TechStart Academy is a groundbreaking training programme dedicated to nurturing the next generation of tech talent. We provide aspiring young people with the skills and opportunities they need to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
Paid a salary from Day One
Being employed and paid a London-living wage is a crucial component of the Tech Start programme. The Princes Trust Natwest 2024 Youth Index Report found that “Happiness and confidence with money has hit the lowest level on record since polling began during the Global Financial Crisis, and over half of the young people aged between 16 and 25 are worried that they’ll never be financially secure.”
Technology training
Successful applicants are hired by TechStart and join in a cohort of up to 10 at a time. They then undertake 8 weeks of training together in a technical stream of their choice. Options include Digital, Data Analytics, Software Engineering and AI. The course is offered by Google and accredited with the Open University. Digital Marketing was the most sought after course, with 26 modules to explore, all created by Google trainers, packed full of practical exercises and real-world examples to help our young people turn knowledge into action. More importantly these skills are in demand by SMEs in the UK.
Inspired by a fabulous office environment
Environment matters. Each day TechStart participants get to enjoy working in an inspiring, buzzy and modern WeWork office surrounded by people who care about their success.
Social connectedness
The power of the cohort cannot be underestimated. Young people support each other, encourage each other and make work fun to attend. Recent reports have highlighted that over one third of young people always, or often feel lonely. Having a place to go, to connect, and to feel supported is crucial to building healthier and happier futures.
Employability Training
We take so much for granted when it comes to knowing and understanding what a potential employer is looking for. A key component of the TechStart programme is preparing individuals to take ownership of their own success. Equipping them with life-skills and knowledge to tackle what life may throw at them. What is professional office attire? What is a performance review? How do I set goals? What does this company even do? What’s a 90 day plan? How do I work well with my manager? What’s a pension and why should I care? Who do I ask for help when my boss is away? Can I negotiate my salary? What’s Linkedin? Why do I need a personal brand or a network? How do I build a network? How do I manage conflict?
Matched to an Employer with a need for 3 months real work experience
3 months experience working on a real world assignment yet still within the incubator environment of TechStart. Participants stay in the hub, moving slowly on to client site in a supported transitional process. External employers are provided with guidance and support for ensuring their new starter is set up for success.
Group Coaching
Once the cohort are placed into an assignment our three-part Group Coaching sessions kick in. Brought together on a fortnightly basis our coaching sessions provide a safe space for participants to discuss real struggles and challenges they are facing. By bringing the cohort together they can learn from each other’s experiences and also gain valuable insights whilst brainstorming solutions to challenges.
Building the Network
By partnering with Networking London and with the support of the West London Chambers of Commerce TechStart ensures that at the end of the six month contract employment opportunities are secured.
In addition to supporting youth into employment, the TechStart programme aims to unleash the power of employment that SMEs offer. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in our economy, employing over 61% of the private sector workforce. However, unlike larger corporations, SMEs often lack dedicated learning and development teams or extensive recruitment resources. Managers in SMEs face time constraints that hinder their ability to provide comprehensive training and support to prospective employees. Despite these challenges, the TechStart programme has demonstrated SMEs’ willingness to hire individuals embarking on their careers.
TechStart offers a distinctive advantage: new hires emerge with six months of practical experience and have undergone rigorous employability and soft skills training, alongside developing their technical proficiency. This unique combination enables them to make a more confident entry into the business world and to take charge of their own success.
CS-GB CIC
184 Shepherds Bush Road
London W6 7NL
Telephone: 020 8123 2690
Email: enquiries@techstart.org.uk
TechStart is an employment programme by CS-GB CIC, a Community Interest Company Limited by Guarantee (Company No 12654134).
