Pictured above: (l-r)  Tutor  - Ben McCarthy,  Apprentices-  Rebecca Ward, Thomas Griffiths, Adrian Price, Daniel Llewellyn, Adam Abram, Nathan Parkes 

Shropshire's largest Training provider is seeking local businesses to offer work experience to newly trained IT technicians. 

Information Technology (IT) plays a central role in the efficient delivery of many modern businesses. With computers found in almost all industries and at the centre of our everyday working life, there is an increasing need from businesses to employ specialist staff to support their use. 

Ben McCarthy, IT Tutor at Couny Training commented  "The world of technology is constantly changing, providing exciting opportunities for young people interested in developing a career in IT and offering efficiencies for businesses who embrace the changes".

Following demand for training in this fast advancing area,  County Training, part of Shropshire Council have recently launched their new  'IT Academy'  where expert IT tutors train young apprentices with the skills they need to start their careers as IT technicians or support systems professionals. Once they have completed their classroom/workshop taught sessions, apprentices are required to complete a practical work experience placements where they can develop the skills they have learned by providing general IT support, and specialist technical help in particular areas.  

If your business uses IT or computer based systems for staff to carry out their daily tasks why not consider offering a placement… an apprentice could  go on to  play a crucial part in maintaining and developing your organisations computer networks.

Laura Havercroft, Engagement Officer at County Training commented "IT will continue to be the key element that enables businesses to grow,  and many businesses are already reaping the  benefits of recruiting these keen young staff".

Will Weston, Owner of Galaxy Computer Services on Tarporley Road in Whitchurch commented. "As a sole trader having an apprentice who is learning relevant skills in an invaluable extra set of hands. Our Apprentice Adam is learning to solve problems and faults with computers which helps with the tasks we do on a day to day basis. He went on to say. "The apprenticeship programme is a great way to train young people, and I would recommend that all businesses who use computers take on an IT student ".

"At Galaxy Computers we offer a mobile IT sales, support and repair services to local businesses and home users and I'm confident many of the organisations we work with would  benefit from having someone trained, onsite to help their existing staff  with heir computers problems". 

County Training's Apprenticeships are aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds and help prepare them for successful careers through a combination of on and off the job learning. On the job they gain experience while working with a partner company. Off the job they work towards a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) as well as gain key skills qualifications in numeracy and literacy.

How you can get involved? 

With a number of enthusiastic and highly skilled young people seeking apprenticeship placements County Training are looking for Shropshire businesses to provide placements for an IT apprentice working a minimum of 16 hours a week or more. 

If you are able to share your expertise and experience and would be willing to offer the opportunity of work experience placements at your business,  or If you are seeking to recruit employees with fresh knowledge and an enthusiasm to learn offering an apprenticeship placement could be the ideal route for your business.

To  find out more about the benefits of Apprenticeships please contact County Training: 01743 255191.