Atos starts search for 100 ICT apprentices in UK
IT firm Atos has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing apprenticeship opportunities for 17-24 year olds by opening its search to find around 100 new ICT apprentices in the UK this year. The apprentices will receive a combination of formal training and developing programmes, offering them the opportunity to build a career in IT and technology.
The Atos Apprenticeship Scheme
Atos’ Apprenticeship Scheme was first launched in 2010 in response to “a large ICT talent gap amongst 17-24 year olds”. According to the firm, the programme offers an alternative route to the traditional university option, allowing apprentices to build a career in IT through its formal training, including the teaching of specialist skills such as cyber security and project management, development programmes, combined with a number of recognised qualifications. All apprentices are offered a permanent position from day one.
Commenting on the apprenticeship scheme, Ursula Morgenstern, CEO at Atos UK & Ireland, says: “Our apprenticeship programme gives bright and motivated 17-24 year olds an opportunity to get on the career ladder with a global company, working on exciting and varied projects. Our apprentices have had an incredibly important impact on our business providing the teams they join with a fresh perspective from a generation who are digital natives.”
Atos recently announced that it has started a campaign to recruit around 100 new ICT apprentices in 2015. The firm will recruit from numerous locations across the Midlands, South East, North West, North East and London, and actively approach schools and colleges in its local business areas with details of the scheme. “We are searching for the best and brightest apprentices to join our team. Although our scheme is relatively new we have been proactive in contacting schools in our local business areas, offering workshops and talks from our employees to teach young people about potential careers in technology,” explains Jane Williams, Atos HR Director.
This year, Atos will specifically focus its effort on bridging the gender gap between the apprentices by trying to encourage more women to join the organisation.
Apprenticeships
Atos is not the only consulting firm offering young people alternative routes to secure a career. Recently, Capita announced the launch of its engineering apprenticeship scheme. Furthermore, Accenture expanded its UK Technology Apprenticeship to 100 apprentices and KPMG the tripled the number of intakes of its school leaver work experience programme.
