Capgemini UK has celebrated the graduation of the first cohort from its Digital Academy. The Digital Academy is a programme run in partnership with Code Your Future that helps those from disadvantaged backgrounds, including refugees to help develop digital skills and provide support to fast-track their career in tech. The Code Your Future partnership is part of Capgemini’s global commitment to Digital Inclusion.

⁦"Well done to our graduates! Here’s to the next step in fulfilling their dreams of becoming developers," says Annie Hughes, Strategic Communications and Corporate Responsibility at Capgemini UK.

Support from Campgemini UK employees

And it's thanks to Capgemini UK employees that the Digital Academy has been such a success. They have given up their time to volunteer as mentors and trainers for the students and help them navigate their learning journey.

"I signed up as a mentor because I support Capgemini’s ambition to make sure the advances in technology are inclusive. I was once one of those people who could have benefited from a programme like this, but I have been lucky and have found other opportunities to bring me to where I am today," says Sanyia Saidova, an Enterprise Architect at Capgemini UK and Digital Academy mentor.

"I wanted to participate in this course to gain a better understanding of the digital divide and learn what I can do to reduce it. I also want to make programmes like this more widespread. I know that businesses, communities and individuals can all benefit from this reduction, especially as society moves closer to automation. Finding opportunities where one can learn and put their learning to practice is key to reducing this divide," she adds.

"I am also developing and improving my skills – both as a presenter, and teacher.  As well as supporting my mentee in helping her find work and reach her goals, I’m learning a lot about how I can improve myself."

A human-centred approach to technology

70 per cent of course participants are expected to find employment within six months of completing the course, with ten of those intended for placement directly with Capgemini in the UK on permanent contracts.

Sally Caughey, Head of Digital Inclusion at Capgemini UK, explains why the Digital Academy is so important.

"We believe that people should not be limited in work and life by a lack of digital skills and that the next generation of digital innovators should be supported. It is this human centred approach to technology that will make a difference," she says.

Make a difference in your career at Capgemini UK

Ambitious women like Sanyia and Sally are making a difference in their careers by actively living Capgemini UK's commitment to Digital Inclusion.

If you want to join them, search and apply for exciting job vacancies with Capgemini UK today.

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