“One year ago, I was working in a warehouse, now I’m in my dream job” – How one Manchester man transformed his life

A Manchester man has shared the experience of his unconventional route into the technology sector in the hopes of inspiring other young people to follow their dreams.

Dawid Urbanski, 28, transformed his life when he made the decision to leave his job as a warehouse worker and enrol onto a programme with North West-based social enterprise, Agent Academy, describing it as his “last chance” to break into industry.

Dawid had previously obtained qualifications relating to the creative media industry, but like many graduates had no luck in landing a job that related to his studies. After three years working at a warehouse where he had desperately taken a role in a bid to help him with the cost of living, Dawid decided it was now or never if he was to ever pursue his dreams in a job he was passionate about.

With a talent for storytelling, Dawid wanted to explore how he could translate that into a career in the creative, digital and tech sectors. Shortly after completing the free Agent Academy programme in 2021, Dawid secured a role with global consultancy firm CGI, something he never imagined he could achieve.

Now, just one year after being appointed to the role at CGI, Dawid has already progressed into a consultant position at the firm.

Dawid Urbanski, Business Graduate at CGI, said:

“Before I found Agent Academy, I was stuck in a warehouse job that forced me to work long hours to support myself and my mum, I had no idea how to land a job in the creative and digital industry and I didn’t have time or energy to find out after long shifts. Deciding to make the leap, by joining this programme not only changed my career opportunities, but it changed my life.

“This time last year I was working in a warehouse, now I’m in my dream job working my way up the ladder. The tech sector was not something I thought would be an option for me, mainly because of my past experience and qualifications, however Agent Academy showed me there are so many alternative routes into a better career and I had so many transferable skills too.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that I gained from meeting Manchester business leaders who shared their experience with me during my time on the programme. Without a doubt, I could not have landed my job with CGI without the introductions, training, and interview prep I gained. A year into my role, I’m absolutely loving it and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.”

Launched in 2014, Agent Academy was born as a solution to helping young people secure careers in the digital, tech and creative sectors and now acts as a key player in responding to the UK’s growing skills gap. Its Rise programme offers young people, aged 18 – 30, the opportunity to progress quickly into their desired industry and gain invaluable experience through an industry-designed curriculum, live client brief, and introduction to numerous industry experts.

Zoe Wallace, Director at Agent Academy, said:

“This is what it’s all about for us; transforming the lives of young people who may not have the means to start their career in the creative, digital, and tech industry. Partnering with CGI and giving our learners the chance of securing careers that were unreachable before was a massive step in levelling the playing field for the next generation of talent in Greater Manchester and we can’t wait to continue creating impact.

“In order for the North to level up, we need to make sure that everyone who wants to, has the opportunity to access great career prospects in these key growth industries. We want to play our role in making this a reality and Dawid’s journey is testament to this.” 

To date, Agent Academy has helped create more than 300 long-term jobs for young people in the sector, generating over £17m in accumulative salaries.

To find out more about Agent Academy, visit: www.agentacademy.org.uk