KCOM Group apprentices shortlisted for Microsoft Apprentice of the Year Award
Apprentice software engineers Liam Walker and Thomas Herring will attend a parliamentary reception hosted by Microsoft in the House of Commons later this month where the winner of the award will be announced.
The awards are a chance to recognise the achievements of those involved in Microsoft-based apprenticeships as well as their vital contribution to Microsoft’s wider Get On programme which is helping 300,000 young people move a step closer to work.
At first I struggled with the training, in particular the course work, but having real-life work experience at KCOM Group meant I could put into practice what I was learning on my course. “I’ve learnt a lot in a short space of time at KCOM Group, in particular working on contact centre and intranet projects for in-house customers. The support from my colleagues, especially my mentors, has played a big part in my development. Now I feel much more confident in the workplace and I know I can keep developing these key skills into any future roles.
Liam Walker
Apprentice Software Engineer
Being able to study and work at the same time has been a great benefit to me and my development. I’ve been helping deliver a project for a national power services supplier and a customer portal project that gave me experience working to a budget and a deadline. The skills I’ve gained in the last year will help me continue developing my career in IT. Both myself and Liam are really looking forward to the awards night at the end of June.
Thomas Herring
Apprentice Software Engineer
Since joining KCOM Group both Liam and Thomas have exceeded expectations in the workplace whilst also achieving some fantastic course results. The projects Liam and Thomas have been a part of mean they work closely with a technically advanced team. They’ve coped very well with demands, always deliver work on time and to the high standard and quality that’s expected by our customers. The recognition and visit to The House of Commons is great for Liam and Thomas and all of the people involved in their development should be proud of the part they have played in giving two young people a great start to their working life.
Steve Humm
KCOM Group’s Chief Information Officer
Since the awards were launched in 2010 nearly 5,000 young people have completed or are on the Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship programme.
The Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship Program supports the UK Government in creating more jobs and qualified individuals within the ICT sector. It’s designed for and developed with Microsoft Partners like KCOM Group to help bring new talent into the industry.
About KCOM PLC
KCOM Group PLC is a leading provider of communications services to organisations and consumers, serving customers through four market focused brands.
KC provides a range of telephony and broadband services to consumers and businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire. Our other three brands serve organisations throughout the UK. Eclipse provides communications services to small and medium businesses across the UK, connecting them to customers, partners and suppliers and improving their productivity and flexibility, and helping them to grow. Kcom works with some of the UK’s biggest names, delivering communications services that enable them to be flexible, efficient and more responsive to their customers. Smart421 delivers high-end consultancy, integration and management of business-critical systems for enterprise customers.
We apply the collective knowledge and expertise of our people and our partners to help our customers harness the power of communications. Our focus is on the delivery of inspiring customer experiences, and finding new and better ways to connect people.
For further information please contact:
Laura Cavanagh
KCOM Group, PR Executive
01924 882885 / 07738 785435
laura.cavanagh@kcom.com
The Microsoft apprenticeship scheme aims to help 300,000 young people in Britain by 2015. Microsoft developed the Partner Apprenticeship to help businesses like KCOM Group access the talent they need, and as a way for young people to gain high quality IT skills and long term employment. Since 2010, Microsoft has facilitated apprenticeship opportunities for over 5,000 young people.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
About KCOM PLC
KCOM Group PLC is a leading provider of communications services to organisations and consumers, serving customers through four market focused brands.
KC provides a range of telephony and broadband services to consumers and businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire. Our other three brands serve organisations throughout the UK. Eclipse provides communications services to small and medium businesses across the UK, connecting them to customers, partners and suppliers and improving their productivity and flexibility, and helping them to grow. Kcom works with some of the UK’s biggest names, delivering communications services that enable them to be flexible, efficient and more responsive to their customers. Smart421 delivers high-end consultancy, integration and management of business-critical systems for enterprise customers.
We apply the collective knowledge and expertise of our people and our partners to help our customers harness the power of communications. Our focus is on the delivery of inspiring customer experiences, and finding new and better ways to connect people.
For further information please contact:
Laura Cavanagh
KCOM Group, PR Executive
01924 882885 / 07738 785435
laura.cavanagh@kcom.com