- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Computer Systems
- The IT Support Role including:
- Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Ticketing Systems
- Cybersecurity
- Customer Relationship Management
- Testing and QA
- Accessibility, Inclusion and Diversity
- Career Overview 1 – Introduction to Coding in Python and Software Development
- Career Overview 2 – Introduction to Data Analysis
- Career Overview 3 – Introduction to User Design and Research
TechUPWomen – Apply Now!
TechUPWomen is a multi award winning, trailblazing programme, developed closely with industry, which takes women from underserved groups and retrains them into tech careers.
Applications Open NOW!
Read on for more information on our newest TechUPWomen programme and how to apply
Our flagship, jobs-focused, TechUPWomen programme at Durham University retrains women from underserved communities into tech careers
SUE black
Led by Durham University Professors Sue Black OBE and Alexandra I. Cristea, TechUP’s pilot project TechUPWomen 2019/20 funded by the Institute of Coding, trained a cohort of 100 women from underserved backgrounds. It’s over-whelming success led to two award wins including a 2020 Impact Award and a transformational effect on the lives of participants.
New! TechUPWomen Click Start!
What is Click Start
An entry level TechUPWomen programme to provide learners with the knowledge and skills they need to start a career in the tech sector.
- IT training programme
- Flexible – offer a choice of teaching days, independent study time, recorded sessions for catch-up and tutor support via email or online learning community
- Developed with tech industry specialists
- Delivered with our partner, Catch22
- For women and non-binary people
- For people resident in the North and North East of England
This programme is delivered in a choice of training formats and start dates to suit the needs of different learners:
12-week course (ideal for those who need to study alongside other commitments) will require:
- 4 hours per week live online learning
- 2 hours per week independent study
Available start dates:
- 10th June – 1 day a week
- 10th June – 2 evenings a week
6-week course (for those who have the time and desire to study at pace) will require
- 8 hours per week live online learning
- 4 hours per week independent study
Available start dates:
- 10th June – 2 days a week
- 22nd July – 2 days a week
All formats provide the same foundation in IT skills, IT support skills and specialist career path taster sessions, along with workplace readiness skills.
In addition to the taught content, all courses include:
- Weekly webinars with industry guest speakers
- In person training events at Durham University
- Access to online portal
- Pastoral support (provided by specialists, Catch22), to ensure every learner gets the personal support they need
- One-to-one industry mentor
- Job support (provided by Catch22) to help find and apply for jobs, apprenticeships and internships at the end of the programme
- Careers fair in Durham
Programme Curriculum
The final curriculum is currently being developed with our programme partners but is expected to include:
This curriculum will give you a strong foundation in general IT and IT support skills, plus general workplace readiness skills with the aim of equipping you with the skills you need for a level 3 or 4 apprenticeship.
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.
Important Dates
For the 12-week and 6-week programmes starting 10th June 2023
| 2nd February 2023 | Applications open |
| 10th May 2023 | Deadline for applications to be received |
| 18th May 2023 | Offers made |
| 25th May 2023 | Deadline to accept the place and return signed learner agreement |
| 10th June | Welcome event in Durham |
| 16th – 17th September 2023 | Celebration event and careers fair in Durham |
For the 6-week programme starting 22nd July 2023
| 2nd February 2023 | Applications open |
| 3rd July 2023 | Deadline for applications to be received |
| 10th July 2023 | Offers made |
| 17th July 2023 | Deadline to accept the place and return signed learner agreement |
| 22nd July 2023 | Online welcome event |
| 16th – 17th September 2023 | Celebration event and careers fair in Durham |
Application Pre-requisites
To be eligible for a place on the TechUPWomen programme you must meet the following criteria:
Pre-requisite Notes
The programme is open to women and non-binary people aged 18yrs+, priority will be given to those aged 18-24yrs.
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 eligibility, please submit an application below and a career coach will talk you through the criteria to determine of the programme will be suitable for you or if you are eligible for special consideration.
How to apply
- Complete the form below.
- Catch22 will contact you via email to arrange a phone appointment to complete your application with a career coach (please let Catch22 know if you require an alternative format of appointment).
- Complete the second part of the application process, supported by a Catch22 career coach.
This course is part of the new nationwide Click Start training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC) – a national consortium of industry, educators and outreach providers and funded by Nominet – the public benefit company that operates and protects. UK Internet infrastructure and uses its funds to support projects that promote digital inclusion.
The new programme rolls out through 2023 and 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.
Take a closer look at TechUPWomen 2019/20
FREE TechUPWomen Taster Course
Get Involved
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, 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.