Tech firm unfurls inclusive graduate recruitment drive

UK hosting firm wants 50 university leavers after the success of apprenticeship scheme for those fresh from school

Hosting firm UKFast wants 50 university leavers for a graduate programme aimed at boosting sales and technical staff, with a broad remit of candidates encouraged to apply.

The Manchester-based firm's scheme provides graduates with the opportunity to earn industry accreditations alongside hands-on development in the business.

Split into two streams - commercial and technical - the graduate pathway is open to applicants now and is set to launch in September.

The commercial stream focuses on sales, account management and marketing, while the technical stream provides a grounding in Linux, Windows, datacentres, networks, infrastructure and programming.

Lawrence Jones, UKFast CEO, told CRN that after the success of its apprenticeship scheme targeting young people straight from school, launching a graduate scheme was a natural development.

"We have seen what the [school leaver] apprentices have added to the team and how much they have excelled," said Jones.

"Some apprentices are running projects, some are even running teams - they are all invaluable. That has given us the confidence to do it again for graduates. We have recruited graduates before, but never on this scale."

Jones claimed that the graduate programme has been established around the needs of the actual university leavers, not just the requirements of the business.

"They can learn customer service skills, life skills, and there is also a leadership aspect to it. On the commercial, sales and marketing side, we are looking for goal-orientated graduates who are driven, free-thinking, autonomous and like to solve their own problems," he said.

"On the technical side, we are more flexible. Technical people come in all shapes and sizes. Some will have the leadership profile to go on and make great CIOs in the future. Fundamentally, we will be looking for graduates with computer science degrees and those interested in technology."

Jones said while "wisdom around the table" is important, young blood is needed to energise firms. As for who should apply, Jones suggested a wide net will be cast.

"I never pay much attention to CVs; I try to look into someone's eyes and understand that person. We hire on traits, rather than skills," added Jones.

"They don't need a first or 2:1 [class degree]. I even want students who failed. I just want interesting people who are passionate about technology and really want to go places."