Damovo UK is supporting Apprenticeship Week

HORSHAM-based Damovo UK is a fierce advocate of apprenticeships in the UK, and will be fully supporting National Apprenticeships Week from February 6 to 10.

The leading ICT provider is encouraging its customers, partners and suppliers to consider the benefits apprentices can bring to their businesses.

Last year, Damovo was named as one of England’s top 100 apprenticeship employers at the annual National Apprenticeship Awards. This was in recognition of its successful scheme, which has encouraged young people from the local area to gain valuable experience working at the company.

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“Many of the more senior staff at Damovo started their careers as apprentices themselves, and we recognise that apprenticeship schemes are a great way to re-invigorate the business and encourage local talent” said Alex Williams, head of technical support, Damovo UK and member of the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network (AAN).

Since launching its ICT Apprenticeship scheme in 2009, Damovo has taken on 14 local apprentices.

During their first year, apprentices rotate through the different areas in the business, gaining experience and actively learning on the job. They complete a formal work-based study programme which is monitored and assessed by an external learning provider and results in a Diploma in ICT Professional Competence. They are also invited to attend college one day a week over an 8-10 week period, studying for a City & Guilds Award in ICT Systems & Principles.

The success of Damovo’s apprenticeship scheme has already led to ten apprentices being placed in permanent junior technical support roles within its Network Operations Centre (NOC) at Horsham.

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“We have found apprentices bring with them fresh perspectives and ideas, which we welcome, and are productive within months of joining the business. Their understanding of our different business areas and processes and customer-specific needs and service nuances, has given us the flexibility and agility to respond quickly and effectively to a fast-changing environment,” explained Alex Williams.

With the support of its learning provider, Northbrook College, Damovo is extending the apprenticeship scheme to its existing workforce, initially with a number of supervisory staff beginning a Team Leading Apprenticeship from February. Going forward, the firm also plans to provide apprenticeships in Business Administration, Customer Service and Sales.

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