Partner Article

ITPS proves just the job for apprentices

DATA centre expert ITPS is continuing its commitment to young talent by increasing its apprenticeship pool to six, as the business looks to looks to strengthen its skills pipeline to meet demand for its services.

ITPS has been committed to training young people since the business was founded in 2000, firstly through the YTS scheme and subsequently through apprenticeships, and its in-house scheme has helped more than 36 young people kick start a career in IT.

The Gateshead-based business specialises in integrated IT consultancy, implementation and support services, unified communications and workspace recovery, employing 103 people at its bases in Gateshead and Chester le Street. Last year saw the announcement of the creation of a £4m data centre, the biggest in the North East, which will create at least 25 jobs.

Joining ITPS’s technical services and field engineer teams, the apprentices gain practical skills by working alongside engineers at base and out in the field, backed up by formal training sessions. The scheme sees apprentices qualify with NVQs in a range of ICT disciplines, and a large proportion of them go on to be offered permanent jobs with ITPS.

First year apprentice Phill Housego explains what drew him to an apprenticeship: “I heard about the ITPS scheme through my brother who is a principal technical consultant, so I knew about the company’s good reputation and that it would be a great place to start my career in IT.

“Although I left college with a BTec Level 3 diploma in networking and systems support, my lack of experience made it impossible to find a job so I was delighted to be offered a two-year apprenticeship place. “I’m working as a first line support engineer, shadowing colleagues on the help desk. Every day brings new challenges and eight months into the programme I’m really enjoying it.

“Because I already have some qualifications all my work is practically-based, and assessed by my line manager and my assessor at NECC. I am earning while I learn and getting experience under my belt that will stand my career in good stead. I’m lucky that my apprenticeship gives me the best of both worlds.” Phill is one of a six-strong team of apprentices in the business, working across its support and unified communications teams. The business has plans to extend the scheme across other areas of the business this year.

ITPS’s Sarah Seymour, who was recently appointed HR Officer and young people champion, said: “Combining practical work with nationally-recognised qualifications gives the apprentices a good foundation on which to build their career.

“It’s important to give young people opportunities, but our apprenticeship programme is not simply about doing the right thing as an employer. Our apprentices add real commercial value while gaining the knowledge and experience that will benefit their careers. The result is a scheme that benefits them while supporting our business and its growth.”

NECC Chief Executive, James Ramsbotham, said: “ITPS is an excellent example of the high quality apprenticeships available to young people who are looking to take their first step on the career ladder. “It is fantastic to see how the company is fully committed to the training agenda and recognises the genuine value a good, well-trained apprentice can bring to a modern business.”

ITPS managing director Garry Sheriff added: “The apprenticeship approach to gaining skills and experience is beneficial to those that are better suited to practical learning. This builds confidence that is useful in the classroom and the workplace. Over the last 15 years we have found some star staff via our apprenticeship programme.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by ITPS Ltd .