DXC launches London Digital Futures Academy with West Ham

DXC Technology has launched the first London cohort of its Digital Futures Academy with West Ham United Foundation. The programme will support 30 Year 8 students throughout secondary school.

The four-year scheme is aimed at young people aged 12 to 16 and will be delivered at The Foundry, the foundation's community hub in Beckton. It combines technology lessons with professional development, career awareness and personal growth, including workshops on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, virtual reality, automation and data analytics.

The launch extends an initiative that began in Manchester with Manchester United Foundation and later expanded to Newcastle and Erskine. More than 100 students are currently enrolled, and 47 completed the first full four-year cohort this year.

The London intake comes as employers report growing demand for digital and technology skills. DXC cited data showing that half of London businesses say their workforce lacks the skills needed to meet organisational requirements in the age of AI.

The programme is designed to keep the same group of students together throughout their secondary school years. Alongside classroom-style workshops, participants will meet DXC employees and other industry professionals to learn about career routes in the technology sector.

Anne-Marie Wallace, UKI responsible business lead at DXC Technology, said the aim was to expose young people to technology early as demand for digital skills continues to evolve.

"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," Wallace said.

"Through the Digital Futures Academy, and with the support of our partners, we are helping young people build the skills, confidence and awareness they need to be prepared for a future shaped by technology."

Community link

West Ham United Foundation is helping connect the programme with local schools and families in East London. The organisation runs more than 35 programmes and initiatives across East London, Essex and overseas, spanning learning, employability, youth and community support.

Jesse Foyle, Director of Programmes at West Ham United Foundation, said the scheme gives young people a chance to explore different areas of technology while meeting people already working in the field.

"Through our work with young people and local communities, we know how important it is to create opportunities that help them build confidence, discover their strengths and explore future careers. Partnering with DXC Technology on the Digital Futures Academy gives young people the chance to develop digital skills, meet industry professionals and see the opportunities open to them in the technology sector. We're excited to help more young people in East London take their next steps towards a future full of possibilities."

The launch included taster sessions for students, offering an early look at the academy's activities. Participants tried coding, learned about computer components and manufacturing, explored sensors and virtual reality, and worked in teams on ideas for future technology products.

One student, David, said the experience was different from normal school lessons and had broadened his interest in technology and engineering.

"In school, we haven't done anything like this.

"We started by doing some coding on the laptops, before learning about the components that make up a computer and how they're manufactured. We then explored the use of sensors and virtual reality, before working as a team to come up with an idea for the future. My team came up with a neuro-link device."

Another student, Bethany, said the variety of activities had encouraged her to look more closely at possible careers in the sector.

"I really enjoyed all the different experiences. Although they're all related to technology, there was such a wide variety of activities to try. It's made me want to explore even more.

"It's very different from what you would experience at school, and it's really fun. I'm not sure what I want to do in the future yet, so it's good to learn about new careers and discover more of the opportunities available to me as I think about what I might want to do when I grow up."

Skills gap

The London launch reflects a wider debate over how schools, employers and community groups can respond to changing labour market needs. Technology employers have repeatedly raised concerns about shortages in areas such as data, software, security and AI, while access to those career paths remains uneven for many young people.

The academy forms part of DXC's responsible business work focused on social mobility, community engagement and future skills. The company employs 6,000 technology professionals across the UK and Ireland, with teams in London, Newcastle, Erskine, Tewkesbury and Farnborough.

James Asser, MP for West Ham and Beckton, attended the launch and said longer-term programmes could help local young people identify interests and build confidence over time.

"It's incredibly important that companies and communities come together to create opportunities for young people. There is so much talent and enthusiasm among children and young people locally. The key is giving them the chance to discover those interests, develop their skills and see where they could take them.

"What makes this programme so exciting is the opportunity to invest in young people for the longer term, helping them build their confidence and develop skills that can open doors to future opportunities, including careers they may not even know exist yet."