We visited Skunkworks IT to find out about their apprentice Alfie’s progress and how easy it was for the company to hire an apprentice.

Based in Stafford Park, Telford, Skunkworks IT have over 20 years of experience in the IT services and have large clients across the region in sectors such as education, public service & food manufacturing.

Previously a pupil of Charlton School in Wellington, Alfie Palin moved to an information communications technician apprenticeship after studying A levels with us at our Wellington campus.

“I’ve always been interested in IT,” says Alfie. “I studied it in my GCSEs at school and I chose to study computer science as one of my A level subjects, alongside maths and physics.

“I decided I wanted to do an apprenticeship in IT; I found that managing computer systems was a field I really wanted to get into and, when the opening at Skunkworks IT became available, I interviewed, and I got the role.

“I always feel like I’m challenged here; there’s always a range of work to do and new things to learn, there’s always a task to do here and I really enjoy what I do. I build new computers and set up operating systems for clients, and I get to fix issues on site and from the office.

“When my apprenticeship is over, I really hope to stay on here. I love the work I do, and I really enjoy being part of this great team.”

Carl Arnold, application support analyst at Skunkworks IT, said: “Alfie’s been doing really well in his apprenticeship. We recently had a big project with integrated systems at a school that was using old, dated machines which we replaced and set up for students and staff to use.

“It’s been really easy to integrate Alfie into our workforce. He’s got a mature head on his shoulders. He knows to ask questions, he gets one with everyone in the team and he gets on with his tasks so well, usually asking us what he can do next! He’s learnt our policies and how to carry out our services really well – he’s an asset to our team.”

Katie Hunt, project manager at Skunkworks IT, said: “We find that apprentices are really important to our team here. We have a lot of combined experience in the senior directors and technicians at the company which we’re really keen to pass on. By having an apprentice working with us, we have the benefit of an extra employee whilst passing on vital skills.

“Hiring an apprentice has been so easy and we’re so lucky to have someone like Alfie come through our door who has landed on his feet and got straight into work. The interview process and the help Telford College has given has allowed us to feel completely supported throughout the experience. The administration and interviews have been set up for us and there’s always someone on the end of the phone to help us if we need it.”

Are you looking to hire an Apprentice? Contact our apprenticeship team today at 01952 642452, or email apprentices@telfordcollege.ac.uk