Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to help ensure the supply of skilled workers in the tech sector.

To make sure that the UK is a world-leading digital economy that works for everyone, it is crucial that individuals have the digital skills they need for life and work, including for a career in the technology sector.

We have introduced computing as a statutory national curriculum subject at all four key stages and have introduced a new Computer Science GCSE and A Level. The content was developed with industry experts to better equip pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to become active creators of digital technology.

As part of the Industrial Strategy, the government has committed substantial spending on mathematics, digital and technical education to increase the take-up and better teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in schools. For example, in November 2018 the department launched the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), backed by £84 million of new funding. The NCCE is run by a coalition of STEM Learning, the British Computing Society and Raspberry Pi, and supported by industry.

The NCCE is delivering a comprehensive programme of continuing professional development to improve the teaching of computing and drive up participation in computer science at GCSE and A level, particularly amongst girls. We expect that this will help equip these young people with the knowledge they need to pursue a career in the technology sector.

We are also improving careers advice in schools so that young people are aware of the high-quality options available for both technical and academic routes into digital careers, and that they have access to information about the variety of careers that digital technology pathways have to offer. STEM activities, including employer talks and workplace visits, are built into school career programmes. The Careers & Enterprise Company funds opportunities for young people to meet a wide range of STEM employers, including those from the technology sector.