Ideagen Plc, a UK-based leading supplier of compliance based information management software, has announced the adoption of the new Microsoft apprenticeship scheme that will provide employment opportunities for participants within the East Midlands region.
The new Microsoft apprenticeship from Remit IT Academy, the training provider of apprenticeships across the UK, is a twelve-month long initiative and offers participants pay and qualifications, as well as an opportunity to gain permanent positions. The programme allows participants to gain an Advanced Apprenticeship at Level 3, the equivalent of two A levels. The time apprentices dedicate to the programme is divided between their place of work and the IT Academy.
Apprentices learn practical skills by spending time in a real working environment. By shadowing qualified members of staff, apprentices learn first-hand how to go about the job. At the end of the programme and after passing the final exams, participants obtain CompTIA and Microsoft certification.
Ideagen’s announcement continues the company’s commitment to providing work opportunities for young people.
David Hornsby, CEO of Ideagen Plc, said: “Our new Microsoft openings are a great way for apprentices to improve their skills in the world of IT. Our programme is aimed at developing the young talent and helping them implement their knowledge in real life projects.”
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, participants will gain the following academic qualifications and MS certifications:
- Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence
- Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles for Apprentices
- Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and Outlook
- CompTIA A+ certification
- Microsoft Networking Fundamentals certification
- Microsoft Windows 7, Configuring certification
- Microsoft Windows 7, Enterprise DST certification
- MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional), Title
Tom Pearson is Ideagen’s first apprentice in this scheme. Tom’s time at Ideagen is split between two sections: 20% is spent working towards his academic qualifications and Microsoft certification, and 80% on being an active member of the team.
Here’s what he told Ideagen:
What motivated you to choose Microsoft apprenticeship programme with Ideagen?
I chose not to go to college or university and go down the apprenticeship route as I am a very practical person. I learn better doing things than sitting in the classroom. I am very happy with my decision so far. My apprenticeship at Ideagen Plc is as a Software Support Technician.
How were your first two weeks at your apprenticeship with Ideagen?
I really enjoyed them. Everyone is easy to get along with and I'm having a great time. My team is really helpful and I have learnt a lot already. Ideagen has been really good to me and have bought me a new computer to help me with my work and studying. I have even been allowed a day off for my driving test!
How will this apprenticeship help you with your personal and professional development?
This apprenticeship will help me in so many ways. Being made redundant from a previous apprenticeship was a really big blow. I put so much effort into studying to be told I am no longer entitled to the qualification I worked for was devastating. After being made unemployed for the first time since I finished school I decided I have better things to do with my time than sit at home all day watching TV!
Being offered the position has made my family and friends extremely proud of me. This apprenticeship will change my life for the better, forever. It will help me get my foot onto the career ladder. Jobs nowadays are really hard to come by, especially at my age with limited experience. I am extremely grateful that I was offered the position at Ideagen, this will give me a much better chance at having a successful future.
What do you expect to learn during this scheme?
During this apprenticeship I will be learning a lot of things, mainly involved around IT support. I will be helping clients resolve issues they may be having. This will involve talking to customers on the phone, using remote viewing software to control and fix errors with their computers and much more. The skills I learn will be an invaluable asset to me in the future. IT aside, I am really looking forward to gaining experience within a professional business environment as well as receiving my qualifications at the end of the scheme. Being paid for learning is just a huge bonus!
Jamie was nominated by
his employer for his hard work and commitment throughout his
apprenticeship. He was commended in particular for managing the
difficulty of moving to a different training provider halfway through
his apprenticeship.
Remit was selected to
help Jamie complete his apprenticeship, but the transition did mean
Jamie’s learning took longer than anticipated. He was commended by his
assessor, manager and colleagues for maintaining a positive attitude
towards the difficulties, all of which were out of his control.
Hugh Milward, Director
of Corporate Affairs at Microsoft, said: “There is a huge wealth of
talent here in the UK and it’s really important to celebrate the
achievements of these apprentices, who have developed their skills and
started an apprenticeship during tough economic times. These young
people are now firmly on the career ladder as 93% of Microsoft
apprentices stay with our partner businesses and move into a fully
qualified role.”
Mark
Hoban MP, Minister of State for Employment, said: “This government is
committed to ensuring our young people are given the best chance to get
on in life. In order for the scheme to work we rely on businesses like
Microsoft opening their doors to aspirational young people, giving them
the opportunity to gain the skills and training they need to get into
work.”
Remit is one of just four training providers working alongside Microsoft in the UK to deliver apprenticeships. The company has IT Academies in the North, South (London) and the Midlands, with apprentices working with local employers across the country.
The IT apprenticeship can be
completed in twelve months and is a combination of training and
experience with an employer coupled with off-the-job training blocks.
Once they have completed their training, apprentices will have gained
qualifications equivalent to A Levels.
To
apply you must have GCSE grades C or above in Maths and English. If you
have predicted GCSE grades for this year’s exams, this would also be
accepted for an initial application.
For more information, or to apply for an IT apprenticeship with Remit IT Academy, please call 01623 410020, visit the website: www.remit.co.uk, like the Facebook page ‘Remit Group’ or follow @RemitTraining @Remit_IT
