Designed to nurture digital and data technology talent from all walks of life, Platform Housing’s Digital Futures Academy has welcomed its first six apprentices.
The housing provider opened applications for its academy in February 2025. It received 150 applications from prospective apprentices, with 35 chosen to attend assessment days, and six offered apprenticeships.
The apprentices are Ismail Farah from Leicester, James Pearson from Droitwich, Harvey Bass from Worcester, Latisha Bailey and Mashood Khan from Birmingham, and Matthew Elliot from Solihull. The six apprentices will be working across key digital and data functions, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful work towards residents and communities.
Jon Cocker, chief information officer, Platform Housing, said, “Welcoming our new apprentices is a proud moment for us. The Digital Futures Academy is about more than skills development; it’s about creating a culture of innovation and inclusion.”
The academy aims to provide a fresh start for people not wanting to follow the traditional university route, including neurodiverse individuals, those seeking a career change to pursue their passion for technology and those who prefer to learn and apply their knowledge immediately in the workplace.
John Wegulin, chair of the board, Platform Housing, said, “Our Digital Futures Academy reflects our commitment to creating meaningful, long-term careers for people who might otherwise be overlooked in the technology sector.”
