One such story is that of Dawid Urbanski, a 29-year-old who embarked on Agent Academy’s Rise programme just two years ago.
Originally from Poland, Dawid moved to the UK when he was just 11 years old. Today, he reflects on his journey from a participant to a thriving Project Manager at CGI, a global IT and business consultancy firm.
Dawid joined Agent Academy’s Rise, a 12-week initiative where learners work on live real life client challenges, to help them get industry-ready to hit the ground running once they get a job. This hands-on approach allowed him to showcase his potential and led to his current role.
Founded in 2014, Agent Academy was born out of a mission to address the problem of individuals leaving education and being locked out of industry opportunities due to a lack of connections and experience.
Since its inception, it has created a staggering impact of £35 million worth of salaries into the UK workforce, with over 500 North West companies growing as a result of the talent it has developed. The organisation achieved this by creating a practical, industry-designed curriculum with real-life client briefs, which has so far empowered over 5,000 young people, with a staggering 72% coming from underrepresented backgrounds.
Dawid, now 29, was initially working as a Warehouse Operative as he contemplated his future. Despite being interested in an IT career, he felt locked out of the industry as he lacked the connections and experience. “I was in a position where I just wasn’t feeling fulfilled, but with bills to pay, I needed to work,” he said.
“Discovering Rise was like a breath of fresh air – I immediately applied and was so set on the programme, I told my boss at the warehouse I would quit if they wouldn’t give me two days off per week to do it.
“It was a great environment filled with likeminded people who all wanted to be creative and do the best job.
“The 12 weeks went by incredibly quickly, but it was perfect for getting my foot in the door. I wouldn't have secured my dream job without Agent Academy, and for that, I am incredibly thankful.”
Then 27, Dawid thrived as he worked on a live project brief set by his current employer, CGI. This hands-on approach allowed him to build confidence and gain real-life industry experience, which would ultimately lead him to his dream role.
Agent Academy's impact on young people like Dawid is profound. In a sample of Agent Academy alumni, more than two-thirds said they had stayed in their first job after progressing from the programme for more than three years, which is double the UK average for early career jobs.
The success of Agent Academy’s graduates not only reflects the quality of its educational offerings but also showcases the readiness of its participants to enter the competitive job market—making them a valuable asset to businesses.
Open Media, a leading out-of-home advertising agency, has recruited eight team members from Agent Academy since its inception 10 years ago.
Mike Smith, CEO at Open Media, said: “The individuals people we’ve recruited from Agent Academy have brought a fresh perspective and valuable skillset to our team, with many of them staying and growing with our business.
“The talent from Agent Academy is truly exceptional. The candidates we have recruited have shown a high level of creativity, enthusiasm and a real willingness to learn. We’re hugely grateful and look forward to working with them for many more years!”
Paul Corcoran, Founder of Agent Academy, added: “Our anniversary is not just a celebration of our past, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to the future.
“Ten years ago, a vision to create a hub for diverse talent was brought to life, with a view to solving a real industry problem. Over the years, Agent Academy has evolved significantly, forming industry-leading partnerships that have paved the way for young individuals to thrive in their chosen careers.
“Every young person deserves a chance to discover their potential and pursue their dreams. The countless stories of our learners who have gone on to great careers inspire us to continue our mission to provide the tools, experiences and connections needed for success in emerging careers,” he said.
As Agent Academy looks to the future, it remains committed to empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to succeed in the ever-evolving digital, creative, and tech sectors in the North West.
To find out more about Agent Academy, visit our website or call us on +44 (0) 151 707 0427.
