As A-level results are announced today, school leavers will be pleased to learn that IBM has developed its first ever apprenticeship programme in the UK. Drawing on e-skills UK’s expertise and experience, the scheme has been designed as another strand in IBM’s strategy to develop its current and future workforce. In previous years, IBM has recruited graduates and offered student placements, but this is the first time that IBM has offered apprenticeship vacancies.
The global IT & business consultancy has 20 vacancies for exceptional young people, who would prefer to start their IBM career now, rather than go to university. IBM requires a special set of skills, and is looking for people who have energy, creativity and who are passionate about the area they want to apply to.
In return, IBM is offering a 2 year development programme, including industry-leading training, challenging job roles and excellent long-term career prospects after the completion of the apprenticeship. There are also opportunities on offer within IBM’s Global Business Services unit, with a range of roles available in Application Management functions.
Parviz Daneshvar, Professional Development Manager at IBM who has been working closely with e-skills UK to develop IBM’s Apprenticeships said: “IBM sees apprenticeships as an excellent way of developing the skills of our future workforce, and we are excited to be launching this new programme. IBM has received invaluable advice from the e-skills UK team to help with the implementation of this apprenticeship scheme.”
Karen Price, Chief Executive of e-skills UK, welcomed the launch of IBM Apprenticeships, and said: “IT apprenticeships are a great way of going straight from school into a fast-paced and rewarding sector with excellent career prospects. We are pleased to have worked alongside IBM in the design and development of their apprenticeship scheme as part of our commitment to promote apprenticeships throughout the sector.”
e-skills UK has been working with employers including IBM, BT, Cable & Wireless, O2, HP and Fujitsu to design IT & Telecoms apprenticeship programmes which meet the current and future skills need of the industry. More than 4,000 people completed an IT & Telecoms apprenticeship in 2009, while apprenticeship completion rates have improved from 48% in 2004/5 to 83% in 2009/10.
e-skills UK has also developed a new apprenticeship programme to help small and medium-sized businesses. Working in partnership with Microsoft, we are helping SMEs in Microsoft’s network of business partners to take advantage of apprenticeships.
The Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship programme gives small and medium sized technology businesses a time-efficient and cost-effective way to hire and train new staff. All key Microsoft Certifications are included in the structured training and development programme, which is delivered by QA, funded by government, and supported by e-skills UK. This means that the apprentice develops the competence and knowledge needed to make a meaningful contribution to the business within the first six months.
Find out more about e-skills Apprenticeships