Member Article

Traineeship lands technology fan a software role

An innovative programme designed to accelerate young people into careers in the software sector has landed a former call-centre worker a job with a growing technology company.

29 year-old Peter Light, from South Shields, attended the six-day Go Reboot programme run by Sunderland Software City in January and has been appointed as a web developer at Sunderland-based recruit-tech firm Geek Talent.

The Go Reboot programme gives young people not in employment, education or training an insight into different companies, careers and training opportunities in the technology sector in the North East.

During the programme, participants are introduced to local technology companies, job roles and employment and training routes and are supported into further education or jobs.

Peter was introduced to Geek Talent’s traineeship opportunity during Go Reboot and subsequently spent 12 weeks working with the company’s data scientists and software engineers to develop an equality and diversity application for social property maintenance group Mears.

The Geek Talent traineeship is designed to help young people interested in tech to learn technical skills whilst working on commercial projects in a workplace environment.

Having impressed the company with his abilities and enthusiasm Peter was offered a full-time role within the company after completing the traineeship.

Peter, who was referred to the Go Reboot course from the National Careers Service, said: “I’d previously worked in customer service but wanted a job I was passionate about.

“Technology has always been an interest of mine, and the Go Reboot course opened my eyes to opportunities that I wasn’t aware existed in the North East.

“The programme and the subsequent traineeship has not just lead me into a job, but given me the opportunity to progress in a career with real prospects.”

Dominic Murphy, Geek Talent Managing Director said: “The traineeship is designed to take participants through the life cycle of product development in the tech industry; learning coding, design and project management skills whilst working on real applications and solutions for clients.

“We were impressed by Peter’s passion for tech and how quickly and enthusiastically he applied himself to new skills and challenges.

“I’m delighted Peter has joined our team at Geek Talent and look forward to working with him as he progresses in what will be an exciting and rewarding career in the tech industry.”

Peter had previously received support from the Shaw Trust, which supports individuals with disabilities into work and training.

Jill McKinney, training manager at Sunderland Software City said: “Go Reboot is not just about exposing young people who are currently not in employment, education or training to career and development opportunities in the technology sector but also raising confidence in their abilities and suitability for the sector.

“The programme has proved that after just a small amount of exposure to the sector young people are enthusiastically pursuing new opportunities and gateways into long-term and lucrative employment.”

Sunderland Software City is taking applications for the next Go Reboot course, for more information or to enrol please call 0191 5623349. For more information about Geek Talent please visit www.geektalent.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Amy Watson .