Oakland Everything Data Launches First Academy to Support the Next Generation of Data Talent

Award-winning Leeds-based data consultancy Oakland has launched Oakland Futures, its first-ever training academy designed to fast-track ambitious talent into careers in data, AI and digital consultancy.

Positioned as an ‘Academy for the Ambitious’, Oakland Futures is a fully immersive four-week programme offering participants the rare opportunity to work on real projects for real clients with a full-time role at Oakland available upon completion.

Offering hands-on experience in the world of data consultancy.  Participants will also gain access to workshops and masterclasses delivered by Oakland experts in areas such as project management, cloud engineering, stakeholder engagement, and sales and marketing, providing a solid foundation for a long-term career in the fast-growing data sector.

With a client base that includes Network Rail, Vodafone, Yorkshire Water, and Hitachi Energy, Oakland is one of the UK’s leading data and AI consultancies. Named the ‘Third Best Consultancy to Work for in the UK 2025’ by Best Companies, Oakland celebrated their 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of data innovation. 

Lauren Lewis, Futures Lead at Oakland, “Oakland Futures is something I’ve been working on in the background, and I’m incredibly passionate about. At Oakland, we talk about ‘freedom to grow,’ and Oakland Futures is just that. It’s such a unique experience, it’s not all about theory; you’ll be hands-on, working with clients almost straight away, but in a brilliantly supportive environment, it really is an amazing opportunity.”

Rian Hoey, Talent Lead at Oakland, added, “We’ve named it Oakland Futures, representing a key goal for this academy, building bright futures for the next generation of data lovers who join us on this journey.”

The first cohort begins on 20th January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit: https://weareoakland.com/oakland-futures/