This week is National Apprenticeship Week. This is a week for employers and apprentices to come together to celebrate the success of their apprenticeships whilst encouraging others to start a career as an apprentice.

Here at Coretek, we have always supported apprentices. Previously, we have had apprentices in finance, marketing and IT. We wanted to hear from a few of our employees who had previously been or are still apprentices.

Matt Archdale, Support Technician –

“My apprenticeship was the Level 3 (Advanced) IT Apprenticeship Gold Standard Programme which I studied at the Highbury College in Portsmouth. I received 2 qualifications.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Professional competence for IT and telecoms professionals – During this course I had to demonstrate competence in using software & hardware maintenance, and demonstrating an understanding of a wide range of end-user support methods. Work for this course was completed both in the college and at the workplace, with a correspondent from the college meeting me in work time to set curriculum based tasks which suited the work I carry out on a daily basis at Coretek.

These tasks included demonstrating an understanding of health & safety procedures, creating a project plan documentation based on the use of Microsoft Project and implement the project into a real-life situation, as well as displaying an understanding of advanced concepts found within the IT industry.

CompTIA Network + – I studied in both my own time and at the college for the CompTIA Network+ exam. I believe the reason that I was able to pass this exam was partly due to my own studies but also as the exam material had a lot in common with my job which I had been carrying out with Coretek.

Coretek gave me the time and space I needed to study for the exam and complete the coursework which was required by the college. Without the freedom to schedule time during the working day to get these tasks done, I doubt I would have been successful in completing the apprenticeship. The fact that Coretek was as flexible as they had been with me during my apprenticeship is something that I am truly grateful for.”

Bethany Kibler, Marketing Assistant –

“I received a Level 3 Diploma in Digital Marketing for my apprenticeship. I studied this through 3aaa Apprenticeships in Southampton.

This diploma consisted of one day of work within the apprenticeship centre a month and then tutor visits every few months to the workplace. This course was made up of multiple modules, to name a few; The Business Environment, Social Media Concepts and Branding, SEO and Paid Search, Email Marketing, Marketing on Mobile Devices, Website Creation, CMS Management and more.

Coretek really helped with my progress in this apprenticeship. Whether that was getting help on work I didn’t understand or being given as much time as I needed to get all of the work completed. This was pivotal in the completion and passing of this apprenticeship. For that, I am very grateful!”

We believe that apprentices are a great addition to the company and are vital for bringing a fresh approach to the business.