Tech for good: how apprenticeships can drive social value
Guest blog by Cheryl Peet, Learning & Development Team Lead at Made Tech #techUKSocialValueWeek
Cheryl Peet
Learning & Development Team Lead, Made Tech
How do you deliver social value within the technology sector? For us at Made Tech, part of that answer lies in creating opportunity, accessible routes into tech careers and real-world impact.
In 2017 we launched our first Made Tech Academy and since then we've trained and employed over 100 aspiring software engineers. We strive to create pathways for career growth that empower individuals to create change in society.
Apprenticeships open doors for people from all backgrounds, particularly those who may not have followed the traditional university route. Nurturing early career talent through apprenticeship programmes allows the tech sector to equip individuals with the technical, professional and soft skills needed to thrive - while creating tangible social value through a more diverse, skilled and equitable workforce.
UK digital skills and economic growth
The UK government sees apprenticeships as a key part of its strategy to boost productivity, increase employment and close the digital skills gap - all of which are core to improving social value.
Initiatives like the apprenticeship levy reflect a national push to promote alternative routes into high-skilled careers, especially in technology. Apprenticeship programmes like ours align with the government’s strategic goals by:
offering high-quality apprenticeships aligned to Level 4 digital standards
supporting career changers and underrepresented groups into tech
promoting regional growth and levelling up by offering opportunities across England, not just in London
Apprenticeships play an important role in contributing to a stronger, more inclusive digital economy that helps shape the future of tech talent in the UK.
An apprenticeship designed for social value
Wanting to offer our apprentices something different, we take an industry-first approach. This means apprentices work on real-life, impactful client projects early in their journey, gaining hands-on experience alongside senior engineers.
By delivering real software to communities, apprentices not only gain a better understanding of users but also help increase social value by having a positive impact on real-world problems. Programmes like these shouldn’t just be about learning to code, they should always aim to deliver value into society.
When backed by structured support, mentors and a tailored progression framework, apprentices can create a positive impact in the public sector while they learn. It’s about developing the person, not just the skillset.
Increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups
Apprenticeship programmes should always be designed to create meaningful employment opportunities, for all. By actively encouraging applicants from underrepresented backgrounds the tech sector can play an important part in making sure the services and products we design are shaped by people from all areas of society. This can include women in tech, ethnic minority groups, career changers and those without university degrees.
Traditional tech roles often require prior experience or formal education, which can disadvantage capable people who don’t have access to those opportunities. Removing that barrier to instead focus on potential, curiosity and drive is central to reaching many more aspiring individuals, while creating social value through the promotion of equal opportunity.
By creating inclusive access to tech careers and supporting people throughout their journey, apprenticeship programmes like this contribute to reducing inequality and promoting equal opportunity, delivering lasting social value in every sense.
Real impact in local communities
From week 12 of the programme, our apprentices are placed on real client projects and contribute to essential public sector digital initiatives.
So far that has included projects such as digitising patient records with NHS England and enhancing the consistency of energy compliance checks for building regulations with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Embedding apprentices in socially impactful projects and supporting their growth within the sector not only invests in them but also strengthens the digital infrastructure of the public services that communities rely on every day.
This approach delivers local impact and long-term wellbeing outcomes for people, places and the public sector - a significant and important driver of social value.
Social good beyond company walls
Following a successful Ofsted inspection, we’re preparing to welcome our next two cohorts of apprentices, who will be joining us in May and October 2025. We’re incredibly excited to support them as they begin their careers in tech.
We believe investments in apprenticeships like this go well beyond developing internal talent. They reflect broader commitments to driving long-term, positive impact and social value across the public sector, local communities and the wider technology industry.
Unlocking Government Procurement for Tech SMEs - Addressing Social Value Challenges
We're excited to share our latest report, "Navigating Social Value: Challenges Facing Tech SMEs in Government Procurement." This crucial study explores the real-world experiences of small and medium-sized tech enterprises (SMEs) as they navigate the social value requirements within public sector procurement.
The techUK Central Government Programme provides a forum for government to engage with tech suppliers. We advocate for the govtech sector, evangelise tech as a solution to public sector challenges, facilitate market engagement, and help make the public sector an easier market to operate in. Visit the programme page here.
Calling Children’s Services and Education: Are you ready for the Digital Switchover?
Join techUK for a free webinar to learn more about the program and what it might mean for schools, universities and children’s services in both the private sector and those maintained by local authorities.
Join techUK for a timely webinar unpacking the recent changes to the UK Government’s Social Value Model and the introduction of a mission-led approach to public procurement.
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Do you have an inspirational colleague who deserves the spotlight for their work? The President’s Awards are back for 2025 and open for nominations. All techUK members are encouraged to nominate one colleague.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.
The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government – in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved – make sure to get in touch!
Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.
When she isn’t working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!
Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK
Charles Bauman
Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK
Charles Bauman is a Junior Programme Manager in the Central Government Programme at techUK.
He supports the programme’s mission to represent the technology supplier community to the UK government and advocate for digital innovation to address public sector challenges. Charles helps facilitate market engagement, foster partnerships, and ensure that tech suppliers and the government work collaboratively to improve outcomes, deliver value for money, and enhance public services for citizens.
Before joining techUK, Charles gained significant experience in research, analysis, and strategic advisory roles. At H/Advisors Cicero, he specialised in public affairs and corporate communications, while at Verdantix, he supported sustainability research and advisory projects, focusing on regulatory and environmental challenges.
Charles holds an MSc in Theory and History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and an MA in Medieval History from King’s College London.
Charles enjoys volunteering with a think tank, reading, hiking, and spending time with his dog and family outside of work.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
