Innovation Academy

Our Innovation Academy develops early-career talent into confident contributors to innovation and transformation — not through theory alone, but through structured, work-based learning embedded in real roles.

Participants build core professional skills alongside practical capability in service design, problem-solving and change, supported closely by dedicated Learning Partners and Skills Coaches. The result is individuals who can communicate effectively, contribute meaningfully and add value from the outset of their careers.

Who is it for?

The Innovation Academy is designed for individuals at the start of their careers who are ready to build the skills, confidence and experience to contribute effectively within modern organisations.

It’s a great fit for:

• Early-career professionals or new joiners entering roles linked to business change, operations, customer experience or digital
• Graduate joiners looking to develop practical, in-demand workplace skills
• Individuals with the potential to contribute to innovation and transformation, but who require structured development and support
• Organisations seeking to strengthen early careers pipelines with capable, work-ready talent

What will they learn?

Learners build the core skills and practical capability required to contribute effectively in the workplace, with a strong emphasis on communication, collaboration and structured problem-solving. Learning is applied through real work, ensuring immediate relevance and impact.

They’ll build expertise in:

• Understanding and improving services through user-centred and inclusive design approaches
• Communicating ideas clearly and confidently, and engaging stakeholders effectively
• Structured problem-solving and project delivery in real organisational contexts
• Applying data responsibly, including ethical data use and the role of AI in business transformation
• Working collaboratively across teams and contributing to change initiatives

How the programme works

‍This is a Level 6 (degree-level) professional apprenticeship running for 18 months plus an End Point Assessment, delivered by Estu in partnership with Grant Thornton.

It's open to those employed in a relevant role who have sufficient capacity to commit and aren't currently undertaking other government-funded training.

Participants earn a Service Designer (Degree Apprenticeship) qualification alongside a CMI Level 6 Award in Innovation & Change. Learning is primarily online with regular collaborative sessions, delivered through seminars, masterclasses, one-to-one coaching and applied workplace learning, with dedicated Learning Partners and Skills Coaches providing consistent guidance throughout.

The curriculum covers core professional skills, service design fundamentals, communication, project delivery, inclusive design, ethical data use, AI in business contexts, and foundations of innovation and change, with assessment via ongoing reviews, portfolio development and a final EPA.

The programme is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.

Key benefits

Build capable early-career talent

Develop individuals who can contribute effectively from day one, with strong core skills and practical capability.

Strengthen talent pipelines

Create a structured pathway for developing and retaining high-potential early-career professionals.

Support inclusive and future-ready workforces

Equip individuals with the skills needed to work responsibly with data, technology and diverse user needs.

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