Run in partnership with charities across the UK, Microsoft’s Britain Works programme aims to help disadvantaged people to find new employment opportunities through education and training.
As part of Microsoft’s current employment initiative, Britain Works, the Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship has been developed for and designed by Microsoft Partners.
It is a fully work-based apprenticeship programme designed as a fast-track to increase apprentice productivity. Initially delivering Microsoft Certified Technical Support staff, the programme now includes Technical Sales and Developer versions.
Zac applied for the programme and now works as an apprentice for IT consultancy firm and Microsoft partner, Inframon. Prior to this, after working part-time at a variety of jobs and completing a college course in public services, Zac wasn’t sure how to progress his career.
After searching various apprenticeship websites, he found an Advanced IT Apprenticeship run by Microsoft that would train him in specific IT systems, giving him accreditation and gaining him valuable work experience at the same time.
Zac said, ‘I thought this would be a fantastic stepping stone into the industry and a great way to get away from working in my part-time job!’
Zac’s apprenticeship was a 10-month programme, involving a mixture of classroom training, on the job training and mentoring, as well as time working at Inframon. This allowed Zac to both study for his accreditations and get work experience.
Zac explains, ‘It was scary at first going into the company, but they were so friendly because they realised I had never been in a corporate environment before and they understood I needed some help! After the 10 months were up, I was actually offered the final job at Inframon; this felt amazing!
‘I had worked hard and it had paid off. I’m so grateful to the company for this and for giving me a chance. For my classmates who didn’t get a final job – they won’t remain unemployed for long, because the valuable 10 months they lived through, gaining qualifications and working skills, will prepare them for a lifetime of work.’
To find out more about our Britain Works Programme visit www.microsoft.com/uk/britainworks