Member Article

Council awards Tech-firm's commitment to apprenticeships

A North Shields based IT consultancy has been awarded one of the first Apprenticeship Standard accreditations in recognition of its commitment to high quality apprenticeship opportunities.

The standard was officially launched by North Tyneside Council to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week in March this year and serves to support and promote the range of high quality apprenticeships delivered within North Tyneside.

Launched by software development firm Wolf Group, their IT training academy is one of the first programmes of its kind in the region, setup to help combat the IT skills shortage.

Managing Director of Wolf Group, Marc Fowler, said: “As a company we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact apprenticeship programmes have on both businesses and young people. Apprentices are equipped for the workplace more practically thanks to real life work experience, while businesses benefit from a new pool of talent with fresh ideas.”

By providing training to meet a range growing digital needs that are typically in short supply, the Wolf Academy provides the skills required for roles such as programmers, developers and analysts.

Fowler added: “We are thrilled to receive the Apprenticeship Standard accreditation and encourage other organisations to provide similar opportunities for young people where possible.”

So far, around 30 businesses have received the council’s accreditation - ranging from decorators to engineering companies.

North Tyneside Council’s Principal Manager for Employment and Skills, Shona Duncan, said: “The council is keen to encourage local organisations employing an apprentice to sign up to its ‘Apprenticeship Standard’ as it will help raise awareness within the local business community of the benefits a quality apprenticeship can deliver.”

Presently around 15 apprentices are enrolled on the Wolf Academy’s programme. It’s hoped the initiative will not only reduce unemployment in North Tyneside but also help to create and sustain a reputation for innovation, technology and software development in the region.

Wolf Group has been established for almost 16 years and provides IT consultancy and software solutions to SMEs and corporates.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Wolf Group .