University Academy 92 (UA92) has partnered with Fujitsu on funding and employability initiatives for women in technology, including student bursaries and apprenticeship support for staff.
The arrangement includes £40,000 for UA92's Women in Tech activity. This will fund bursaries for six students over the next three years, alongside outreach, recruitment and events delivered through UA92 and its network of schools and colleges.
Fujitsu has also transferred £61,000 from its apprenticeship levy to UA92 to support apprenticeships for six female staff members, with an emphasis on upskilling.
Student bursaries
The bursaries sit within UA92's digital programme and are designed to help cover study costs and related living expenses. The wider package also aims to raise awareness of education routes and careers in digital roles, particularly for groups that remain underrepresented in parts of the technology sector.
One recipient, Kanik Peart, is studying Cyber Security at UA92 and said the award provides both financial relief and a sense of belonging in the industry.
"Since secondary school, I've wanted to pursue a career in cyber security. Being awarded the Fujitsu bursary has reassured me that I truly belong in the industry and has lifted a huge financial weight, allowing me to focus on my studies without worrying about covering basic living costs. It's inspiring to see companies investing in women and non-binary people in tech and helping to make the industry as a whole more inclusive. We need more initiatives like this." - Kanik Peart, First Year Cyber Security Student, University Academy 92.
Industry input
Alongside the funding, Fujitsu has contributed to course activity and careers engagement at UA92. This has included guest speaker sessions attended by more than 180 students, as well as participation in UA92's Festival of Wellbeing and careers fairs.
The programme has also included a hackathon and practical workshops covering generative AI and agile planning. The work forms part of UA92's wider approach, combining academic study with employer engagement.
Fujitsu described the partnership as part of its UK public sector social value work, with a focus on skills and inclusion. Kirsty Gallacher, Head of Social Value at Fujitsu, linked the work to workforce needs and longer-term skills development.
"Fujitsu values the opportunity to work with UA92 to invest in future talent and foster a more inclusive, highly skilled digital workforce. Digital skills are critical to the long-term success of our organisation, and this programme allows us to support people in learning, growing, and bringing fresh perspectives into the industry, while developing the capabilities we'll need for the years ahead," said Kirsty Gallacher, Head of Social Value, Fujitsu.
UA92 context
UA92 is a higher education institution co-founded by the Class of '92 and Lancaster University. It offers degrees and higher education courses across business, sport, media and digital subjects. Its main campus is in Old Trafford, Manchester, and it also operates a business school in Manchester city centre.
The institution positions itself around accessibility, social mobility and inclusivity, and works with employers across a range of sectors. Employer links support mentoring, guest lectures and work experience, alongside a personal development programme.
Sara Prowse, UA92 Chief Executive Officer, said the partnership supports the organisation's approach to access and inclusion while linking study to employment outcomes.
"We're proud to collaborate with Fujitsu to inspire and support women and non-binary people throughout their digital education. This partnership reinforces UA92's commitment to accessibility, empowerment and lifelong learning, whilst providing Fujitsu with a talent pipeline of work-ready graduates," said Sara Prowse, Chief Executive Officer, University Academy 92.
Further activity is planned next year, including expert-led sessions on sustainability and support for UA92's TechFest in March.