P-TECH is IBM’s global education model which offers students the opportunity to develop skills and competencies that will help them prepare better for the world of work and competitive Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers

The programme benefits students and helps potential future employers by plugging the skills gap.

Established in 2011, P-TECH is in 28 countries, in more than 240 schools and with over 600 employer partners. It is a 4 year programme that begins in Year 10 (age 14) and ends at the end of Year 13 (age 18). It sits alongside the existing school curriculum, complimenting national exams.

There are three schools and one FE college in Leeds which offer the programme.

The school, employers and FE and HE partners work together to develop the programme, combining coursework with workplace experiences and visits, and critically, employer mentoring. Part of the programme also involves industry placements, and there are currently a number of host organisations across the city, including Leeds City Council, offering the opportunity for students to work on real life projects and present their work.