Forum Computers, an IT sales, repairs, maintenance and advice company, advocates Apprenticeships as fundamental to its success.
Founder Matt Wooley says: “Apprenticeships give my employees the opportunity to gain nationally recognised IT qualifications as well as ensuring their numeracy and literacy skills are at the required level. This is key to their career development as well as the ongoing success of my business.”
When Matt first set up Forum Computers he was aware of big limitations within the IT industry in the Lincoln area. He therefore made a conscientious decision to employ young local people as apprentices. To date, all of Forum Computers’ apprentices have become fully employed at the company and have developed into highly skilled technicians.
“Apprenticeships have helped to develop a mindset for continuous learning, a characteristic that is vital in the rapidly changing IT industry. It is essential my staff do not stand still, but continue to learn and develop their skills”, Matt acknowledges.
Forum Computers’ apprentices are trained in a large number of different disciplines. They have all developed a variety of important skills, allowing the company to gain a reputation as one of the best providers of IT technical support for small businesses.
Forum Computers has also been recognised by the Local Education Authority for giving work placement opportunities to school pupils wishing to gain experience of the IT industry.
All of Forum Computers’ seven current staff members are under 25, and Matt remains confident that his young team can meet and exceed his customers’ needs and requirements.
Forum Computers was a finalist in the Micro Employer of the Year category in the national Apprenticeship Awards 2008.