Since introducing its first ever apprenticeship earlier this year, talented youngsters have been making a positive impact at North-east IT specialists Clark Integrated Technologies.
Neil Warren (18) from Oldmeldrum became the company’s first apprentice and from the outset his willingness, positively and can-do attitude demonstrated to bosses the benefits that keen and committed young people can bring to business.
Since then Clark IT has employed an additional two apprentices with Scott Innes (18) from Oldmeldrum and Holly Duncan (19) from Strichen joining them in in the summer.
Clark IT, based at Auchterless, near Turriff, employs 28 people and has embedded the practice of hiring apprentices into its recruitment policy, when appropriate vacancies arrive. The company will soon be seeking another talented youngster to join the team.
Austen Clark, managing director of Clark IT says: “We’re keen to recruit young people to develop and grow within the company through modern apprenticeships. Young people bring fresh ideas and a different perspective and that is welcome.
“Because of the positive experience we have had, for every role now we consider whether employing an apprentice might be the best way forward.
“From our experience, we can clearly see the value of apprenticeships in the modern workplace and The Press and Journal Apprentice 100 campaign has demonstrated that wider. We’re delighted to have been associated with this and to help champion the role that modern apprenticeships bring to business.”
With an upcoming apprenticeship opportunity on offer, Clark IT offers some helpful advice to young hopefuls seeking a start in the world of work.
- Sell yourself – you may not have relevant work experience, but you will have other things you can flaunt. Think about your involvement in any volunteer activities, part-time work, outside activities, sport. What skills do you have? What have you learned?
- Back up your statements with facts – it’s easy to say you’ve got good communication skills but can you prove it? Think of real life experiences that demonstrate this. This is particularly relevant in interview situations
- Research – read up about the company, what they do and where they are. Prepare questions and think about why you want the job – demonstrating a passion and desire to work with a company goes a long way
- Review - Take care to review and check written material before submitting it. First impressions can stick and you want to be remembered for the right reasons!
- Body language - In an interview situation, don’t slouch. Sitting up straight and slightly forward demonstrates interest. Maintain eye contact and dress for the occasion
As a leading independent provider of managed ICT solutions Clark IT has a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland but particularly in the North and North-east.
Clark IT works with QA apprentice scheme to deliver high quality IT training, and was runner up in the Microsoft Scottish Apprentice Employer of the Year for small employers in May 2015. To be considered for a role at Clark IT send a CV and covering letter to
