GLASGOW, Scotland, March 20, 2024 – DXC Technology, a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, has today expanded its DXC Digital Futures Academy, a four-year education program for secondary-school students, into the Glasgow City Region to educate and inspire a new generation of STEM students.
Partnering with Developing the Young Workforce West (DYW West), DXC will support and empower young people by teaching key social and technical skills to enhance their career prospects and shape the future of work.
52 students aged 12-14 years from eight schools have been selected. They will be taught technology skills spanning a number of key areas including automation, big data, virtual reality, and coding, as well as professional development skills.
DXC is expanding the Academy following the success of its pilot program in Greater Manchester which was launched in partnership with Manchester United Foundation in March 2023. Now midway through its second year, the pilot scheme saw 50 students from six schools delivered around 340 hours of STEM learning and personal development training. All students enrolled onto the Academy successfully completed year one of the program, with 60% of them female.
“We are proud to extend this fantastic initiative into Scotland and use our technology skills to drive a positive impact in local communities across the UK,” said Derek Allison, Vice President UK Public Sector, Aerospace and Defence at DXC Technology. “With the Digital Futures Academy, our colleagues are using their energy, passion and technical expertise to educate and inspire young people in their academic and professional journeys.”
The curriculum of the Digital Futures Academy has been co-created by DXC’s experts, DYW West, and local teacher advisory groups. Together, they will use mentoring, personal development, and practical sessions to build the leaders of the future. At the end of the program, students will be supported with pathways into further education, colleges, apprenticeships, and employment.
“The Scottish Government launched DYW in 2014 to ensure young people have a work-relevant educational experience. We are bridging the gap between industry and education, helping employers play an active role in preparing young people for the world of work,” said Bob Davidson, Programme Director at DYW West. “What makes the Academy unique is that it is a four-year commitment from DXC to transform the lives of these students. We are delighted that we are working together to reduce levels of youth unemployment in Scotland.”
DXC will work closely with DYW and the four local authorities it is partnering with across the Glasgow City Region in their mission to influence education and help shape the future workforce Scotland needs. By introducing the students to key skills required in the technology sector, the Academy will help build a future pipeline of local digital talent.
“It is fantastic that DXC Technology are working in partnership with DYW West to expand the Digital Futures Academy into Scotland,” said Graeme Dey, Scottish Minister for Higher and Further Education and Minister for Veterans (including responsibility for DYW). “As the world becomes more digitally connected, the Academy is an excellent opportunity for young people from the region to learn about new technologies and enhance and develop their skills relevant for all industries.”
Schools taking part in the Digital Futures Academy include:
1) Castlehead High School, 2) Renfrew High School, 3) Eastwood High School, 4) Woodfarm High School, 5) Clydeview Academy, 6) Notre Dame High School , 7) Vale of Leven Academy, 8) St Peter the Apostle High School
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