The government's new Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan aims to create 200,000 entry-level jobs over the next decade, recognising the barriers facing employers and the importance of regional organisations in connecting people with opportunities.
The government has published its Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan, setting out how it intends to improve access to careers in technology and help employers develop their future workforce.
The plan acknowledges that the challenge is not simply a shortage of people with digital skills. Entry-level recruitment has become more difficult, with employers increasingly favouring experienced candidates and many graduates and other new entrants struggling to secure their first opportunity.
Manchester Digital contributed to the development of the plan through its involvement in the government's Digital Skills Council, drawing on its work with employers and education providers across Greater Manchester.
What does the Jobs Plan propose?
Around 800,000 digital and technology roles are projected to need filling over the next decade. The plan sets out an ambition to create 200,000 entry-level jobs, including apprenticeships, during that period.
Key commitments include:
- 200,000 entry-level jobs over the next decade.
- More than 10,000 work experience and placement opportunities committed by TechFirst industry partners, including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM and Arm.
- One million young people to benefit from AI and technology learning through TechFirst by 2028, including 400,000 from disadvantaged schools.
- A new Digital and Tech Skills Deal to secure employer commitments to placements, apprenticeships and employment.
- Locally led delivery, with support for SMEs and a greater role for regional organisations in connecting employers with talent.
The plan also addresses how AI is changing workforce requirements and the importance of ensuring people entering the industry have both technical knowledge and practical workplace skills.
Recognising the employer challenge
Manchester Digital's 2026 Sector Insights Report highlighted a reduction of around 20% in early-career opportunities, despite continued demand for experienced technology professionals.
Through the Digital Skills Council, Manchester Digital has been making the case that improving access to technology careers requires more than investment in education and training. Employers, particularly smaller businesses, also need practical support to recruit, train and supervise people at the start of their careers.
The Jobs Plan recognises the value of regional organisations that can help reduce these barriers and specifically references two Manchester Digital initiatives:
- T Connect helps employers and colleges coordinate T Level industry placements, reducing the administration involved in providing workplace experience.
- Switchboard provides businesses with a route to offer work experience, placements, internships, apprenticeships and mentoring, with support to identify opportunities that work for their organisation.
Katie Gallagher OBE, Managing Director of Manchester Digital, said:
"For some time, we've been making the case that the challenge isn't simply a shortage of people with digital skills. It's the growing difficulty of getting into the industry in the first place.
"It's encouraging to see government recognise that employers, particularly smaller businesses, face real barriers when it comes to offering early-career opportunities. The recognition of the role organisations like Manchester Digital can play in connecting employers with talent is an important step forward.
"We now need to turn that recognition into practical support. If we're serious about opening up more careers in technology, we have to reduce the cost, complexity and risk for employers and make sure more of those opportunities lead to sustained employment."
Turning the plan into opportunities in Greater Manchester
Manchester Digital is already working with employers to improve access to technology careers through its apprenticeships, Grad Recharge and Digital Her programmes, alongside its wider work connecting businesses with education providers and emerging talent.
The Jobs Plan provides an opportunity to build on this work, but its success will depend on whether national commitments lead to additional jobs and sustained employment.
Businesses across Greater Manchester have an important role to play, whether through apprenticeships, work experience, placements or mentoring. They can also help shape the support available by sharing the challenges they face when recruiting early-career talent.
If your business would like to create opportunities for emerging talent or explore how it can contribute, get in touch with Manchester Digital through Switchboard and connect with our wider employer network.
Read the government's Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan
