Apprenticeships - Computing | Blackpool and The Fylde College

Making IT Work for You

There’s not a business in the world today that doesn’t rely on computers in some way or other. That makes anyone with a qualification in either IT support or software development an essential member of staff.

The best IT professionals combine extensive technical knowledge and good communication skills; it’s their job not only to make the systems work the way they should, but also to make sure technical problems, queries and help desk calls are dealt with in a clear, friendly way.

If you’re comfortable with computers and computing technology and happy dealing with a broad range of people from shop floor factory workers to senior company directors, a computing Apprenticeship could be your passport to an exciting career in the fast evolving world of IT.

You can choose to specialise either in IT systems support (level 2 &3), or programming and software development (level 3 only). And once you’re qualified, there’s a whole world of opportunities for further training with our HND/C Computing and Foundation Degrees in Interactive Media Development, Game Design and Development or Network Engineering and Systems Administration (NESA).

Meet the Apprentice

Rhianna Parkinson, age 18

Rhianna found her way onto the IT Systems Support course at Blackpool and The Fylde College after her AS levels. She has been working in the ICT Service Support Department at Victrex Polymer Solutions in Thornton for just over one year.

So how is she finding her apprenticeship?

“A real change after sixth form. The tutors at College continue to be supportive and I get proper ‘hands-on’ experience at work to put all that theory I learned into practice.”

Part of the appeal for Rhianna is the variety of the work. While she loves being involved with the hardware systems that are essential for a global company like Victrex to operate, her role as first line of support means she fields enquiries from people all over the world.

“It’s definitely made me more confident in myself, my communication skills and my functional abilities. If you’re prepared to work hard and take on the responsibility, it’s the best training there is.”

Her ambition now is to move up to a Foundation Degree and take her career in IT as far as she possibly can.

Meet the Boss

John Blakely , ICT Service Support Manager, Victrex

As the leader of Service Support for Victrex’s ICT systems, John Blakely has a vested interest in finding the right staff.

“The company is committed to developing its people, and the support for apprentices like Rhianna is a reflection of that. Taking on apprentices allows us to introduce them to the Victrex way of working right from the start; to ensure that they fully appreciate our values and culture.”

Rhianna’s apprenticeship is a two-way benefit. She certainly has plenty to offer the company in return for her training.

“She brings real enthusiasm and great organisational skills to the job. In fact, when she recently went on holiday, the team were almost lost without her!”

Perhaps the biggest endorsement of the apprenticeship system, though, comes in the faith he has in Rhianna and her ability to work independently.

“Nowadays, I wouldn’t have any issues about giving her the responsibility to follow through jobs she wouldn’t have dreamt of tackling 12 months ago. It’s been really rewarding to see her growing in confidence and into the role.”