Open Career Pathways to Asia for Young People Amid Rising UK Youth Unemployment
A growing number of young people across the UK are gaining access to global opportunities, industry experience and career pathways through TechStart, an early careers programme designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. As recent ONS figures show jobless rates among the youth have surged once more, reaching a peak of 16.2% – the most significant figure recorded since the 2014-15 period- many young people continue to face barriers to entering the workforce.
These barriers include lack of experience, limited networks and unclear career direction. TechStart is providing a practical, experience-led solution. The programme connects participants with real-world opportunities, international exposure and direct access to industry professionals.
Through a combination of hands-on work experience, global travel and mentorship, TechStart equips young people with both the technical and soft skills needed to succeed in today’s job market.
Participants have travelled to countries including Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong, attended major global events, and worked directly with companies across a range of industries. These experiences are designed not only to build skills, but to expand perspectives and confidence.
The programme also supports participants in securing roles within leading global organisations.
Central to TechStart’s approach is its focus on real-world experience. Participants are given the opportunity to contribute to live projects, engage directly with businesses and build networks that would otherwise be out of reach.
This model is particularly impactful for young people who may not have existing industry connections, providing a level of access and opportunity that is often difficult to achieve through traditional routes.
As industries continue to evolve, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, programmes like TechStart are playing an increasingly important role in preparing the next generation of talent.
Founder Techstart, Sam Liu said, “The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics are stark. What is particularly concerning is that this increase is being driven by young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in full-time education and are struggling to access meaningful opportunities.
This highlights a deeper issue within the system. Too many young people are leaving education without the experience, networks or practical skills that employers are looking for. At the same time, businesses are struggling to find talent that is ready to step into real roles.”
“TechStart was built to bridge that gap. Our approach is centred on real-world experience, global exposure and direct access to industry. We do not just prepare young people for work, we place them into environments where they can develop, contribute and grow from day one.
What we are creating is a blueprint for how education and business can work together more effectively. By giving young people access to real opportunities and supporting them with the right guidance, we can unlock potential that would otherwise be overlooked and help build a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.”
By combining practical experience with global exposure and mentorship, TechStart is not only helping young people access opportunities, but equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed long term.
This represents a shift away from traditional, classroom-led pathways into careers, instead focusing on immersive, experience-driven learning. By placing young people in real environments and giving them meaningful responsibilities, the programme enables them to develop in ways that education alone cannot provide.
As more success stories emerge, TechStart is a company that continues to demonstrate the impact that the right opportunities, guidance and support can have on young people’s futures.
RECENT GRADUATES OF TECHSTART
Bailey Derbyshire, a participant in the programme, describes how TechStart helped him step outside of his comfort zone and develop both personally and professionally:
“I was quite timid before joining and didn’t have much confidence. Since being part of TechStart, I’ve travelled to places like Taiwan, Korea and Barcelona and done things I never would have imagined, like networking with senior business people and volunteering at large scale events at places such as the Old Bailey. I’ve met so many new people and built a network I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“It has also given me real insight into how companies work. I’ve gone from doing web development to working with a Korean company in a customer experience role, handling enquiries and onboarding users. Alongside that, I’ve started an apprenticeship in AI business, which I know will be valuable for my future. TechStart has completely changed how I see my career and what I believe is possible.”
Techstart graduate Molly Clifford, who progressed into a role at Dassault Systèmes in 2024, highlights the role the non-profit played in her journey:
“TechStart gave me the foundation I needed to step into a global company environment with confidence. Through networking events and real-world experiences, I developed the skills to communicate professionally and build relationships.
“Working at Dassault Systèmes has been a full circle moment for me, as they own SOLIDWORKS, which I’ve used since I was 14. The transition wasn’t without challenges, especially adapting to the pace of a large organisation, but the resilience and confidence I developed through TechStart have been invaluable.
“Without TechStart, I wouldn’t have had access to the opportunities that led me here. It gave me the experience, exposure and belief in myself to pursue a career I didn’t think was possible.”