PD&MS Group
The challenge
Over the last six or seven years, the Aberdeen market for IT talent has become extremely competitive, with several large MSPs offering highly attractive terms to talent that can be hard to compete with.
This competitive landscape, combined with the company’s enjoyment in developing their workforce, led to a strategic decision to invest in younger individuals in the Digital Solutions & Technology team.
The solution
PD&MS turned to QA – whom they had previously used for IT training, to be their trusted supplier for apprenticeships.
“Initially, we were unsure about hiring apprentices because we lacked experience in integrating very young individuals into our team and making them reliable resources quickly. Although we hire individuals whom we believe have the potential to fit into our work culture, the courses, and structure of the QA apprenticeship programme have proven to be invaluable. They provide the apprentices with the confidence and foundational skills necessary for success.”
“The biggest compliment I can give QA is that anyone we have worked with has felt like an extended part of our team”
Derek Warrander
Group Head of Digital Solutions and Technology, PD&MS Group
The result
“The apprenticeship programme has had a bigger impact than we ever thought it could. The course content is relevant and well led, and at the end we get confident young people who are making a significant difference. This success has led to our current strategy of 'Apprentice First'. We aim to retain and develop those we train, pushing them as far as they can go, always knowing we can backfill positions and have the confidence to train them with a proven system.”
Interested in upskilling your workforce? Explore our apprenticeship programmes.