University of Westminster and Cognizant celebrate success of Digital Upskilling Programme at Zone29

The event brought together representatives from Cognizant, The Cloud Crew, Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES), and participants from across both the University of Westminster and WAES. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate learner achievements, share success stories and strengthen connections between education providers and employers working to improve how students and job seekers can utilise AI skills to improve their employability.

The Westminster Digital Upskilling Programme was launched through the generous support of Cognizant, one of the world's leading information technology and professional services companies and a member of the University's Chancellor's Circle. Designed to help bridge the UK's digital and AI skills gap, the programme supports STEM education, specialist short courses and industry-relevant training opportunities for learners seeking to enter or progress within the technology sector, as well as feel more confident using AI and digital skills across all role types.

The programme also aligns with Cognizant Synapse, Cognizant's global skills initiative focused on expanding access to technology education and helping equip 2 million people with technology skills. Through partnerships such as Westminster Digital Upskilling, Cognizant is supporting learners to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.

Through a partnership between the University of Westminster, WAES and The Cloud Crew, the programme has created opportunities to improve the employability of up to 50 learners. Participants have gained access to accredited qualifications, practical learning experiences, mentoring and employer engagement opportunities designed to prepare them for the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The collaboration demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when organisations unite around a shared commitment to social mobility and skills development. With Cognizant providing funding and strategic support, education partners delivering high-quality learning opportunities, and industry specialists helping learners connect their new skills to employment pathways, the programme offers a holistic approach to workforce development.

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing directly from programme graduate Georgina Appeagyei, who recently secured a new role as a Junior Consultant after completing the Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (AIP) qualification.

Reflecting on her experience, she said: “The fully funded, accredited qualification is hugely credible but combining it with practical experience through the hackathon and the support my mentor provided is what made the difference and helped me secure my new role.”

Her story reflects the programme's overarching goal: creating a seamless pathway from education and practical experience into sustainable careers in technology.

Cognizant has a strong history of supporting Westminster students through careers initiatives and industry engagement opportunities. Beyond the Digital Upskilling Programme, Cognizant and the University of Westminster have collaborated on a range of initiatives designed to help students and learners build confidence, develop industry-relevant skills and connect with employers. These include careers insight events, employer mentoring opportunities and a recent GenerativeAI hackathon with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, which enabled participants to apply their learning to real-world challenges while working alongside industry professionals. 

The impact of the partnership was recently recognised at the University of Westminster Partnership and Impact Awards, where Cognizant received the Chancellor's Award for Impact in recognition of its contribution to student success, skills development and social mobility.

Speaking after the event, organisers reflected on the inspirational stories shared by participants, noting that meeting just one cohort of learners served as a powerful reminder of what strong partnerships can achieve and why continued investment in skills development is important.

Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising at the University of Westminster, said: "This programme shows what can happen when philanthropy, education and industry work together with a shared purpose. Cognizant’s generous support, combined with the expertise of the University of Westminster, Westminster Adult Education Service and The Cloud Crew, is creating a seamless pathway from learning and practical experience into meaningful careers in technology. Hearing how the programme helped Georgina secure her new role brought its impact vividly to life. Thanks to our colleagues at Cognizant for investing so generously to help make this happen."

Anita O’Connor, UKI Social Impact Lead at Cognizant, said: "At Cognizant, we are committed to creating pathways into employment for people from all backgrounds and the Westminster Digital Upskilling Programme is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration. Alongside our wider partnership with the University of Westminster, we have seen learners gain valuable digital and AI skills, industry experience and the confidence to pursue new opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Hearing stories like Georgina's demonstrates the real impact that skills development, mentoring and employer engagement can have, and we are proud to support initiatives that advance digital inclusion and social mobility."

This partnership contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Find out more about short courses at the University of Westminster.

To find out how organisations can collaborate with the University, contact Westminster’s Development Team.