A Digital Futures Academy, designed to open doors for individuals who may have faced barriers to traditional academic success, welcomes six apprentices who begin a groundbreaking programme in September 2025.
Platform Housing Group’s Academy innovative apprenticeship programme offers a unique and inclusive pathway into digital and data technology careers.
The programme is aimed particularly at those who are neurodiverse or have experienced challenges in classroom settings.
“This is personal for me,” said Jon Cocker, Chief Information Officer at Platform Housing Group. “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 in how we do things and creating space for talent that may be overlooked elsewhere.”
How were the apprentices chosen?
Following the launch, in November 2024, the Academy received an impressive 157 applications. From these applicants, 127 were carefully reviewed by the panel. And 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 Platform’s 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, Platform plans to roll out the programme every two years, creating a pipeline of diverse digital talent for the housing sector.
To learn more visit www.platformhg.com/digital-futures-academy .
Read next: ICE Awards innovation, infrastructure, and resilience – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
