Microsoft-supported Digital Edge programme giving young people opportunity ‘to dream big’
Catch22, the non-profit social enterprise that runs Digital Edge, has passed the milestone of teaching digital skills to more than 1,000 people from under-represented backgrounds.
The Digital Edge training course, co-designed and funded by Microsoft, aims to help disadvantaged young people gain new digital capabilities and access job opportunities in the tech sector.
“The programme made me more confident, and I find it easier to talk to people, which is really good for networking, helping you upskill and go further in your career,” says Megan Lui, a recent course graduate.
“Through Catch22 I’ve got a technical role which I enjoy and it’s a good purpose in life,” she adds.
“I think my younger self would be very proud of where I’ve come from; doing things I never thought I’d be able to do.”
Data from the UK’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows that 1 in 8 people (872,000) between the ages of 16 and 24 are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). This is nearly a quarter of a million (228,000) more than three years ago.
The latest ONS figures also demonstrate that young people from underprivileged backgrounds are less likely than those from higher socio-economic backgrounds to feel in control of their futures, and are more likely to feel they don’t have much of a chance in life.
Recent research from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, shows women and ethnic minorities are also proportionally under-represented in the UK’s tech sector.
Melissa Milner, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships, Catch22, says: “The need for programmes like ours in the UK has never been greater.
“Many young people are struggling to find work, and it’s even harder for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds.
“This milestone is a terrific achievement for everyone who has contributed to the success of the coaching programme.”
The Department for Education’s most recent annual Consumer Digital Index found that 7.5 million people, or 18% of UK adults, lack essential digital competencies that are needed for the workplace. The UK Government has also reported the nation’s digital skills gap costs the economy £63 billion every year.
Expanding diversity
Digital Edge is designed to address these issues by focusing specifically on reaching people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get them into employment. It aims to recruit 50% of programme participants from ethnic minority backgrounds and achieve 50% female representation among students.
Participants benefit from a series of workshops and coaching sessions, including female guest speakers who work in the technology sector themselves, with lessons focused around boosting attendees’ digital and tech industry understanding and core employability capabilities. The curriculum also teaches job application and interview techniques, how to use generative AI tools, and setting future career goals.
All participants receive up to six months dedicated support from a Catch22 career coach once they’ve completed the course.
Another graduate, Viola Kanu, said she had always dreamed of entering the tech industry but felt that because of her background, she wouldn’t get the chance.
“Digital Edge gave me hope, helped me to believe in myself. I am thriving right now because I joined a programme that gave me an opportunity to dream big.
“After completing the programme, I was able to land a technical role and qualify as a cloud engineer, which is phenomenal,” Viola says.
“I’ve now progressed to being a partnerships manager at a cloud technology firm. My job is literally to help more diverse, intelligent, people become cloud data software engineers!”
Net benefit
As revealed in Microsoft’s UK Impact Report, published in July 2024, the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of the Digital Edge programme was calculated by analytics provider GIST Impact to be £78,000 in total economic value per person completing the programme.
More than 274 students have managed to gain employment following completion of the programme and 35 have secured apprenticeships.
Katy Bowen, Head of Communications and Digital Marketing at Catch22, says: “There is an evolving and growing need for AI and digital expertise in every sector, not just the tech space.
“Earning Microsoft certifications in generative AI, for example, upskills students, supports their career progression, and future-proofs the UK economy.”
Microsoft’s work with Catch22 reflects its commitment to help 2.5 million people in the UK gain access to the skills needed for the AI economy – and connect 300,000 people to tech job opportunities by 2025.
To learn more, please visit the Microsoft UK Digital Skills Hub.