Two 20-year-olds who were friends when pupils at Queen Elizabeth II High School and then did the same course at Isle of Man College have both been awarded eagerly sought after apprenticeships at professional IT services company Skanco Business Systems Ltd.
Paul Mclear and Andrew Radcliffe were both unaware that the other had applied to Skanco when the company advertised the two-year trainee roles which attracted over 30 applicants.
“We were particularly impressed with both Paul and Andrew,” said Skanco’s technical manager Andrew Kermode. “We were looking for applicants who were genuinely interested in IT and not just saying ‘I want to work in IT’ and both Paul and Andrew demonstrated that all important interest.”
Over the next two years they will benefit from a comprehensive training programme leading to industry qualifications and certificates, including the Higher National Certificate in Computing.
Mr Kermode said: “We have run the apprenticeship scheme for over 20 years now and many of the engineers that we have trained in the scheme are still with us. Those who have left comment on what a great opportunity it gave them to get into IT.”
He added: “Paul and Andrew, who are both keen cyclists, have joined a company which is renowned for supporting the island’s sport, having recently committed to supporting the Commonwealth Games Association and the Isle of Man Team for the Games in 2014. We wish them all the best as they embark on their career with us.”
Paul, who lives at Peel said: “Working in IT is what I always wanted to do and in a job with prospects and Skanco, a respected name on the Island, offers all that. I recognise the opportunity I’ve been given and it’s just great that I’m where I always aspired to be.”
Andrew, who lives at Ballaugh was equally enthusiastic. “I’m ambitious and wanted an apprenticeship so as to progress in the competitive IT sector, I couldn’t be happier.”
One of Skanco’s first apprentices was Richard Wheeler who, from being on his own admission a fresh-faced 18-year-old when he joined, is now a valued engineer with the company and married with a five-year-old daughter.
“It‘s a great place to work, you are left to get on with the job and there’s no one sitting on your shoulder,” declared Richard, who celebrated his 20 years with the company this year. ENDS
Photograph: From left: Andrew Radcliffe, Richard Wheeler, Andrew Kermode and Paul Mclear.
