More than after-school provision

Supported by industry mentors FIRST Tech Challenge UK provides young people a platform to think, operate and collaborate like a business.

Expeditionary learning

FIRST Tech Challenge UK empowers young people to develop technical knowledge and soft skills whilst broadening understanding of STEM education and careers. Taking on a global challenge supported by industry mentors, young people:

Develop new skills outside of their comfort zone
Collaborate across year groups
Understand education and career pathways
Engage with employers, further and higher education
Earn team awards and individual accreditation
Become well-rounded citizens empowered to own their future

“FIRST Tech Challenge UK enables our academies to deliver an engaging enrichment programme, career development opportunities and supports the STEM curriculum. The quality and reach of their programme is excellent.”

Jemima, Enrichment Manager – National Enrichment Lead, Ormiston Academies Trust

Accreditation at the highest level

All FIRST Tech Challenge UK participants can achieve an Industrial Cadets Gold Award and British Science Association CREST Gold. Our e-learning platform and Engineering Notebook make this process super easy.

Virtual and remote learning

Our e-learning platform ‘Makerspace’ blends curriculum-mapped digital content with hands-on sessions.

Teams – access virtual robotics simulator and online resources created by teachers, industry and young people

Teachers – receive confidence-boosting training and content mapped to Key Stages 3 & 4 and Gatsby Benchmarks

Mentors – access training and team content

FIRST Tech Challenge UK -strategy training

FIRST Tech Challenge UK -Autonomous tutorial

FIRST Tech Challenge UK - Mentor training

More about Makerspace

Tailored provision

Whether you’re working in mainstream, alternative, or special educational needs settings there’s a provision for you. Choose from lunch-time sessions, after-school clubs or in timetable delivery.

Single team

Perfect to test the ropes and ease into the programme. One kit serves up to 15 young people.

Get started

Multi-team

Multiple teams fosters competition, supports peer-to-peer mentoring and enhances performance.

Grow participation

Full cohort

Mapped to key curriculum points at KS3&4 FIRST Tech Challenge can be delivered in timetable at scale.

Speak to our education team

Global community

FIRST connects over 600,000 young people globally each year. Our hub network brings together champions schools, businesses, universities and volunteers to help build more than robots.

Mentors

Role models from industry, local business, the STEM Ambassador network, or passionate parents. Mentors guide teams as they build, challenge and discover.

Discover mentoring

Hubs

Champion Schools are a focal point for teams to connect throughout the season, supported by industry partners, STEM hubs and universities.

Find your local hub

Social media

FIRST Tech Challenge places collaboration above competition. Teams use social media to deliver community outreach, share progress, tips, and offer support.

Browse our social wall

Flexing our support

We’ve developed a delivery model that caters to uncertain times. Our education team is busy building new virtual content and remote learning opportunities. Here’s what next season might look like.

Build more than robots!

Take on the UK’s most epic STEM enrichment programme for young people. We’re ready to support your team and make STEM less intimidating and more inclusive.