If you’ve ever felt that the tech industry was a ‘closed club’ reserved for coders, mathematicians, or computer science graduates, DWP Digital’s tech apprenticeships programme is designed to challenge that perception.
This guide explores how women from a wide range of backgrounds, from career changers like Orla to recent graduates, are using apprenticeships to move into meaningful, high-impact digital roles within government.
You don’t need to be a maths whiz or have a computer science degree to start a career in tech. At DWP Digital, potential matters more than prior technical experience. What they look for are problem-solvers, people who enjoy understanding how things work, organising information or telling stories clearly.
Whether your strengths are analytical, creative or people-focused, there is likely a pathway that suits you.
Role
Core focus
Automating and scaling systems
Why does it suit “non-tech” backgrounds
Perfect for those who love “how things work” and puzzles.
Role
Core focus
Why does it suit “non-tech” backgrounds
Role
Core focus
Why does it suit “non-tech” backgrounds
Role
Core focus
Why does it suit “non-tech” backgrounds
DWP Digital has been recognised as a Best Employer at the Women in Tech Employer Awards—and for good reason. Unlike many private-sector bootcamps, this apprenticeship offers stability, support and long-term opportunity.
What sets it apart?
Many women hesitate to apply because they believe their degree or background is ‘too soft’ or unrelated. However, DWP Digital actively values diverse perspectives.
‘I had always resigned myself to the fact that I had missed the opportunity to work in tech. I quickly realised that the creative thinking I used to uncover hidden stories in history was exactly what I needed to solve complex engineering problems.’ said Orla, DevOps Engineer Apprentice
The programme is built on the principle of Developing Wonderful People, hiring for potential and training for skills. Your background is not a weakness; it is an asset.
For many apprentices, the programme is more than a qualification. It can be the start of a completely new career path.
Ruth, now an IT Service Manager at DWP Digital, joined the organisation through an apprenticeship with no previous tech background.
“DWP Digital stood out for its reputation for strong apprenticeship programmes and a genuinely supportive, inclusive culture. As someone managing a chronic illness, flexibility and understanding are important and DWP Digital offered that environment.”
“The apprenticeship gave me the technical foundation I needed, helping me transition from someone with no tech background to a digital professional … The investment in development is amazing, whether that’s through apprenticeships or wider career progression routes. As someone who felt quite lost in my twenties, finding an organisation that believes in you and actively supports your growth has been transformative.”
“Now that I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I’m a mentor supporting new apprentices, helping them prepare for their assessments, building their confidence, and giving back the guidance that made such a difference to me.”
“It’s never too late to change direction. I’m genuinely grateful that DWP Digital has given me the space, the opportunity and the belief to build a career I’m proud of.”
If you are considering making the leap, follow these steps:
The aim is not simply to gain a qualification, it is to build a long-term career. Upon completion, apprentices are supported in progressing into specialist digital roles within DWP Digital or across other government departments.
You will leave with:
If you have ever wondered, ‘Could I really work in tech?’—this could be your answer. DWP Digital apprenticeships show that talent does not follow a single path and that the tech industry is stronger when women from all backgrounds are part of the journey.
