A flourishing IT company has created opportunities for ten apprentices after linking up with Skillsbase.

Turnover at ARC IT Solutions has leapt 62% in 2010 and has encouraged the firm to take on five new employees. And rather than take the traditional route of bringing in experienced engineers, bosses have decided to give opportunities to the technicians of tomorrow.

The Stoke-on-Trent-based company has agreed a deal with Leek-based Skillsbase to provide work placements for the 20 best-performing students from Leek College over the next three years.

And once they've completed their placements, the most successful will be offered 12 month apprenticeships, to begin after their qualifications.

ARC IT Director Andy Rafferty said: "Our success has encouraged us to move into larger offices and expand our workforce, with five new positions created so far this year.

"We want to continue our growth by offering opportunities to young people, or those who have been out of work for a long time, or are struggling to get the opportunity to prove themselves.

"We know the College's training is to a high standard and always produces a high calibre of student, and with them on our doorstep, a partnership with them is a no-brainer."

Skillsbase Commercial Manager Mara Hargreaves said: "We are delighted to work in partnership with ARC IT Solutions, to support them in training their apprentices, who will help to underpin the further growth of this already successful company."