Apprenticeship schemes are an increasingly popular way for young people to enter the working world, allowing them to learn a trade and gain experience, whilst earning a wage. The one-year trainee programme at Inspired Technology has been a great success, with a number of local people employed as apprentices and being able to access funding for their role, including training at college.
Testament to the scheme is 19-year-old marketing apprentice Rebecca Jones, who is currently working on the company’s website as well as designing brochures. Commenting on the opportunity, she said: “It’s been a great experience and I’ve gained invaluable experience. As an apprentice, you can go much further in a shorter amount of time, when compared to a three-year degree programme.”
Trainee Finance Assistant Ellis Akerman, working as an apprentice in the finance and administration department for the last 11 months, said: “This has been a great opportunity and I’ve really enjoyed my time at Inspired. The company is expanding and there’s so much scope to carve out a career in the IT industry. And best of all, I don’t have to worry about student fees and debts along the way.”
Ian Burns, Director at Inspired Technology commented: “It is essential that businesses invest in young people through apprenticeships. Apprentices offer a fresh perspective, new ideas and are fundamental to our future skills requirements.”
With the government investing £18m in Tech Partnership, an initiative to encourage the nation to be more tech-minded in order grow the global digital economy, it’s predicted the number of IT specialists in the UK could rise to 1.6m by 2024, representing a 28% increase on the previous decade.