28th August 2026

Tackling the “Lost Generation” by re-engaging young women in STEM

The UK is facing a critical youth employment challenge. A recent government interim report on young people and work highlights a troubling rise in young adults who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), a demographic increasingly referred to as the “lost
generation.”

Economic shifts, systemic barriers, and a lack of clear entry-level pathways have left hundreds of thousands of young people locked out of the workforce. For young women, this gap is doubly challenging: they face general barriers to entering the workforce, alongside a long-standing
gender gap in technology and digital industries.

To address this issue, Women in Tech is collaborating with community partner Generation UK to highlight the pathways, skills, and support available to help young women build lasting, sustainable careers in technology.

The scale of the challenge: What the data shows

Recent coverage and official research underscore a stark reality regarding the UK’s youth labor market:

Rising economic inactivity: Long-term sickness, mental health challenges, and fragmented training pathways have driven economic inactivity among 18- to 24-year-olds to concerning levels.
The diversity disconnect: While tech talent shortages persist across the UK, entry-level hiring mechanisms often fail to reach candidates from non-traditional or disadvantaged backgrounds.
The gender divide in STEM: Women still make up under 30% of the UK tech workforce. Without targeted interventions at the early-career stage, there is a risk of widening both the gender gap and the socio-economic divide.

How Generation UK is closing the gap

Generation UK is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming education-to-employment systems. They build free, intensive training bootcamps designed to prepare young adults from underrepresented backgrounds for life-changing careers.

Rather than relying on traditional academic credentials or previous experience, Generation focuses on potential, adaptability, and motivation. Generation delivers year-round bootcamps for women and non-binary people, equipping them with the skills, experience
and confidence needed to move into entry-level roles in tech.

How Generation’s model works

Free, funded bootcamps: Providing zero-cost training in high-demand technical fields like Data Engineering, Data Analytics, Cloud Engineering, and IT Support.
Holistic support: Pairing technical training with personal coaching, mindset workshops, and interview preparation to help candidates build confidence.
Direct employer connections: Working directly with hiring partners to guarantee job interviews upon program completion.

“Many young people have the talent, drive, and capability to thrive in tech, but lack access to traditional networks or credentials. By removing cost barriers and focusing on practical skills, we can reconnect a generation with meaningful employment.”

Why the tech sector holds the key

Technology offers one of the most effective vehicles for social mobility. Unlike traditional sectors that may require years of unpaid internships or expensive degrees, tech values demonstrated skills, portfolio projects, and problem-solving.
For young women looking to build a career, tech provides:

Accessible entry points: Roles in QA testing, junior data analysis, low-code development, and technical support do not require computer science degrees.
Higher earning potential: Early-career tech roles often offer competitive starting salaries, helping close the gender pay gap from day one.
Long-term career growth: Tech skills are highly transferable across health, finance, retail, and environmental sectors.

How employers and young women can take action

Tackling the “lost generation” crisis requires action from both candidates and tech employers.

For young women looking to enter tech

Explore funded bootcamps: Check out programs hosted by Generation UK to gain free, hands-on training with built-in career coaching.
Focus on transferable skills: Communication, organisation, and problem-solving are valuable assets in tech-adjacent and entry-level roles.
Build a community network: Join inclusive networks like Women in Tech to connect with mentors, attend events, and learn about hidden job markets.

For tech employers & hiring managers

Re-evaluate entry criteria: Remove unnecessary degree requirements from entry-level job descriptions to open doors for bootcamp graduates.
Partner with impact organisations: Work with partners like Generation UK to source pre-screened, highly motivated talent from diverse backgrounds, while supporting the development of future talent through volunteering and skills-based opportunities where there may not yet be a hiring opportunity.
Provide structured mentorship: Establish internal onboarding and buddy programs to support early-career joiners during their first six months.

Re-engaging the “lost generation” requires practical, accessible pathways into growing industries. Through non-profit partnerships and alternative training routes, young women can access the tools, training, and confidence needed to build successful careers in technology.

Targeted support: Organisations like Generation UK provide free training and direct employer connections to break down hiring barriers.
Focus on skills over credentials: Demonstrable project work and problem-solving skills matter more than traditional academic degrees.
Industry responsibility: Tech employers play a critical role in diversifying entry routes and creating inclusive early-career positions.