Computing & IT students at Solihull College & University Centre are celebrating securing permanent positions after completing work experience placements at Acora.
Acora Ltd, a UK based IT outsourcing service provider, with a service operation centre in Solihull, began working with Solihull College & University Centre to host an academy scheme this year. The company has been working with the College to sponsor young people who are interested in technology. Students also have the opportunity to apply for paid internships with the company, and will receive training and mentoring on areas in which they show an interest.
“A lot of young people are caught in the cycle where they can’t get a job due to lack of experience, but can’t get that experience in the first place. The academy provides this experience and much more for the students, as well as bringing talented young people into our business” explains Hollie Dunster, HR Executive at Acora. She continues “Acora has always had a rich tradition of growing and developing its own talent, and it’s a joy to watch them progress through the business.”
Two students from the College recently underwent two weeks’ work experience at Acora over Easter, and decided to return for a three-month paid training placement over the summer. They’ve both now been offered permanent roles as members of the IT service desk team. This success has encouraged the HR department and David Rabson, CEO and sponsor of the academy scheme, to continue to build on its progress and expand the academy.
Computing student at the College, Mariusz Szymanski commented:
“Thanks to my teacher I was able to get a 3 months contract within Acora during summer, which was an amazing experience and still is. I have learnt a lot from many different people in the company after talking to them and seeing what kind of problems they are dealing with. I have learnt about different software and systems and how to support users through the phone and remotely go onto their machines and investigate what the problem is in order to fix it. I will continue working hard and getting as much experience as I can.”
Mariusz’s peer Conner Whitehouse added “You dive straight into work and get a feel of what it’s like to be a support analyst. You will get great support from colleagues that will help if you have any questions about a problem that you don’t know how to fix yourself. You can learn so much.”
The partnership is set to continue in the future to allow even more students at Solihull College & University Centre the chance to gain experience in the workplace, giving them the edge when it comes to looking for employment.
For more information on the courses available please visit the courses page or call 0121 678 7000 or visit www.acora.com for more information about Acora.
