How do you deliver social value within the technology sector? For us, part of that answer lies in creating opportunity, accessible routes into tech careers and real-world impact.
In 2017 we launched our first Made Tech Academy and since then we’ve trained and employed over 100 aspiring software engineers. We strive to create pathways for career growth that empower individuals to create change in society.
To amplify our social value, in 2023 we made the move into offering a Level 4 DevOps apprenticeship programme.
Shaping tech careers through apprenticeships
Apprenticeships open doors for people from all backgrounds, particularly those who may not have followed the traditional university route. Nurturing early career talent through apprenticeship programmes allows the tech sector to equip individuals with the technical, professional and soft skills needed to thrive – while creating tangible social value through a more diverse, skilled and equitable workforce.
UK digital skills and economic growth
The UK government sees apprenticeships as a key part of its strategy to boost productivity, increase employment and close the digital skills gap – all of which are core to improving social value.
Initiatives like the apprenticeship levy reflect a national push to promote alternative routes into high-skilled careers, especially in technology. Apprenticeship programmes like ours align with the government’s strategic goals by:
- offering high-quality apprenticeships aligned to Level 4 digital standards
- supporting career changers and underrepresented groups into tech
- promoting regional growth and levelling up by offering opportunities across England, not just in London
Apprenticeships play an important role in contributing to a stronger, more inclusive digital economy that helps shape the future of tech talent in the UK.
An apprenticeship designed for social value
Wanting to offer our apprentices something different, we take an industry-first approach. This means apprentices work on real-life, impactful client projects early in their journey, gaining hands-on experience alongside senior engineers.
By delivering real software to communities, apprentices not only gain a better understanding of users but also help increase social value by having a positive impact on real-world problems. Programmes like these shouldn’t just be about learning to code, they should always aim to deliver value into society.
When backed by structured support, mentors and a tailored progression framework, apprentices can create a positive impact in the public sector while they learn. It’s about developing the person, not just the skillset.
Increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups
Apprenticeship programmes should always be designed to create meaningful employment opportunities, for all. By actively encouraging applicants from underrepresented backgrounds the tech sector can play an important part in making sure the services and products we design are shaped by people from all areas of society. This can include women in tech, ethnic minority groups, career changers and those without university degrees.
Traditional tech roles often require prior experience or formal education. This can disadvantage capable people who don’t have access to those opportunities. Removing that barrier to instead focus on potential, curiosity and drive is central to reaching many more aspiring individuals, while creating social value through the promotion of equal opportunity.
By creating inclusive access to tech careers and supporting people throughout their journey, apprenticeship programmes like this contribute to reducing inequality and promoting equal opportunity, delivering lasting social value in every sense.
Real impact in local communities
From week 12 of the programme, our apprentices are placed on real client projects. This is where they contribute to essential public sector digital initiatives.
So far that has included projects such as digitising patient records with NHS England and enhancing the consistency of energy compliance checks for building regulations with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Embedding apprentices in socially impactful projects and supporting their growth within the sector not only invests in them but also strengthens the digital infrastructure of the public services that communities rely on every day.
This approach delivers local impact and long-term wellbeing outcomes for people, places and the public sector – a significant and important driver of social value.
Social good beyond company walls
Following a successful Ofsted inspection, we’re welcoming our next 2 cohorts of apprentices. Our first group joined this week and the next cohort will be joining us in October 2025. We’re incredibly excited to support them as they begin their careers in tech.
We believe investments in apprenticeships like this go well beyond developing internal talent. They reflect broader commitments to driving long-term, positive impact and social value across the public sector, local communities and the wider technology industry.
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