Microsoft launch apprenticeship scheme

14:24 24th July 2008

Microsoft has launched an apprenticeship scheme for youngsters in the Black Country to gain vocational IT support skills.

The software giant is hoping the training initiative will ultimately help tackle businesses' tech skills shortages in the West Midlands.

Students on the scheme will gain a variety of qualifications - including a an NVQ in system support at Level 3 and an IT professional advanced diploma - while also being employed full-time by the company.

The first batch of apprentices will complete their five month training next month, with another set of 30 taken on in September.

Dominic Gill, West Midlands regional manager at Microsoft, said: "The course is looking at how we can start to address skills issues for local businesses, and how can we start to address employability and IT skills within the employee base within a local region."

According to research by Gartner released earlier this week, IT talent acquisition is the third most important issue for technology firms.

Computeach offers IT courses and careers advice to help you start your career in IT.