THE founder of a leading IT firm that specialises in education says more companies should consider hiring apprentices so they can grow their own talent.
Lee Jepson, who runs L.E.A.D. IT Services, in Pride Park, has kept on nine of the 13 apprentices the company has hired over the last decade and says they have become an integral part of the business.
Now, during National Apprenticeship Week, Lee is recruiting for a further two apprentices to join the business – which supports 70% of the schools in Derby with their IT needs – as a field technician and a help desk support worker.
They could follow in the footsteps of 24-year-old Emma Wallis, who started as an apprentice six years ago and is now a deputy line manager, responsible for a team of first line technicians.
She said: “I didn’t have loads of IT skills when I started working here, but I enjoyed the customer service side of the role. Today I have worked my way up the ranks a little and would like to have a management role eventually, particularly because I enjoy working with people.
“There are so many advantages to doing an apprenticeship, not least that you get paid while you learn, but I also think you grow as a person when you are learning in the workplace, much more so than you would at university.”
When Sarah Thompson started her apprenticeship at L.E.A.D. IT she was following in her brother’s footsteps – as he had already gone through exactly the same process with the firm.
Sarah, who previously attended Littleover Community School, has been with the company for eight months as she completes a level three digital marketing apprenticeship with the firm.
The 23-year-old had previously been to De Montford University, in Leicester, but after deciding that university life wasn’t for her, she opted for the apprenticeship route.
And a position at L.E.A.D. IT came highly recommended – four years ago Sarah’s brother successfully completed his own apprenticeship, as a front line technician, with the company.
Sarah said: “I absolutely love my role here and enjoy all the different elements of it, including the social media posting and organising of events.
“We held an event at the end of last year and it was my job to invite all the headteachers and technical leads to join us so they could learn how digital tools, technologies and resources can be used for all subject and year groups.
“The best thing about being an apprentice is that you get paid to learn and you don’t end up thousands of pounds in debt. I’d really recommend it.”
L.E.A.D. IT Services work with several multi-academy trusts across the country including Reach2 and L.E.A.D. Academy Trust. The firm help schools with their technology and IT needs to enhance learning opportunities for as many children and young people as possible.
Staff have also been working with the Embark Federation, carrying out a large infrastructure and AV upgrade on one of the its secondary schools Aldercar High School, in Nottingham. This was completed over a week period to refresh and upgrade all of the networking equipment, interactive whiteboards and computers in line with the trusts ICT Strategy.
Director Lee Jepson said: “We find that many of the apprentices we hire are full of enthusiasm and are keen to learn, which allows us to shape employees who grow alongside the business.
“Of course, young people are often ahead of the game when it comes to IT and so everyone benefits from this expertise. I would heartily recommend giving apprentices a chance – ours have been an integral part of L.E.A.D. IT’s growth.”
This story was written and shared on behalf of L.E.A.D. IT by Sarah Newton. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
