’t realise the opportunities available to them or the different routes into the industry. Through our education outreach programme, we’ve worked directly with schools, colleges and community organisations across the UK to show that careers in technology are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.”
Clare Metcalfe, MD of Phoenix Software:
“The technology industry is at its best when we bring together people with different skills, perspectives and backgrounds. That diversity of thought helps us innovate, challenge ourselves and ultimately create better solutions.
Joining the government’s TechFirst programme reinforces our commitment to giving more young people the opportunity to build rewarding careers in an incredibly exciting industry.”
TechFirst is the government’s flagship tech skills programme opening pathways into the UK’s fast-growing tech sector. It is delivered in partnership with the digital and tech sector and focused on ensuring local impact across all regions and devolved nations of the UK.
Learn more at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/joining-the-techfirst-community
About Phoenix Software – The public sector IT specialist
Technology is complex and evolves rapidly, often presenting challenges for the public sector. For over 35 years, Phoenix has stood with the people who keep public services running. The clinic, the classroom, the control room, the council.
Phoenix supports its customers with all facets of IT strategy and delivery. We don’t just supply technology – we listen first, then work alongside our customers’ teams as part of the solution, not just the supply chain. This encompasses conceptualisation, design, deployment, software licence management, artificial intelligence, cyber security, managed IT services, professional services, ITAM and FinOps solutions.
Our sector and solution specialists become part of your team, designing and delivering what’s right for public sector reality, not off-the-shelf theory. For a comprehensive list of the public sectors we serve, and how we serve them, visit https://www.phoenixs.co.uk/sectors/.
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