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One Year On!IT Apprenticeships – Dispelling the Myths

John Merchant22nd April 2009

2 www.sssworldwide.comStrategic Systems SolutionsCognizant Case Studies, 2004

Who are Strategic Systems Solutions?We provide global IT and BPO services and consultancy

Offices in UK, US, China, Singapore and the Philippines – 800 staff worldwide

Primarily for the Financial Sector; 6 of the top 10 Investment Banks are our customers

Business areas: Systems Development, Testing and Support Project Management and Infrastructure Solutions

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The Big Issue…We needed to develop new talent

Aging workforce SSS, clients, industry Staff change role, leave, retire… Traditionally replaced by junior developers

Out-sourcing / Off-shoring restrict entry level opportunities

Create next generation of developers Longer term to create the

Project / team leaders and … … ultimately the IT managers of the future

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Why an Apprenticeship?What are the Alternatives?

Recruit experienced staff Graduate trainees More off-shoring

Apprentices Opportunity to grow your own talent Cost effective – Governmental support Higher retention rate and loyalty

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The Benefits…Long term continuity of serviceShort term new service offering

Junior UK Resource Balanced teams / competitively priced Senior staff oversee / assure - Blend offshore

Partnerships – Industry / Academic A good thing to do!

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Making IT Happen – 1Initially going alone…Speak with e-Skills UK:

Dedicated team Relevant contacts

Best decision – Partner with local college Jointly ran recruitment campaign Developed / customised training program

Industry Qualifications

Unlocked funding

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Making IT Happen – 2Our Clients

Worked closely to meet their needs Tailored / customised training as appropriate Work experience roles

Industry Partners Who is going to use their products and services? Practical support with training environments,

software and education

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Today at SSSCompleted 6 month ‘boot’ camp

Specific technical skills IT development lifecycle Relevant business knowledge Professional skills

Placing apprentices with our clientsRegular assessment and day release to college

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Run again internallyHelp clients create own program Offer as service to IT community

Talking with ‘new’ Leeds City College IT Training Hub

Involved with National Skills Academy

Concept can be applied to other: Technical skills IT disciplines

Next Steps

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Started your own Apprenticeship Developing tailored new talent For the short and long term

Nodding in agreement that it is indeed: A Cost effective option Generating multiple business benefits True about the support to help you along

On stage telling your story…

Where will you be in April 2010?

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