Member Article

Wakefield IT firm expands through Apprenticeships with Baltic Training

WAKEFIELD based business IT specialists Bellingham IT have boosted their team of support technicians with the recruitment of a second apprentice through Baltic Training Services.

Matthew Harris, aged 18, from Alverthorpe, Wakefield joins the company from New College Pontefract where he has recently achieved top marks in a triple IT BTEC course.

Bellingham IT provide high quality bespoke IT advice and implementation for SMEs. In October 2014 they took on their first apprentice, Ellis Ingham who has since completed his level 3 apprenticeship through Baltic Training and is now working towards achieving His level 4 IT professional Apprenticeship.

“Apprenticeships fit our company’s ethos. For me, it’s about developing young people and giving them opportunities. The technology sector is very hands-on and as young people pick up new things very quickly, apprenticeships are a good way for them to learn and the programmers that Baltic training deliver are exact thing we were looking for when it came to choosing a provider. “ said Bellingham IT MD Paul Heigham.

“The right attitude is absolutely everything as is past work experience in a retail environment which shows customer service and team working skills plus a good work ethic. Matthew is also practically minded, easy to get along with and has an interest in technology which, in an IT company is a must!”

Matthew was attracted to the role with Bellingham IT because it provided an alternative to university and a means of learning that was more suited to him. An Apprenticeship is an option that as well as continuing his training in an industry he is passionate about, will provide Matthew with real-world experience and a regular income.

“I didn’t want to spend several thousands of pounds doing a course at university which I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy. I realised I am more of a practical, hands-on type of learner and the apprenticeship with was the best route for me to go down” he said.

Outside of Bellingham IT’s office in Unity Works, Westgate, Matthew can be found at football, either playing for newly formed Sunday league team, Wakefield Owls or supporting Leeds United.

He is also a keen musician having played the trumpet for 11 years in Wakefield Youth Orchestra, Wakefield Youth Brass Band and Wakefield Youth Symphony.

Good luck to Matthew as he completes his Level 3 apprenticeship, with plans already in motion to progress him onto his Level 4 upon completion.

For more information on Bellingham IT and their services and products please click here, and for more information on Baltic Training and the various IT Apprenticeship programmes they deliver please click here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Shae Dickman .