Rocket Software to launch UK NextGen Academy for enterprise software training and careers
Launching in September, the three-month program will focus on Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL) and critical enterprise technologies, offering technical training, mentorship, and potential career pathways with Rocket Software.
Rocket Software, a global technology company specializing in modernization software, will launch its NextGen Academy in Newbury, UK, this September. The program aims to address IT skills gaps by training early-career engineers in COBOL and other core enterprise technologies.
The NextGen Academy follows a model first introduced in Lithuania and will run for three months. Participants will take part in structured technical training led by senior engineers, receive hands-on experience on real-world projects, and gain mentorship from industry experts. Those who complete the program may be invited to apply for engineering roles within Rocket Software, including software development, customer solutions, and technical support.
Neil Fowler, SVP of hybrid cloud engineering and NextGen Academy board chair, says, “The NextGen Academy is more than technical training—it’s a transformative experience that empowers participants with the confidence, hands-on experience, and cross-functional expertise needed to make an immediate impact. Through this programme, participants not only gain a strong technical foundation, but also develop soft skills that are essential for success in today’s dynamic workplace.”
Partnerships supporting early-career talent
In the UK, Rocket Software has partnered with WAVEZ, a volunteer-run user group dedicated to developing the next generation of mainframe professionals. The collaboration will give Academy participants access to a wider peer network, industry events, and additional learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Ricki West, WAVEZ Chairperson, says, “By partnering with WAVEZ—a volunteer-run user group dedicated to supporting the next generation of mainframers—Rocket is giving its new cohort access to a wider network of peers, industry events, and learning opportunities beyond the classroom. WAVEZ enables early-career professionals to connect across organisations, build confidence through shared experiences, and engage with the mainframe ecosystem from day one.”
The NextGen Academy is also scheduled to expand later this year to Northwest Arkansas, with plans for further launches in other regions. Each location will adapt the program content to local skills gaps and customer needs.
Applicants must hold a 2:1 or higher in an engineering-related degree, such as computer science, mathematics, or physics. They should demonstrate a strong interest in coding and programming, alongside a willingness to learn new technologies.
West adds, “This kind of collaboration doesn’t just support individual growth—it helps strengthen and sustain the future of the industry as a whole.”
