IT firm's faith in youth is rewarded
CITY social enterprise The Apprentice Store has received another accolade recognising its success in supporting young people into work.
The specialist IT services provider has been named Skills Development Scotland’s youth employer of the month for August. It comes after the firm was also highly commended in the Developing the Young Workforce category of the 2018 Highland Business Awards for its work with young people.
The Apprentice Store offers work experience, employment and apprenticeship opportunities for local young people.
The firm is currently home to three Modern Apprentices, who are working towards an Information Technology and Telecommunications Professionals diploma with QA Apprenticeships.
Working with real clients, they are given a lot of responsibility at an early stage, but also receive close mentoring support to ensure they provide a professional service.
David Massey, managing director at The Apprentice Store said: "It is fantastic to have our efforts in developing young people recognised by Skills Development Scotland. We firmly believe that young people can take an active role in business and the Modern Apprenticeship scheme offers a fantastic opportunity for employers and young people.
"Our two-year apprenticeship program allows our Modern Apprentices to earn and learn as they deliver computer services to our customers.
"We can’t offer employment to all the young people who we engage with but we can offer them work experience so they can see what working in an IT business is like. This work experience develops confidence, communication skills and team working for those on work experience and who we employ."
Anna Dawson, employer engagement adviser at Skills Development Scotland, said: "David and the team at The Apprentice Store are leading the way in youth employment in Inverness, and it’s great to see their work being recognised.
"As a social enterprise, their focus is very much on giving back to the local community, and their apprenticeship and work experience schemes enable them to do this."
