As part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, two budding young software developers embarking on a ground breaking new IT apprenticeship scheme from e-skills UK met with Skills Minister John Hayes to share their experience of their first weeks on the job, and talk about their ambitions for the future.
The apprentices, Rebecca Cross and Yussuf Burke, are recent additions to the software development team at Parliamentary ICT, and part of the first cohort of apprentices starting out on e-skills UK’s recently launched Software and Web Developer Apprenticeship programme, supported by the National Apprenticeship Service.
John Hayes said: “I was delighted to meet these two very inspirational apprentices and see first-hand how apprenticeships offer an invaluable and unparalleled opportunity to learn skills on the job while gaining a qualification.
“I want to see more apprenticeships like these, teaching high-level, high-tech skills. They help young people to build successful careers in the industries of the future and in turn they will make businesses grow, driving prosperity and national pride.
“That’s why we’re improving and expanding the Apprenticeships programme – providing more funding and raising the profile of apprenticeships as a viable alternative to a university education.”
During the visit, the Minister was keen to hear what the apprentices had been learning so far, as well as where they hoped their career in IT would take them. Yussuf Burke, who, at sixteen, is one of the youngest apprentices on the programme, spoke of his ambitions to one day be a Project Manager and lead a team of software developers: “I’ve been passionate about IT from a young age and I always knew I wanted to have a career in the IT industry. From the moment I had my first computer I would spend hours learning how to do new things on it.” Already, he is relishing his new role: “I’m thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship so far. There’s a lot of information to take in, but I find I’m getting the hang of things very quickly as the work is very practical.”
Rebecca Cross told the Minister that she believes the best thing about being an apprentice is being able to get real workplace experience alongside a qualification. She said: “I decided to do an IT apprenticeship because it enables you to work and learn at the same time. My first week has been fantastic - everyone has been very welcoming, offering to help if I had any problems, which made settling in that bit easier. I’d advise any young person to look into apprenticeships in areas they are interested in as I think they’re an extremely worthwhile opportunity.”
Karen Price, Chief Executive of e-skills UK, said: “e-skills UK is proud to be supporting National Apprenticeship Week. It is important that we help businesses to develop the technology skills of their workforce in-house. IT apprenticeships, like our new Software and Web Developer programme, are an ideal and cost effective way for companies to do this. We’re very pleased to support UK business in this way, and to provide individuals, particularly young people, with an unparalleled opportunity to join this exciting and dynamic sector with excellent career prospects.”
Natalia Acevedo, Head of HR and Development at Parliamentary ICT, said: “Parliamentary ICT is very excited to be part of a pioneering group of employers working with e-skills UK to develop new methods for attracting, developing and retaining talent in the UK ICT industry. By supporting the development of IT apprenticeships in the workplace we seek to offer a quality alternative for school leavers to develop the skills they need to support IT organisations now and in the future, as well as providing the opportunity for generic work experience in the unique environment that is the Houses of Parliament.”
Find out more about offering apprenticeships at your company