This week, TechQuarters was crowned Small Employer of the Year in the Regional finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2014. The award recognises their continued contribution, commitment and success through their Apprenticeship programme. TechQuarters will now compete in the National finals, to be recognised as the best Small Employer of Apprentices in the United Kingdom.
The Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship is a core strand of Microsoft UK’s Youth Initiative Get on; Microsoft's program to help 300,000 young people get inspired, get skilled and get a job. The Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship is designed for and developed by Microsoft Partners to help bring new talent into the industry. Comprising Advanced and Higher Apprenticeship versions the programme covers 5 areas: Desktop Support, Database Support, Server Support, Developer and Technical Sales; and is delivered by 4 core learning partners: QA, Firebrand, Baltic Training and Remit IT Academy. The programme is fully supported by National Apprenticeship Service, Skills Funding Agency and awarding bodies such as City & Guilds.
TechQuarters, who partner with Firebrand to take on Microsoft Apprentices won, the Small Employer of the Year award in last night’s Regional finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2014. A leading provider of IT Services and Office 365 migration, TechQuarters have fully embraced Apprenticeships with 5 of their 17 current employees being IT apprentices.
Chris Dunning, TechQuarters CEO said: “I’m really pleased we have won this award. We started with our first apprentice four years ago and it has just snowballed since then. It has helped us create a plan for growth whilst giving the apprentices a progression route through the business. This award will only serve to help us attract further apprentice talent and continue our growth.”
“Hand on heart, I am sincerely amazed with their professionalism, reliability, responsibility and capabilities that our apprentices possess. It’s a great thing, to work with them on a daily basis and see them grow. Not to mention the phenomenal addition they make to the business as a whole.”
Firebrand Co-Founder Stefano Capaldo spoke about the award. He said: “We are delighted for TechQuarters, and the apprentices they hire. The support they provide their apprentices, and their continued commitment to the programme is worthy of this recognition. As CEO, Chris really understands the value apprentices can bring to the business, especially when you invest in their development. Having already supplied three apprentices to TechQuarters, we are relishing the opportunity to provide more and help grow their business further.”
Having won the Regional Finals, TechQuarters will now go on to compete at the National Finals which will be held later this year. If successful, the company will be recognised as the UK’s leading Small Employer for Apprenticeships. They will also feature in the prestigious annual Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, published later this year in partnership with City & Guilds.
Speaking about the IT Apprentices currently employed by TechQuarters, CEO Chris Dunning also said: “The apprentices add an incredible amount of value to the team, without them, TechQuarters wouldn't be where it is today. Each of our apprentices have said that they are gaining many new skills and confidence in the way they work since starting at TechQuarters, and some are even outperforming other employees.” This award is recognition of TechQuarters’ continued contribution, commitment and success through their Apprenticeship program with the support of apprentices.