Roke, a leading UK innovator in science and engineering, has launched The Roke Academy as part of its strategy for scalable growth. The business is welcoming 24 new candidates who will embark on an intensive six month programme; the Ignite Development Pathway (IDP). The IDP focuses on life skills and enthusiasm for technology that candidates bring, rather than a straight career path.
In the face of ‘the war for talent’, the Academy focuses on developing transferable life skills and a passion for technology, rather than benefitting those already qualified for hire, creating a pathway into employment.
Targeting the national technical skills gap, The Roke Academy will provide high quality training in key technology areas and the supporting skills needed to deliver it effectively. To demonstrate its commitment to the programme and the value Roke places on its employees, IDP candidates will be salaried Roke employees throughout the programme.
The Academy is designed to be a centre of excellence for learning and development, focusing on non-traditional areas of recruitment to embrace undiscovered talent who may not have previously had the opportunity to enter the technology field. Individuals who have found the traditional recruitment process a challenge, are returning to work after a break, transitioning from military and law enforcement service, or looking for a change of career.
Kick started by three months of software engineering training, learners will then move into a safe project space where the opportunity for positive failure encourages independent learning and working. They will then work on three increasingly complex projects building and finally delivering real world solutions to solve future customer problems. On graduation, learners take on their permanent roles as software engineers.
Paul MacGregor, Managing Director of Roke commented:
“The Roke Academy provides the opportunity to attract new candidates. We will support these individuals who can bring unique strengths to our business in terms of creativity, analysis, innovation and leadership to then progress in their chosen field.”
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
This article introduces The Roke Academy, a new training initiative designed to address national technical skills gaps by offering a six‑month development pathway focused on transferable skills and enthusiasm for technology. It explains how the programme supports candidates by providing structured training, real‑world project experience and salaried employment leading to software engineering roles.
