National Apprenticeship Week

To coincide with National Apprentice Week (6^th– 12^th February) we thought that there would be no better time than this week to provide an update on both the achievements of our apprentices and how as a business Data Installation & Supplies are finding the programme so far.

You may remember that back in August last year we hired three new starters Seb, Liam and Ben.

All three were enrolled on the City & Guilds Network Cable Installer Apprenticeship Programme.

With the intention that upon successful completion of the programme they will gain many formally recognised qualifications, including their Gold ECS Card, whilst becoming confident and competent in a myriad of skills.

Since the announcement back in August, we’re pleased to say that in more recent months we’ve taken on a fourth apprentice, George, who is based down South.

All four have become real assets to the Data Installation & Supplies team, whilst making great progress with their apprenticeships.

The Apprenticeship Process:

We began our thought process for taking on selected apprentices early in 2022, as we wanted to appoint new members into our engineering team, whilst pursuing innovative ways to future proof the business, which is where VQ Solutions assisted.

Our Co-Ordination Project Manager Emma Thornton contacted VQ Solutions, guiding them on the calibre of applicant that we were looking for.

VQ Solutions took full responsibility for the initial recruitment process, from advertising the available positions on the Government website, to conducting the initial interviews, pre-qualifying the applicants on our behalf, before forwarding the successful candidates to us.

It was at this point that we reviewed the applications and invited the candidates into our Cleckheaton office for an interview with Interview Team, before offering the positions.

An apprenticeship at DIS:

All four of our apprentices joined us on an initial month’s trial, all which we’re pleased to say were completed successfully.

This trial enabled the apprentices to fully understand and appreciate their everyday responsibilities.

This included familiarising themselves with the job role, the travel aspects, including working away, as many of our customer sites are located across the UK.

Furthermore, to ensure that they were happy working as part of our wider team and importantly working outside.

Upon completion of this introductory month, the apprenticeship scheme commenced.

VQ Solutions Apprenticeship Support:

We believe that the Apprenticeship Program, supported by VQ Solutions has been extremely successful, from the calibre of applicants put forward to us in the first instance to their ongoing support.

VQ Solutions provides our apprentices with access to an online portal which supports the learner’s individual approach to their academic work.

The apprentices each have their own point of contact at VQ Solutions, who can assist them by offering guidance on any focus areas and through constructive feedback.

Emma explains

“Having the apprentices is fantastic, it shows our commitment to investing in our people and their development as they gain great qualifications and hands on experience.  At the same time supporting business growth.”

Business Benefits:

As a result of the Apprenticeship Programme, it has provided us with the opportunity to support one of our long term key business objectives of future proofing Data Installation & Supplies by way of introducing new talent.

This is evidenced in the fact that the programme has enabled us to bring in new individuals, whom we can train to our exceptionally high standards.  In turn supporting them in gaining a multitude of recognised qualifications, whilst nurturing their progress.

With the added benefits that they are learning from and gaining new skills through working beside our experienced team of engineers, many whom have been with Data Installation & Supplies for over 20 years.

We shall look forward to supporting Ben, Seb, Liam and George in building their careers with Data Installation & Supplies upon completion of their apprenticeships as they have already become valued members of our team.

Current Opportunities:

We are currently in the process of recruiting  a:

Level 3 Information Communication Technician Apprenticeship

For full details please click here.