A practical early careers programme building the skills, confidence and capability to contribute to transformation from day one
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.
The Innovation Academy forms part of the Centre for Innovation & Change — a broader capability system spanning early careers through to enterprise-scale transformation academies.
Who is this programme 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
Key facts
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Level
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Level 6 (degree‑level) professional apprenticeship
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Qualifications
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Duration
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18 months plus End Point Assessment (EPA)
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Provider
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Estu in partnership with Grant Thornton
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Entry Requirements
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Format
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Primarily online learning with structured support and regular collaborative sessions.
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Delivery
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A structured blend of seminars, masterclasses, one‑to‑one coaching, and applied workplace learning. Enhanced support is provided through dedicated Learning Partners and Skills Coaches, ensuring consistent guidance, feedback and development throughout the Academy. |
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Programme Content
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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.
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Assessment
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Ongoing progress reviews, applied workplace projects, portfolio development and End Point Assessment.
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Fees and funding
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£15,000 Fully funded via the Apprenticeship Levy
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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.
Developing future talent through practical, high-quality learning. Our partnership with Estu is built on a shared commitment to practical, user centred learning that delivers real and lasting impact from the earliest stages of a career.
Estu is a specialist learning provider focused on innovation and transformation, working with organisations and individuals who are driven to make a difference.
"Estu delivers exceptional training” (2025) – Ofsted
Estu brings a practitioner led approach grounded in design thinking, organisational psychology and strategic communication, making complex challenges simple, accessible and actionable. This complements Grant Thornton’s deep commercial insight, sector expertise and experience supporting organisations to translate strategy into measurable outcomes.
Together, we deliver programmes that support individuals to build confidence, capability and impact — as part of the Centre for Innovation & Change, spanning early-career development through to enterprise-wide transformation capability.
Why Estu?
- Practitioner led, real-world learning - Programmes are delivered by exceptional practitioners and industry experts, with learning rooted in live organisational challenges and real business priorities.
- Design led and user centred - Estu’s approach is grounded in service design and systems thinking, helping learners create solutions that are innovative, inclusive and built around real customer needs.
- Impact driven and accessible - Estu is committed to making learning simple, impactful and inclusive.
Take the next step
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