Accenture expands its apprenticeship programme in Newcastle and London
The Technology Apprenticeship programme combines structured IT training with on-the-job learning. From day one, apprentices earn a salary while developing digital, web and cloud computing skills, as well as expertise in project management, application and infrastructure development and business analysis.
Launched at Accenture's Delivery Centre in Newcastle in 2012, the UK Technology Apprenticeship programme was last year expanded to the company's London, Warwick and Newbury offices. To date, Accenture says it has hired around 100 apprentices in the UK.
"Accenture is committed to tackling the technology skills gap and broadening employment opportunities for young people in the UK," said Emma McGuigan, managing director for technology at Accenture in the UK and Ireland.
"The rapid expansion of the IT sector and companies' ongoing need for technology and digital expertise means that it is more important than ever to invest in apprenticeships. We offer our apprentices the opportunity to develop the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy as they work on a variety of exciting client assignments."
The new apprentices will start at Accenture in September 2015 and will work towards a Higher Apprenticeship for IT, a Level 4 BTEC Diploma and a Foundation Degree over three years. Subject to business demand, apprentices who successfully complete the programme and "perform well" will be offered permanent roles at Accenture, said the firm.
The Technology Apprenticeship programme is aligned to Accenture's corporate citizenship initiative, Skills to Succeed, which aims to equip three million people around the world by 2020 "with the skills to get a job or build a business".
Accenture announced last year that it plans to hire an additional 1,600 staff in the UK, targeting new roles from senior executives to apprentices and graduates, as it seeks to increase its pools of digital skills.