DXC Technology has announced the first London cohort of its Digital Futures Academy, delivered in partnership with West Ham United Foundation.
The four-year programme, for students in Year 8 and above, will support the same cohort of 30 students throughout their secondary school journey.
It will be delivered at the Foundation’s community hub, The Foundry, in Beckton, London, and is designed for young people aged 12 to 16.
Students will take part in workshops covering areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, virtual reality, automation, data analytics, communication skills, leadership development and career planning.
The programme was originally launched in Manchester in partnership with Manchester United Foundation.
It has since expanded to Newcastle and Erskine, with more than 100 students currently enrolled and 47 completing the first full four-year cohort this year.
DXC said the London launch comes as half of London’s businesses report that their workforce lacks the skills needed to meet their organisations’ requirements in the age of AI.
Anne-Marie Wallace, UKI responsible business lead at DXC Technology, said: “The rapid pace of AI and digital change is reshaping the skills people need to succeed, which is why it is so important to give young people the opportunity to engage with technology early and see the possibilities it can create.”
The partnership brings together DXC’s technology expertise and employee volunteers with the Foundation’s reach into local schools and families.
Jesse Foyle, director of programmes at West Ham United Foundation, said: “We’re excited to help more young people in East London take their next steps towards a future full of possibilities.”
Launch activities included taster sessions, and a secondary school student from East London named David said: “In school, we haven’t done anything like this.”
Another student, Bethany, said: “I really enjoyed all the different experiences.”
James Asser, MP for West Ham and Beckton, said: “It’s incredibly important that companies and communities come together to create opportunities for young people.”
DXC said the academy forms part of its broader Responsible Business strategy, supporting social mobility, community engagement and the development of future skills.
The company has 6,000 technology professionals across the UK and Ireland, including teams in London, Newcastle, Erskine, Tewkesbury and Farnborough.
West Ham United Foundation is the official charity of West Ham United Football Club and delivers more than 35 programmes and initiatives across East London, Essex and internationally.