Telford IT apprentice lands first job – as a manager

A 17-year-old IT apprentice from Telford has secured a first job that most university graduates could only dream of – on a five-figure manager’s salary with a company car.

Despite the centre’s initial fears he wouldn’t be able to keep up with the pace of study because of his dyslexia, Jordan convinced managers of his commitment by agreeing to extra study in his own time to improve his core skills – and he was accepted on to the course in February this year.

Just five months later, the talented apprentice has landed a job as IT manager at a local firm. Around one in five of his fellow apprentices at the training centre have also secured jobs, and within six months of completing the course, 90% of the learners will be in work or higher education.

Jordan – a talented musician and chorister – turned to Pearson in Practice as an alternative to sixth-form college, which he wasn’t enjoying.

The IT apprenticeship suited his ‘hands-on’ approach to learning and to help him with his dyslexia, Pearson in Practice provided him with a laptop and special natural speaking software that allowed him to dictate notes straight into his computer.

He said: “The course is difficult, but anyone prepared to go the extra mile will do well. It’s very comprehensive learning, and Pearson in Practice is a good place to learn. Apprentices are encouraged to behave like professionals and given the respect they deserve, it’s not like learning at school or college.”

During his spare time, Jordan was helping in the admin department at a local firm – and the company was so impressed with his IT skills that it offered him a job as IT manager when a vacancy came up.

Jordan, who started work this month (July 2011), said: “I was quite surprised, as it’s my first job in IT! But thanks to Pearson in Practice, I’m well prepared for the world of work. I’m enjoying putting what I’ve learned into practice, and the best thing is that I’m earning money doing what I really like.”

In the future, Jordan hopes to combine his love of music and his technical skills to set up his own business. He said: “I’ve always loved gadgets and I use technology to write music, and I sing with and conduct a local choir. Next, I want to become a teacher of music or IT in a school or training centre like Zenos.”

Anne McKim, Manager at the Pearson in Practice Telford training centre, said: “We are thrilled at Jordan’s success. He showed great determination to overcome his dyslexia and he very much deserves this fantastic opportunity.

“We worked with him to get his key skills – English and Maths – up to scratch, but technically, he’s very good and he flew through his exams.”

Pearson in Practice is the UK’s leading provider of IT apprenticeships in the UK. An Advanced Apprenticeship with Pearson in Practice can be completed in just 39 weeks, including valuable on-the-job experience, and learners are paid the Apprenticeship wage.

The Telford Training Centre is now recruiting their next intake. Call 0845 0556404 for details of how to apply, or visit www.zenos.com.