Northgate Managed Services launches 100 new IT apprenticeships
07 February 2011
Northgate Managed Services is providing new job opportunities and training to 100 school leavers in communities where the company is based, offering them a direct route into a long-term career in IT. With successful schemes already running in Northern Ireland, Northgate is bucking the current economic trend for downsizing and has extended its IT Apprenticeship Scheme in 5 regions across Englandą with the support of the Skills Funding Agency.
Employing over 1,300 people, Northgate is helping to convert young people's enthusiasm for technology, into a profession they can excel in. In addition to its existing Graduate schemes, Northgate is directly targeting 16-18 year olds via an 18 month on-the-job training scheme with on-going recruitment throughout 2011.
Northgate's 'earn as you learn' apprenticeship combines NVQ 3 IT systems and support educational study, with hands-on training. As with every Northgate employee, each apprentice is given their own personal development plan, with a mixture of online and classroom training which develops core skills and competencies such as communication, time management, customer service, problem solving and many more. Each apprentice is allocated a mentor and 'buddy' to support and advise them throughout the programme. On completion of the scheme, every successful apprentice will hold a formal NVQ qualification; possess 18 months of work experience and the potential for them to move into permanent positions in Northgate.
Andy Ross, Chief Executive, Northgate Managed Services, comments: "As a successful and growing IT services company we are committed to working with young people in the communities where we are based. Many people seem to believe that a university degree is the only route to a career within the IT sector. This isn't the case and by offering an IT Apprenticeship Scheme to school leavers, we are developing a qualified and talented workforce that will help us grow our business."
Simon Waugh, of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), said: "We are delighted that Northgate Managed Services are investing in an IT Apprenticeship programme in England. The announcement further highlights that employers in a wide range of sectors understand the value of Apprenticeships to their organisation. Day after day we hear how Apprenticeships have increased productivity, improved loyalty and given a great return on investment for companies. Apprenticeship Week is the time to celebrate these successes - and urge more companies to reap the benefits for themselves too."
Northgate Managed Services provides a wide range of IT services to private sector, public sector and third sector organisations across the UK. The company supports over 2,000 customers with 420,000 end-users responding to over 100,000 service desk calls annually.
To apply, candidates must hold a GCSE in Maths and English and most importantly have an interest and passion for ICT. For further information or to apply, please visit the web site at www.northgate-is.com/managedservices or alternatively email info@northgate-is.com
