Rocket Software, a global technology leader in modernisation software, today announced the launch of its NextGen Academy in Newbury, UK. The innovative programme is designed to prepare participants with the essential skills and hands-on experience needed to excel in enterprise software development, with a focus on COBOL and other critical technologies. Building on the success of its inaugural programme in Lithuania, the UK NextGen Academy will run for three months, delivering an intensive structured technical training curriculum led by senior engineers from the company’s Newbury office.
NextGen Academy participants will receive the following:
- Invitations for engineering roles in software development, customer solutions, and technical support at the company.
- Comprehensive technical training and mentorship provided by industry experts, offering hands-on experience with real-world projects.
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
“At Rocket Software, we’re passionate about investing in the next generation of enterprise software engineers and addressing the IT skills gap,” said Neil Fowler, SVP of hybrid cloud engineering and NextGen Academy board chair. “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. This initiative reflects our commitment to investing in and supporting the professional growth and development of our Rocketeers.”
Following the NextGen Academy’s early success, the global programme is scheduled to launch in Northwest Arkansas later this year, with plans to extend to other geographies in the future. Each regional Academy will tailor the programme content to address the local skills gaps, while meeting the specific product needs of customers in those regions. As part of this endeavour, Rocket Software is committed to partnering with local educational institutions and user groups. For example, the UK team has worked closely with WAVEZ, a community-driven user group dedicated to fostering a new generation of mainframers.
“It’s fantastic to see Rocket Software investing in early-career talent through the NextGen Academy,” said Ricki West, WAVEZ Chairperson. “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. This kind of collaboration doesn’t just support individual growth—it helps strengthen and sustain the future of the industry as a whole.”
Applicants to the NextGen Academy should possess a 2:1 or higher engineering-related degree (e.g., computer science, mathematics, or physics), have a passion for coding and programming, and a desire to learn new technologies.
