Sunderland trainers expand on apprenticeships wave

Sunderland’s Xiscad Training is expanding thanks to growing interest in apprenticeships.

The firm, which specialises in IT apprenticeship including software development, computer maintenance and design and networking, launched at the BIC in May 2012

Fom a small office and a classroom, the business now occupies six rooms at the centre including an additional 1,500 sq ft training suite.

Having trained over 70 apprentices on site to date, Xiscad Training’s expansion has resulted in another 40 posts being advertised.

The business was set up by Steven Carr, an experienced training manager and IT expert, with the aim of creating a unique apprenticeship programme that meets the needs of both the business and the apprentice.

He said: “We aim to provide a high-calibre apprentice with a high-quality skill set that will make them a long-term valuable asset to the business that employs them.

“We achieve this by providing a programme that is delivered based on both the employer’s requirements and an unrivalled learning experience for the apprentice themselves, one which covers the wider employment skills required by businesses.

To date, Xiscad has seen 78% of its 70 plus apprentices continue in employment or move into higher education, following their apprenticeships.

The company is in fact seeing the benefits of apprentices for itself, having employed several young people in full-time roles including; 19 year-olds Josh Summerside, who has been employed as a supervisor, administrator Laura Scott and assessor Samuel Cotterill.

Steven added: “There’s definitely been an increase in the number of young people recognising that apprenticeships are a viable route into a range of careers, including highly skilled, technical roles, and this has had a positive impact on the business, however we also attribute our growth to the unique way in which we operate.

“Our philosophy has always been to build our own business through nurturing and developing apprentices and we are certainly seeing the benefits of that approach.”

Colin Turnbull, IT manager at the BIC said: “Xiscad Training has experienced significant growth in such a short space of time and I’m delighted that the BIC has been able to accommodate the company’s evolving needs.

“Their unique business model is providing opportunities for young people across the region and is supplying businesses here with high-calibre apprentices. I hope the company continues to flourish and grow.”

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