FIRST Tech Challenge

The UK’s most epic STEM enrichment programme for young people*. We're not building robots, we're building the future.
*as voted by robots

Secondary

Ages 11 to 18
In-school
Multi-session
Cost may apply Bursaries available

Run by FIRST UK.

Check availability

Students design, build and program a robot to take on a global challenge with support from industry mentors.

Students occupy diverse roles linked to careers so they can think, operate and collaborate as innovators. Students apply the learning to real-world scenarios, bridging the classroom with the workplace.

Teams of up to 15 young people aged 12 to 18 years meet weekly for a couple of hours in school or as an after-school club. We support schools, SEND and alternative providers to make STEM education and careers accessible and inclusive.

Access to resources and session plans are provided via an e-learning platform from September. Pre-season, September to December, content includes:

confidence builders in CAD
programming
community outreach
brand and communications
finding a mentor
team building

In March champion schools within each hub provide access to a games field for practice and host the local tournament in May.

Industry partners, universities and local STEM hubs provide mentors and event volunteers. We intend to operate up to 15 hubs UK-wide with capacity for around 400 participating schools.

Capacity

Minimum of 5 participants, maximum of 15 participants.

Cost
A nominal commitment fee of £99 provides access to the programme, content, tournaments, individual learner accreditation and team awards. Charity bursaries for robotics kits and other grants supporting participation including travel and supply cover are available subject to eligibility.

Duration

Weekly for 1 to 2 hours as an after school club, or within curriculum optimised for KS3 & KS4 (GCSE Engineering, D&T or Computer Science). The programme is usually spread over 2 terms (typically Sep to Mar). Delivery can be compressed into other delivery models e.g. holiday clubs and intense multi-day builds.

Learning outcomes

Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects
Learning what the engineering workplace is like
Develop engineering employability skills
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Subjects and topics

- Chemistry
- Computing
- Design and Technology
- Engineering
- Design, art and fashion
- Electronics, robotics and programming
- Materials, products and manufacturing
- Structures, construction and civil engineering

Gatsby benchmark hitter

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Encounters with further and higher education

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.
Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.
Leadership - supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal.
Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.
Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.
Speaking - the oral transmission of information or ideas.
Staying positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.
Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.