Skills, Talent and Education
Technology is changing how we live and work, creating new opportunities across every part of the economy. Ensuring people have the skills to succeed in a digital world will be critical to the UK's future growth, competitiveness and prosperity.
We work with industry, government and educators to help build the skills, talent and education system the UK needs. From digital skills and apprenticeships to career change and workforce development, we help create pathways into technology careers and support lifelong learning.
Skills are the foundation of the digital economy.
The UK's ability to grow, innovate and compete internationally depends on ensuring people have the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven economy. As organisations adopt AI, automation and other emerging technologies, demand for digital and workplace skills will continue to increase. We bring together industry, government and educators through our Skills, Talent & Diversity programme and Education & EdTech programme to support clearer pathways into technology careers and lifelong learning.
We work across the skills ecosystem to close skills gaps, strengthen workforce development and create routes into technology careers. Through initiatives including the AI Skills Partnership, TechSkills and wider industry collaboration, we help organisations access the talent they need while helping people build the skills required in a rapidly evolving labour market.
Global Context
Countries around the world are investing in skills, education and workforce development to meet growing demand for digital talent. Developing home-grown capability while remaining attractive to international talent will be critical as competition for technology skills intensifies. Our insight 'Is the UK Still Open for Global Tech Talent?' highlights the importance of attracting, developing and retaining skilled people in an increasingly competitive global market.
View Policy View: Is the UK Still Open for Global Tech Talent?UK Strategic Impact
Digital and technology roles are projected to grow by 239,000 by 2035, yet skills shortages remain a challenge across the UK economy. Digital skills, AI capability and workforce development will be critical to improving productivity, supporting innovation and enabling organisations to adopt new technology successfully. The UK's future success depends on a more inclusive, responsive and adaptable skills system that supports learners, workers and employers across the talent pipeline, while developing home-grown talent and attracting the global skills needed to remain internationally competitive.
View GOV.UK: Skills England Digital & Technology Skills Assessment 2026
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Digital Inclusion Working Group
Our Digital Inclusion Working Group guides our digital inclusion work, including engagement with government and Parliamentarians.
Digital Skills in Education Policy Group
Our Digital Skills in Education Policy Group helps embed digital competence across curricula and the wider education system.
EdTech 2030 - Emerging Modalities Working Group
Our EdTech 2030 – Emerging Modalities Working Group is shaping the future of learning and helping UK EdTech grow at home and abroad.
Education and EdTech Council
Our Education and EdTech Council sets the strategic direction of our Education and EdTech programme, keeping pace with sector needs.
Migration Policy Group
Our Migration Policy Group brings together HR, policy and recruitment professionals to shape the UK immigration system for tech.
Public Policy Group
Our Public Policy Group is a forum for senior public policy, public affairs and government relations professionals in tech.
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Our Subject Matter Experts
Nimmi Patel
Associate Director - Skills and Talent
Nimmi Patel is the Associate Director - Skills & Talent Policy at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. She is a member of the UK government's Digital Skills Council, an external advisory body within the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), which provides expert advice and fosters collaboration to address the UK’s evolving digital skills needs and ensure the workforce is equipped for the digital economy. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of the Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre’s research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers, and governments. Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She also took part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme and is the Education and Skills Policy Co-lead for Labour in Communications.
Jake Wall
Policy Manager - Skills and Future of Work
Jake has been the Policy Manager for Skills and Future of Work since May 2022, supporting techUK's work to empower the UK to skill, attract and retain the brightest global talent, and prepare for the digital transformations of the future workplace. Previously, Jake was the Programme Assistant for Policy. He joined techUK in March 2019 and has also worked across the EU Exit, International Trade, and Cloud, Data Analytics and AI programmes. He also holds an MA in International Relations from the University of Sussex, as well as a BA(Hons) in International Politics from Aberystwyth University. During his time at Aberystwyth University, he won the International Politics Dissertation Prize.
Austin Earl
Senior Programme Manager - Education & EdTech
Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes. Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.
