Our Digital Academy is set to welcome first cohort of apprentices

We are proud to announce the next phase of our Digital Futures Academy, with six apprentices set to begin the groundbreaking programme in September 2025.  

Launched in November 2024, our Academy is designed to open doors for individuals who may have faced barriers to traditional academic success, particularly those who are neurodiverse or have experienced challenges in classroom settings.  

This innovative apprenticeship programme offers a unique and inclusive pathway into careers in digital and data technology, with a strong focus on improving customer experiences within the social housing sector.  

“This is personal for me,” said Jon Cocker, our Chief Information Officer.  “I didn’t thrive in school and I know how limiting that can be.  I also have a disabled son so it’s important to me that we create opportunities for those who may think differently, including people with autism.  It’s about challenging ourselves and the way we do things and creating space for talent that may be overlooked elsewhere.”  

Following the launch, the Academy received an impressive 157 applications with 127 carefully reviewed by the panel.  From these, 22 individuals were invited to an assessment centre, where candidates took part in practical tasks and interviews designed to showcase their potential, not just their CVs.  

The final six successful candidates will begin their three to four year apprenticeships in autumn 2025.  During their first year, they will rotate through several IT disciplines – including cyber security, data analysis and service desk support – before specialising in an area that best fits both their strengths and Platform’s business needs.  

The Digital Futures Academy is more than a training programme, it’s a statement of our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and digital excellence.  

Jon concluded: “We believe in the potential of every individual; this Academy reflects our mission to invest in both people and technology to deliver better outcomes for our communities.”  

If successful, we plan to roll out the programme every two years, creating a pipeline of diverse digital talent for the housing sector.  

To learn more please visit www.platformhg.com/digital-futures-academy.   

Photo caption : Platform’s Digital Futures Academy will welcome six new cohorts in September.