A north-east company believes that work to counter the “misconception” of apprentices as a burden is starting to pay dividends.
Clark IT was one of many smaller firms which once regarded them as an unaffordable pressure on hard-pressed resources.
However, two years after taking on their first apprentice, the Auchterless-based outfit has been more than persuaded of the benefits.
Neil Warren proved such a hit that his apprenticeship has been extended, so he can continue learning on the job.
And it’s not just him – the older dogs on the team have found themselves being taught some new tricks.
Commercial Director Margo Robertson urged others to forget outdated thinking and begin recruiting and training young talent.
She said: “It was perceived to be a lot of work and was not as high up the agenda as it is now.
“It is a huge commitment and people had all sorts of worries about whether there was enough work and the like.”
“There is no getting away from it: there is a focus on the company, and on individuals, to manage the apprentice and to make sure the mentoring and support they need is available – as well as overseeing the outside training.
“But we would do that anyway with any new employee to some extent.
“And there are benefits for the managers. We learn so much from them. They are keen, they are young, they have so many ideas. There is an enthusiasm, a willingness.
“We wanted people we could develop through the organisation – who become part of our succession plan.”
Oldmeldrum resident Mr Warren, now 19, is on a Higher Level 4 apprenticeship – which will give him the same level of qualifications as a second-year degree student.
He has the added advantage of testing those skills – taught by Aberdeen-based QA – in the real world, dealing directly with clients on the Clark helpdesk.
He stated: “They took me on for my enthusiasm, rather than my qualifications, as I didn’t have as much to offer on paper as the other applicants.
“I’m getting proper training and work experience across a wide range of IT, so I’ve got the best of both worlds which is incredible.”