Outsourcing services giant Accenture has launched an apprenticeship programme in Newcastle, offering 40 places on the three-year programme over the next 12 months.
The first 20 apprentices will start in February 2013, with another 20 starting later in the year. Successful candidates will gain a Higher Apprenticeship for IT, Software, Web and Telecoms, including a Foundation Degree and Level 4 BTEC Diploma.
The scheme was designed and is being run in partnership with training provider NCG. The apprentices will be based at Accenture’s Global Delivery Centre near Newcastle.
Bob Paton, Accenture’s North-East managing director, said the company is looking for people with potential and enthusiasm.
“These apprentices will join our highly skilled workforce and will be offered high-quality training and work – along with the potential of a full-time job at the end of the programme,” he said.
Apprentices will be offered high-quality training and work, along with the potential of a full-time job at the end of the programme
Bob Paton, Accenture
Accenture is looking for people interested in technology and its application in the business world.
In the first year, apprentices will train and work on computer application maintenance, systems testing and service management skills.
There will be on-the-job training and apprentices will complete 200 days of training and development over the three years.
In 2010, Accenture launched an apprenticeship scheme for all its UK business process outsourcing staff, as well as new starters, which was 100% online.
Apprenticeships a popular choice in IT
About 1,300 people have taken part in apprenticeship programmes over the past two years, covering IT, business administration and team management.
Outsourcing firm Capgemini recently raised its planned intake figure for 2012 from 98 to 200. After reporting a surge in applications, mostly from school leavers looking for an alternative to university, Capgemini will take on 200 apprentices by the end of the year. The company recruited 26 apprentices in 2011. It plans to recruit a further 230 in 2013.
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Earlier this year, nine UK IT service providers, including Accenture and Capgemini, agreed to take on more IT apprentices to help bridge the gap between education and the workplace, as part of a government-backed scheme.
The Ministry of Justice and private charity Business in the Community have backed the project. The other suppliers involved are Atos, CSC, Fujitsu, HP, Logica, Siemens and Steria.