Leading IT solutions consultancy ramsac today announces that it has recruited Josh MacKinnon to the position of First Line Support Consultant, following his successful completion of its innovative IT apprenticeship scheme. During his apprenticeship the company provided dedicated training, funding and support to help him achieve industry-recognised professional qualifications. He is now based full-time at ramsac’s head office in Godalming, Surrey.
Combining a childhood fascination with computers and an ambition to work in the IT industry, Josh MacKinnon was chosen from many applicants to be a ramsac apprentice. “I felt that the opportunity to learn on the job and gain hands-on experience would be my best route to a long and successful career in IT,” explains MacKinnon on his decision.
Managing Director of ramsac, Robert May comments, “There is an undeniable pleasure in being able to give talented young people a step up into the world of work. As a First Line Support Consultant, Josh is now one of the primary points of contact for our clients and it is testament to him and the success of the scheme, that we have total confidence in placing him in such a position of trust.” MacKinnon adds, “I would recommend an apprenticeship to any young person looking to build a career in something they are passionate about.”
“Apprenticeships are an excellent way for young jobseekers to gain valuable experience and a footstep into their chosen profession,” explains May, who instigated ramsac’s initiative. “We offer industry specific training and an insight into the professional IT world that is simply not available through traditional academic routes. As a result an apprentice who is of similar age to a typical graduate will tend to be a far more appealing candidate to a potential employer. As such we are delighted that Josh has decided to continue to build his career at ramsac.”
With the well-publicised rise in university fees and high levels of UK unemployment, the career path for school leavers is undeniably a challenging one. Ironically, this environment is giving rise to a more traditional and direct route to the jobs market via apprenticeships.
MacKinnon adds, “ramsac has offered me a full time role at the end of the apprenticeship, giving me the opportunity to continue working with a team of colleagues and customers that I forged strong relationships with. This is something that is especially relevant at the moment, with the difficulties that many young people have in finding enjoyable and rewarding careers.”
The ramsac apprenticeship scheme began in 2010 and has become an excellent way to introduce fresh energy and enthusiasm into the company. May concludes: “Undoubtedly it is a win-win situation for everyone and we are delighted to continue our apprenticeship scheme with the next intake starting later this year.”