My company, Atlas Computer Systems would not exist had
it not been for our involvement in the
Apprenticeship programme, writes Simon
Swords, manager atAtlas Computer
Systems.
I met my business partner through the programme, and taking on
apprentices has enabled us to scale up our business organically at
a time when we had no other means of finding suitable people to
bring on to our small team.
I had been aware of the Apprenticeships programme for several
years following my employment at an organisation specialising in
training. It was during this time that I realised the incredible
results an Apprenticeship could have on a business if enthusiastic
learners and committed employers were matched with each other.
Shortly after starting Atlas three years ago, my business
partner and I were stuck in a vicious circle. We required extra
hands to cope with our growing customer base but didn't possess the
contacts or the financial means to attempt a large scale
recruitment drive. It was then that we made the decision to get in
touch with a local training provider and ask them to locate a
learner to meet our requirements.
We were happy to take on a learner that didn't have the
technical know-how, as we knew this would be a long-term investment
in terms of our time and effort.
Our first apprentice, Steven Day, joined us on 12 November 2007
and was a huge success. He is still with us today and working in
the role of software developer. We now boast a team of young people
who are eager to learn new technologies whilst providing a high
standard of work to our customers.
Our knowledge of the Apprenticeships programme has given us a
major advantage over our competitors. We are able to utilise the
skills of employees we might not have otherwise met had we followed
the traditional channel of software developer recruitment.
We have expanded our workforce and our client base with the
input of talented and creative learners who are paid a fair
manageable wage, but less than an experienced programmer with years
of development experience would command.
Our learners are increasing their skills and life experience
working here at Atlas, and we are keen to set an example to our
community of the benefits of training and supporting the next
generation.
Our recruitment and staff running costs are lower than the
industry standard. This is incredibly important given the current
climate we find ourselves in. Furthermore where possible we are
able to pass our cost savings to our customers allowing us to
attract work that we may otherwise have missed out on.
We envisage that we will be long term advocates of
Apprenticeships and will continue to promote and use the scheme for
many years to come.
Atlas Computer Systems currently employs three apprentices
within its workforce of eight people. The company is based at the
University of Essex and provides web design and development online
marketing hosting and software application solutions. Customers
include businesses across a range of industries and sizes from FTSE
250 companies to entrepreneurial start-ups.