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Click Start by TechUPWomen

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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

Apply

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.

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

Available start dates:

  • 2nd March – 1 day a week – applications closed
  • 2nd March – 2 evenings a week – applications closed
  • 22nd June – 1 day a week – applications open until 5th June
  • 22nd June – 2 evenings a week – applications open until 5th June

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.

 

Important Dates

For the 12-week and 6-week programmes starting 2nd March 2024:

21–22 June 2024Celebration Event and careers fair in Durham

For the 6-week course starting 27th April 2024:

10th April 2024Deadline for applications to be received
15th April 2024Offers made
16th April 2024Deadline to accept the place and return signed Learner Agreement
27th April 2024Online Welcome Event
21–22 June 2024Celebration Event and careers fair in Durham

For the 12-week and 6-week programmes starting 22nd June 2024:

5th June 2024Deadline for applications to be received
11th June 2024Offers made
12th June 2024Deadline to accept the place and return signed Learner Agreement
22nd June 2024Welcome Event in Durham
TBCCelebration Event and careers fair in Durham

Can I apply?

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

 

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.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the application form below.
  2. Catch22 will email you to arrange a phone appointment to complete your application (you can request an alternative format of appointment).
  3. Complete the second part of the application process, supported by a Catch22 career coach.

You can also read the programme FAQs for more information or sign up to our TechUP mailing list to stay informed.

Click Start application form

FAQs TechUP mailing list

Click Start in numbers

In 2023, TechUPWomen successfully delivered the first edition of the programme. It was shortlisted in 2024 for the Educate North Awards in the Student Experience category and for the Women in IT Awards – UK Edition in the Tech For Good category.

Of the 76 female participants who enrolled:

  • 50%
    were from ethnic minorities
  • 26%
    with declared disabilities
  • 25%
    identify as LGBTQ+
  • 29%
    had caring responsibilities

Within two months of completing the programme:

  • 76%
    participants completed the course
  • 12%
    had a new job or promotion
  • 22%
    are in further education

Want to Know More?

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

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.