At Bandicoot, we’ve always believed that the future of our industry lies in nurturing and developing local talent. Since we started in 2004, we’ve been keen to invest in the next generation of IT professionals, particularly through our apprenticeship programme.
Building Careers from the Ground Up
Our commitment to apprenticeships is focused on creating pathways to long-term careers in technology. Take Tom, our Operations Manager, who joined Bandicoot as an apprentice back in 2014. Tom’s journey from apprentice to overseeing our day-to-day operations demonstrates what’s possible when young talent is given the right opportunities and support.
“Joining Bandicoot as an apprentice gave me a solid foundation in both technical skills and business operations,” says Tom. “The hands-on experience combined with formal education was invaluable, and I’m proud to now be in a position where I can help mentor our newest team members.”
Current Success Stories
Today, Oscar represents the newest generation of Bandicoot apprentices. As our IT Technician, he’s already making significant contributions to our team while continuing his professional development journey. Like many of our apprentices, Oscar is learning the ropes of IT support, from handling helpdesk queries to installing new systems and greeting clients – all valuable skills that form the backbone of our business.
Strong Education Partnerships
Our relationship with Burnley College has been key in our apprenticeship success. Four of our five apprentices have come through Burnley College’s programmes, and we continue to strengthen this partnership year after year.
Even team members who didn’t join us through traditional apprenticeship routes have benefited from local education. Jamie, our talented Software Engineer, studied at Burnley College before bringing his development skills to Bandicoot, where he now creates bespoke software solutions and manages website development projects.
Why Apprenticeships Matter to Us
In an industry that evolves as rapidly as IT, theoretical knowledge alone isn’t enough. Our apprentices gain practical, hands-on experience that textbooks simply can’t provide. They work alongside experienced professionals, handling real client challenges and contributing to meaningful solutions from day one.
“Over the years, we’ve supported five IT technicians through completed apprenticeships, helping them attain NVQ Level 3 in Computing,” explains Stuart, our Managing Director. “We take a lot of pride in seeing these young professionals grow into confident, skilled IT experts who can tackle complex problems with ease.”
Looking to the Future
As we continue to grow, apprenticeships will remain a key part of our talent strategy. We’re committed to creating more opportunities for local young people to enter the IT industry through this pathway.
For businesses considering apprenticeships, our advice is simple: the investment pays dividends. The fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and modern skills that apprentices bring to your team are invaluable assets in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Join Our Journey
If you’re interested in learning more about IT apprenticeships or would like to discuss how Bandicoot can support your business’s technology needs, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can build a stronger, more skilled workforce for Lancashire’s digital future.
