With an ever increasing workload, Crest decided to look into the possibility of mentoring an apprentice. We were keen to offer a genuine career opportunity to a young person who showed a keen interest in advancing their IT skills. After liaising with Bournemouth and Poole college, we decided to employ Sonny. He is 19 years old, works 4 days a week in the office and 1 day at college, studying Software Development Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship
Sonny – Apprentice.
I wanted to be an apprentice, as I was looking to progress my education and career, whilst gaining work experience at the same time. It allows me the opportunity to find out what my interests in the tech industry are. Work experience is very valuable and I think that fact is sometimes lost and undervalued. The work I do for Crest is extremely varied, which is a good thing! I love facing a problem and finally finding a solution. It’s also rewarding when a customer contacts us needing some assistance with the software and is subsequently happy and satisfied with the help I’ve given them. Chris often sets me challenges to find solutions for and with perseverance and Chris’s guidance, I’ve produced some practical and useful work.
I am considering studying Computer Science at university, possibly after four years’ of work experience. I’m interested in working in Cyber Security, but for now it’s important to improve my general knowledge of IT. I think I would enjoy working as a Programmer. I’m really grateful to Crest Software for giving me the opportunity to improve my knowledge and experience. I’m really happy with the company as a whole and I feel like I fit in well.
Chris – Software Support Consultant
My job is very varied and having an apprentice has allowed me to allocate some straightforward work to him, thus freeing up my time for more complex issues.However, as time has progressed, Sonny has developed his skills and is now capable of tackling more advanced work. He is showing proficiency in installation, licensing and testing on our different products, as well as learning technical expertise in Windows and Office.Such varied practical experience is teaching Sonny how to deal with ever changing circumstances in a work environment.
I would also like to say that from my point of view, having an apprentice has been an asset to Crest and that mentoring Sonny has had a very positive impact on my own work.
Carina George – Apprenticeship and Sales Account Manager at Bournemouth and Poole College.
Software Development courses are new to the college and they’ve experienced a tremendous amount of interest from both employers and students. Carina would like to encourage potential new apprentices to apply in Jan/Feb 2018 in time for a September start.
http://www.thecollege.co.uk/employers/apprenticeship-solutions
http://www.thecollege.co.uk/employers/apprenticeship-solutions/apprenticeship-levy
