ConvergeOne Leading the Way in Apprentice Scheme Success

IT solutions VAR ConvergeOne has demonstrated that a lot of trust goes a long way with their successful apprentice scheme.

Manchester, UK, September 14, 2011 -- IT solutions VAR ConvergeOne has demonstrated that a lot of trust goes a long way with their successful apprentice scheme. The business, which is a Cisco Premier Partner and specialises in communications and network solutions, has run a successful apprentice scheme since its inception in 2008, and so far 6 young apprentices have either come through the scheme or are currently in the process of working towards completing their apprenticeship.

For ConvergeOne the apprentice route has been an integral part of their growth strategy. The business, which has grown from only 5 employees in 2009 to 17 today currently has 4 apprentices employed and made a conscious decision to pursue a growth strategy aligned to apprenticeships.

MD Mark Johnson said “The apprentice scheme has enabled us to train up young people to industry standard and has allowed us to grow and support our clients. The hardest part initially was making the decision to use the apprentice route rather than acquire the skills we needed to grow the business. There is a lot of responsibility involved and our apprentices work with some of our biggest clients, but we’ve never been let down and we would recommend other IT businesses to consider taking on an apprentice.”

Rob Brady has the accolade of being not only ConvergeOne’s first employee but also their first apprentice. Two years ago Rob made the bold decision to go straight into an apprentice scheme following his A levels, rather than opting for the popular route of going to University.

Now 21 and the same age as most graduates, Rob has a full time job, is a Cisco Certified Network Associate, has a level 3 NVQ, and is a Microsoft Certified Professional.

“When I left college after my A levels I knew I wanted a break from education and wanted to get started in a work place. ConvergeOne’s apprentice scheme meant that I could get my IT qualifications at the same time as some work experience. I’m now employed by ConvergeOne and am regularly at customer sites. I’m also continuing to gain qualifications and regularly go on training courses; I’m usually the youngest person there! I think I have the best of both worlds now, I have qualifications and work experience.”

Rob was the first of many apprentices who have come through ConvergeOne’s apprentice scheme. Most have come away with qualifications that will allow them to pursue a career in IT, being Microsoft and Cisco certified.

One young apprentice at ConvergeOne is pursuing an NVQ in business administration and started her apprenticeship at the company 2 months ago. Lauren Carpenter said of her experience, “I started at ConvergeOne a couple of months ago and I’ve already learnt so much about business. I came straight from college and knew I wanted to get some work experience rather than go to University. I’m getting training in business administration towards an NVQ Level 3.”

About ConvergeOne
ConvergeOne is one of the leading business communications specialists. With skills in Cisco based infrastructure, including security and wireless, collaboration, datacentre, virtualisation and storage technology. ConvergeOne works with its clients to deliver real business benefits that result in improved communications and efficiencies business wide. Their clients include Pannone LLP, Parity Group PLC, Color Matrix, Metropolitan Housing Group and Morson Group.
www.convergeone.co.uk

ConvergeOne is one of the leading business communications specialists. With skills in Cisco based infrastructure

Contact:
Jenny Walkinshaw
ConvergeOne Ltd
2 Digital Park, Pacific Way, Salford Quays
Manchester, UK M50 1DR
07971-280-640
jenny.walkinshaw@convergeone.co.uk
http://www.convergeone.co.uk

This release was published on openPR.