IT apprentices starting with outsourcing giant EDS are doing
"billable work within months", according to training
managers.
The scheme takes school leavers with five GCSEs as part of the
Government's Modern Apprenticeship initiative.
EDS has 280 apprentices and says 25 have graduated since the scheme
began in 1997. About half are based in Telford - the site or the
EDS-run Inland Revenue system.
Dave Taylor, acting head of the programme, said the company had
achieved rapid return on investment. "Some of our young people,
particularly if they are using the Microsoft Office top set can be
delivering good, valued, billable work within months," said
Taylor.
Gwynne Hodges, programme manager with the EDS University, confirmed
that hiring young people direct from school or college was key to
the firm's continued ability to grow. "To be able to continue to
service the business that we have won, want to win and are winning,
we need to continue to grow our population we need to take people
in at entry level."
Taylor said the mix of job functions aimed for on the course had
changed since its launch. Of the original intake, perhaps 90% were
destined to become programmers but now about 50% are programmers
and the rest are installing and supporting IT."
Despite the downturn in demand for Cobol skills, some apprentices
are still being trained in the language. Taylor said, "Starting off
with a legacy system like Cobol is not exactly sexy but it's a good
place to learn your trade."
EDS modern apprenticeships
1. 280 trainees working across 24 business units based in
Swansea, Telford, Blackpool, Worthing, Luton and High Wycombe
2. Five GCSEs required including Maths and English at grade
C
3. Course lasts between 30 months and four years, leading to
NVQ Level 2 and 3
4. Typically recruits people aged 17-19
5. Men outnumber women four-to-one
6. Attrition rate is "below national average of 12.7%" and is
falling.
Paul Mason
paul.mason@rbi.co.uk