Cognizant to Offer 100 Work Placements and 1,000 Volunteer Hours in UK TechFirst
Over the next four years, Cognizant will deliver 100 tech-sector work placements for undergrad and master’s students and contribute 1,000 volunteering hours through the UK Government’s TechFirst programme. The partnership targets training pathways for over one million secondary students and more than 4,000 graduates, researchers and innovators.
1. Cognizant Joins UK TechFirst Programme
The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has appointed Cognizant as a strategic industry partner to its TechFirst programme, aiming to open technology career pathways for young people from diverse backgrounds. This collaboration aligns with the Government’s ambition to support key stages in the tech ecosystem, from secondary students to business innovators.
2. Four-Year Placements and Volunteering Plan
Over the next four years, Cognizant will provide 100 work placements to undergraduate and master’s students, aligned with the Digital & Technology Sector Plan’s six frontier industries. In addition, the company will contribute 1,000 volunteer hours to mentor and inspire students across UK schools and colleges.
3. Strategic Skills Development Goals
The partnership seeks to deliver practical tech experiences, helping the UK reach its targets of over one million secondary students engaged and more than 4,000 graduates, researchers and innovators supported. This initiative builds on Cognizant’s existing Synapse programme and its role in the national AI Skills Boost drive to upskill the future workforce.