Four up and coming stars of the IT industry have kicked off a new business-backed campaign to urge young people to take up Apprenticeships.

The four, from Atos, Capgemini, IBM and Logica, now part of CGI, feature in a new film highlighting the varied careers in the IT industry and explain the importance of the sector to the country’s economy.

Employers, led by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and IT, will promote the film across the sector and to young people. In addition, the National Apprenticeship Service will use the film in schools resource packs and at careers events across the country.

To view and share the film, visit www.apprentice.tv.

Hayley James, foundation IT specialist and apprentice at IBM, who features in the film said:  “The IT sector is the future. It has so much influence over the economy and I’m proud to be part of that. So many people underestimate how challenging and fun it can actually be to work in this sector, and there are so many different parts to it. Being an apprentice helps me to explore all of these parts to eventually decide what job role I want to take on in IT.”

The other stars of the film are:

• Lauren Timmins, technical specialist, Atos.
• Matt Page, lead developer / applications analyst, Capgemini.
• Umair Kadodia, IT apprentice - public sector, Logica now part of CGI.

Emphasising the importance of excellent delivery, Karen Price, CEO of e-skills UK, said: “With 129,000 new IT professionals needed each year, Apprenticeships offer a wonderful opportunity for young people to take their first step towards a rewarding career. I am delighted that the number of IT apprentices is increasing so rapidly and that e-skills UK is leading the way in driving up the quality of those Apprenticeships through our Gold Standards.”

Julian David, director general at Intellect, the UK's trade association for the technology sector, who hosted the filming, said: “Apprenticeships are vitally important for the future prosperity of the technology sector and the wider economy, given the importance of technology as a driver for growth. They provide excellent opportunities for both young people and organisations who continue to strive to establish the motivated, creative teams today that will provide the bedrock of a successful technology industry tomorrow.”

David Way, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, commented: “There has never been a better time to become an apprentice in IT.  This campaign features the best people to get this message across - apprentices themselves.  I have met many of them and they are impressive individuals working for companies who really know how to recruit and develop talented people.”

Ann Brown, senior vice president HR at Capgemini, who chairs an e-skills UK-led sector-wide group that is working to increase the numbers of future talent applying for IT Apprenticeships, said:  “I am absolutely delighted to be associated with this initiative. Apprentices are an important part of our sector's talent pipeline but it can be difficult to show prospective recruits what an apprenticeship entails and the fact it is a realistic and satisfying alternative route to university for many people choosing a career in IT. This film is really helpful to actually show people what apprentices do in our sector and we will be using it proactively at recruitment events nationally.”

The IT film is the first in a series of ‘sector in the spotlight’ films being created by the National Apprenticeship Service to promote Apprenticeships in key industry sectors.  And WorldSkills UK IT Competitions will open for nominations in February to reward real talent and drive up levels of expertise in further education, skills and Apprenticeships.

For more information on Apprenticeships, visit apprenticeships.org.uk. For more information on WorldSkills Competitions, visitworldskills.org.

National Apprenticeship Service
The National Apprenticeship Service focuses on increasing the number of apprentices in England. We work with employers to help them introduce apprentices into their businesses, help those looking to start their careers find an Apprenticeship opportunity and contribute towards the costs of the training and qualifications within an Apprenticeship. We engage with a wide range of partners to help design the frameworks for apprentices and we implement all Government policies aimed at setting the high standard of quality Apprenticeships.

We promote excellence in Apprenticeships and vocational training with awards, campaigns and skills competitions including National Apprenticeship Week and WorldSkills UK.

Further information (external website)