Transforming the MOJ’s tech talent pipeline

A shortage of junior tech talent in the UK could stifle innovation and growth, but a pioneering programme from ServiceNow is changing the narrative.

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) hired two graduates from RiseUp with ServiceNow, one of the skilling programmes offered by ServiceNow University, to help the department access vital tech skills without investing in contractors.

Programmes such as RiseUp with ServiceNow offer organisations an alternative route to accessing tech talent. At the same time, they give people an entry-level start in technology, with career-changing experience on offer. The programme focuses on expanding access to technology, knowledge, and opportunities for individuals who may have historically faced barriers to entry in the tech industry.

“RiseUp allows me to bring in people via a non-conventional route that isn't the standard civil service recruitment process," explains Matt Knight, ServiceNow platform owner at the MOJ.

“It’s about finding talent that may have been overlooked, or under-utilised. I can say, ‘You’ve got the right skills. I’m going to employ you for a year as a civil servant.’ And then that gives you an opportunity to deliver and make use of your training.”

Talent from the programme helps Knight support wider AI, automation, and digital transformation initiatives in the department. Ultimately, this ensures better value for the taxpayer.

From nails to code

As a nail technician turned developer, Anh Dinh is the first to say that her career journey has been unconventional. When COVID-19 hit, all nail salons were closed. After chatting to a friend who had been through RiseUp with ServiceNow, Dinh signed up for the programme, and the rest is history.

“I always wanted to get into tech,” she says. “It was quite hard because my whole background has been as a nail technician. I felt quite stuck. Now I can see the potential and the career path.”

As a junior platform engineer at the MOJ, Dinh works on incident management, supporting 130,000 users in fixing integrations and workflows when something isn’t working as expected. She’s also training to become a Certified Application Developer, which will help her become a civil service grade 3 developer.

“She’s gone from strength to strength, learning and really diving into everything she can,” Knight says.

From publisher to analyst

In addition to guiding learners through technical certifications, RiseUp with ServiceNow teaches invaluable skills, such as working in an agile environment and creating a CV. It helps learners get ready to enter the workforce and hit the ground running.

Jonathan Foo, another RiseUp with ServiceNow graduate, is a few months into his role as a junior platform analyst at the MOJ. He previously ran a small digital publishing company in Malaysia before his interest in AI led him to the programme.

“I wanted to get a foot in the door. ServiceNow seems like the answer,” he says.

Foo finds satisfaction in helping people fix problems on the platform. His role is allowing him to forge a new career path by exposing him to different specialisations.

“I haven't decided whether I should be a developer or an admin. I quite like both," he says. "The short-term goal for me is just to be good at both.”

Closing the tech talent gap

In the age of AI, there’s a widening gap between talent and AI skills. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of organisations worldwide are still in the process of identifying the skills needed to implement their AI strategy, according to the ServiceNow Enterprise AI Maturity Index 2025.

The UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan cites how the government needs to “create a deeper pool of AI skills and talent” to support the use of AI across the economy. RiseUp with ServiceNow opens a pathway to AI and tech skills that can align the government with the speed of innovation. Knight is pleased with his experience with the programme so far and hopes to expand the successes beyond his team.

“My ambition is to have this regular talent stream where we can tap the RiseUp programme for people coming through,” he explains. “We can then develop and nurture that talent and build the team from there. It builds a great culture within the team.”

The potential benefits aren’t limited to the MOJ. “There's the opportunity to do something that could be very special and make a real difference to the way the country operates,” Knight adds. “And that's just business as usual for us.”

Find out more about how your organisation can RiseUp with ServiceNow.