Link ICT is continuing to follow through on its pledge to offer young people long-term career opportunities by appointing its third new apprentice.

Rachel Wood has joined the team as an IT infrastructure apprentice and has previously worked in customer-facing advisory roles involving product demonstrations and training for technology and electronic device retailers. In her new role at Link ICT, Rachel, who lives in Swadlincote, will accompany qualified technicians on client site visits and provide technical support to fix IT issues. She will also help train users so they understand the benefits of their IT systems, telecoms devices, and other technology such as interactive screens so they can work more productively.

Earlier in 2021, we employed Danielle Poulter and Harry Baker using the KickStart programme, a Government scheme to create employment opportunities for 16–24-year-olds. Rachel and Harry’s apprenticeships have been arranged by EMA Training, a local apprenticeship provider who specialise in delivering the Level IT infrastructure qualification.

Commenting on her new role, Rachel said, “My main hobbies are photography and gaming so I have always been into technology. Working in retail made me realise just how much I enjoyed helping people understand and use technology rather than selling it. So, I started to look at opportunities to work in the IT industry and thought the apprenticeship route and the role at Link ICT would enable me to fulfill this ambition whilst also earning a salary.”

Managing Director, Mark Fryers added, “Many of our clients are involved in the education sector, so it feels right that we help to create career opportunities for young people. The last year has been very busy for us as more and more schools and businesses needed to enhance their IT infrastructure to support hybrid working. Apprenticeships are a great way for us to provide on-the-job training in a way that helps them learn from experienced practitioners, gain valuable work experience and attain a recognised qualification.”

Here at Link ICT, we celebrate the contributions that apprentices bring to our company and look forward to watching them progress with us.