ConvergeOne on hunt for Apprentice number six

VAR lauds its decision to travel down apprentice path and urges other channel firms to follow suit

VAR ConvergeOne is hailing the success of its apprentice scheme as it launches a search for its sixth candidate.

The Cisco Premier partner, which specialises in communications and network solutions, has run its scheme since 2008, and currently employs four full-time former apprentices. The firm itself has grown from five employees in 2009 to 17 today.

Mark Johnson, managing director of ConvergeOne, said: “The apprentice scheme has enabled us to train up young people to industry standards 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 have never been let down and would recommend other IT businesses to consider taking on an apprentice.”

One apprentice that has seen success through the scheme is Rob Brady – who is a fully fledged Cisco Certified Network Associate, a Microsoft Certified Professional and has a level 3 NVQ to boot.

“When I left college after my A-levels I knew I wanted a break from education and wanted to get started in a workplace. ConvergeOne’s apprentice scheme meant that I could get my IT qualifications at the same time as some work experience.

“I am now employed by ConvergeOne and am regularly at customer sites. I am also continuing to gain qualifications and regularly go on training courses. I think I have the best of both worlds now, I have qualifications and work experience,” he said.