Recruiting Apprentices with Information Horizons

What are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships combine full-time work with training to gain the skills and qualifications that employers really value. Apprentices learn through a combination of on and off-the-job training. They work alongside your staff and attend training courses with a Training Provider. Apprenticeships help you to stay competitive by developing the kind of people your business needs for the future.

Why should we take on an Apprentice?
Apprentices are motivated people who are keen to learn. You will be able to recruit and retain able young people, equipped with the skills and knowledge to do the job better. And because they are motivated, they work harder and more effectively for your business.

What IT Apprenticeships are available?
Information Horizons offer the IT User Apprenticeship to prepare trainees for a role involving the use of IT in the work place, and the Advanced IT Apprenticeship to prepare trainees for a more technical role in supporting or developing IT systems.

The IT User Apprenticeship provides hands-on training in today's most widely used business software packages, including Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Trainees achieve an ITQ, the new Information Technology Qualification, at level 2, equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A-C.

Trainees also learn other Key Skills that are essential for career progression in any role across a variety of industries. Key Skills may include Communication and Application of Number, depending on prior GSCE achievements.

Advanced Apprenticeship trainees extend their existing knowledge of industry standard software packages to advanced level. They work towards the ITQ (Information Technology Qualification) at level 3, the equivalent of 2 or more A levels and also take a Certificate in ICT Applications.

Advanced Apprentices get a grounding in web design, understand how to troubleshoot problems with hardware and software, diagnose and fix faults and give technical advice and guidance to others.

How does the training programme work?
Before starting their training programme with us, these motivated young people go through a thorough assessment process. They then attend in-depth IT training courses with Information Horizons and, already equipped with IT skills, are available for employment or to work alongside your staff on work placements, adding to the productivity and effectiveness of your business.

An Information Horizons mentor will also support the young person when he or she starts work, and will make sure the ongoing training suits your organisation’s needs.

What are the costs?
There is no cost to you for the training, as it's paid for in full by the Learning and Skills Council. During the launch of this innovative programme in 2007, there is no recruitment cost to employers.

What next?
If you do have vacancies or wish to consider taking a trainee on a work placement, please contact Reni, Training Manager at Information Horizons, on 020 7404 8874. Or you can email training@informationhorizons.co.uk.