A Bolton business is continuing to upskill their future workforce as they work with Bury College to provide apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

DLS Technologies Ltd have been working alongside Bury College to offer high quality apprenticeship jobs to a trio of IT enthusiasts. The Bolton company provides specialist IT services and delivers hardware and software support to local businesses.

Current apprentice Liam Anderson from Ramsbottom, has undertaken the Level 2 ICT Professional Competence apprenticeship and would like to progress onto the Level 3. 21 year old Liam has a range of duties including remote support, system administration and various duties in the workshop.

Liam said of his apprenticeship experience, “I am really enjoying my apprenticeship as I am interested in working in this industry. I would recommend the apprenticeship pathway to others because it is great to learn on the job.”

Previous DLS Technologies Ltd apprentices have successfully completed their programmes and have gone on to secure full-time permanent positions within the company.

Aaron Sanderson, 24 years old from Greenmount in Bury, has been appointed as a Helpdesk Engineer after completing his Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence. Aaron, a former Tottington High School pupil, provides IT support to small-medium size businesses and responds to general IT queries.

Aaron strongly believes that his apprenticeship prepared him for his future career. Aaron said, “The part of my apprenticeship which I liked the most was the fact that no day was ever the same. My apprenticeship guided me down the IT career path and I found the hands-on learning extremely beneficial.”

Upon completion of the Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence, 22 year old Thomas Philips from Edenfield has also secured a role as a Helpdesk Engineer. The former Haslingden High School pupil has undertaken a range of duties including re-building PC’s and acting as the first line of support to customers.

Thomas champions the apprenticeship route and said that everything that he was taught during his apprenticeship can be applied into his job role. Thomas said, “My apprenticeship was really good, it was challenging but it was great to gain on the job experience and gain qualifications.”

Steven Moore, Operations Director at DLS Technologies Ltd believes in the benefits of recruiting apprentices. Steven said, “We employed our first apprentice five years ago and following on from its success we have continued to recruit apprentices. Our apprentices are recognised as valuable members of the team and have been molded to fit the needs of the business. Bury College have been great to work with and all three of our apprentices have received regular visits.”

For more information about Bury College apprenticeships please visit www.burycollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships