Member Article

Investing in the next generation of IT professionals

IT support company, ITC Service Ltd, is growing thanks to its relocation to South Tyneside and its dedication to apprenticeships.

Since moving to the borough in June 2017 ITC, which was formed in 2006, has doubled its workforce, a fifth of which is made-up of apprentices in IT and business administration, helping to support its portfolio of over 400 companies in the North East from a diverse range of sectors.

Following relocation from Washington to its current premises at Monkton Business Park, South Tyneside, the IT support company has grown from 17 to 33 members of staff including seven apprentices.

The move has also boosted the company’s organic growth which has seen its new ITC Digital service, which offers customers bespoke websites and software development, grow from one to five members of staff, including a new Digital Marketing apprentice.

ITC took on its first apprentice four years ago and has continued to ‘home grow’ its own workforce ever since, with all previous apprentices going on to full-time employment with the company.

Kate Anderson, Marketing Director of ITC, said: “We see our apprentices as the future of ITC. They are all fully integrated and valued members of the team. When we offer an apprentice the opportunity to join us we are offering them a career. As a small business, with a big heart, we pride ourselves on providing a genuinely friendly and supportive working culture.

“If an apprentice demonstrate the right attitude and skills we don’t think twice about bringing them on board. We passionately support apprenticeships as we recognise they provide school leavers with an alternative and opportunity to learn, earn and qualify on the job. If they are dedicated and work hard – there’s nothing apprentices can’t achieve.”

Jamie Blanchflower, 26, is undertaking a 12-month IT apprenticeship. His apprenticeship entails working in the workshop fixing and building computers, shadowing field engineers, installing computers, servers and network points as well as working on ITC’s first line support, troubleshooting client’s IT issues.

He said: “What I enjoy the most about my apprenticeship with ITC is the variety of IT issues I encounter. Every day is different and poses new problems enabling me to learn more about IT and gain valuable experience.

“ITC is a great place for apprentices as the whole team is friendly, welcoming and kind. Senior engineers always have time to share their knowledge and are on hand to help if I need it. ITC’s friendly and positive working culture provides an ideal environment which is a pleasure to be a part of.”

Nearly a third of ITC’s employees are from South Tyneside, including four of their seven apprentices.

Kate Anderson, added: “South Tyneside has proven to be an excellent place to base the company and recruit key skills and apprentices. Following our relocation the business has grown rapidly, from 17 to 33 employees and we feel more confident than ever before.

“We have to give thanks to South Tyneside Council for the continued support and personal approach. The Invest South Tyneside team are always on hand to reassure and point us in the right direction for training, funding and networking. They are the friendly face of business who have given us confidence and made us feel like a valued member of the borough’s supportive business community.”

In March, ITC will be taking all of its former and current apprentices to the North East Business Awards as the company is shortlisted for the Apprenticeship Award.

The award recognises businesses that have implemented an apprentice scheme as an integral part of developing their workforce, providing opportunities for the younger generation in the area.

Kate Anderson, said: “We are just over the moon and so delighted we can celebrate the night with our wonderful apprentices. No matter the outcome on the night we’re tremendously proud of our work and will continue to champion the benefits of investing in future talent.”

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council commented: “South Tyneside Council is a proud sponsor of the North East Business Awards, it is a fantastic way for local companies to get the recognition they and their teams deserve.”

Jamie Blanchflower, said: “I think it’s great that ITC are being recognised for the fantastic opportunities they offer to young people. I’m sure the awards night will a resounding a success and a lot of fun.”

Cllr Malcolm added: “Seeing companies such as ITC Service move into the borough and grow, fuelled by the talent of young residents as apprentices is so positive. I wish the whole team all the very best as a finalist in the Apprenticeship Award, it’s a great achievement to be celebrated.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Edmundson .