Click Start by TechUPWomen

TechUPWomen

A multi award winning, trailblazing programme developed closely with industry, which takes women from underserved groups and retrains them into tech careers.

Current programme: Click Start by TechUPWomen

 

Please check ‘Can I apply’ section below to see if this is the right course for you.

Applications for our February 2025 intake are now open!

Apply Now

Our flagship, jobs-focused TechUPWomen programme at Durham University retrains women from underserved communities into tech careers

Professor Sue Black

An entry-level programme to start a career in the tech sector

What is Click Start?

• Flexible: independent study time, recorded sessions for catch-up, and tutor support via email or online learning community
• Developed with tech industry partners and accredited from The British Computer Society (BCS)
• Delivered with our specialist partner, Catch22
• For women and non-binary people aged 18–40yrs
• For people resident in the North of England

COURSE FORMATS AND DATES

All courses provide the same level of IT and IT support skills, specialist career-path taster sessions, and workplace readiness preparation.

12-week course:

12-week course: 6-week course: All courses include:

The 12-week course is ideal for those who need to study alongside other commitments:

• 4 hours per week live online learning
• 2 hours per week independent study

We have a new intake starting 1st February 2025, with a choice of learning formats:

• 1 day per week, Thursdays
• 2 evenings per week, Mondays and Thursdays

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Programme Curriculum

provides a strong foundation in general IT and IT support skills, plus general workplace readiness preparation. Developed with TechUP programme partners, it aims to equip learners for a level 3 or 4 apprenticeship.

 

Technical Modules

Professional Content

Important Dates

For the 12-week and 6 week programmes starting 1st February 2025:

1st February 2025	In-Person Welcome Event in Durham
TBC	Celebration Event and Careers Fair in Durham (TBC)

Can I apply?

To apply for a place on the programme you must meet the following criteria:

Be resident and eligible to work in the UK (evidence to be checked on application)

Be resident in one of the following postcode areas (evidence to be checked on application):

Identify as female or non-binary

Be aged 18–40yrs

Hold GCSE level Maths and English or equivalent

Experience a barrier to education and employment, such as:

Have a personal income of less than £25,000 per annum or be unemployed

The programme is open to women and non-binary people aged 18–40yrs, with priority given to those aged 18–30yrs.

Pre-existing tech training or experience: this programme is delivered at levels 1–4 covering basic IT skills with tasters in different careers paths, so will not be suitable if you have recently studied a tech subject at A-level or above, or have already completed significant learning through online courses.

Bursaries will be available for learners who need financial assistance for items including travel, clothes and equipment.

A special case may be presented for applicants who do not meet the maximum income threshold if they experience significant barriers into work or education.

If you have any questions about whether you can apply, please submit an application below and a career coach will talk you through the criteria to help you decide if the programme will be suitable for you, or if you are eligible for special consideration.

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Apply Now for February 2025 intake

1. Complete the application form below.
2. Catch22 will contact you with more details and next steps to confirm your place.

You can also read the programme FAQs for more information.

Click Start in numbers

In 2023, TechUPWomen successfully delivered the first edition of the programme. In 2024, it won the Educate North Awards in the Student Experience category and was shortlisted for the following awards: National Diversity Awards 2024 in the Community Organisation (Gender) category; Women in IT Awards – UK Edition in the Tech For Good category; the 2024 Dynamites Awards in both the Tech for Good and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion categories.

Of the 148 female and non-binary learners:

• 60%

  were from ethnic minorities
• 22%

  with declared disabilities
• 27%

  identify as LGBTQ+
• 32%

  had caring responsibilities

Within six months of completing the programme:

• 82%

  participants completed the course
• 26%

  had a new job or promotion
• 31%

  are in further education

Want to Know More?

Explore past TechUP initiatives, try one of our online courses or connect with us

• Learn about TechUPWomen 2019/20Opens new window
• Sign up for TechUPWomen Taster CourseOpens new window
• Get in touchOpens new window

This course is part of the new nationwide Click Start training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC) and funded by Nominet. The programme helps to tackle the UK’s digital skills gap by offering skills and training to more than 25,000 learners across the country who may not have previously had opportunities.

About Nominet

Nominet is a public benefit company, driven by a commitment to use technology to improve connectivity, security and inclusivity online.  For 25 years, Nominet has been developing an expertise in the Domain Name System (DNS) that now underpins sophisticated threat monitoring, detection, prevention, and analytics that is used by governments to mitigate cyber threats. Our social impact programme provides funding, support, and opportunities to help tackle some of the most important digital issues facing young people in the UK today.

About the Institute of Coding

The Institute of Coding (IoC), led by the University of Bath, is a collaborative national consortium of industry, educators and outreach providers that are working together to respond to the UK’s digital skills gap through the delivery of employer-led digital skills education. Through this collaborative approach, IoC partners have created more than 150 new courses that have engaged over 900,000 diverse learners to date.