Logicalis UK And NHS Wales Informatics Service Launch Apprentice Exchange Scheme

, Apr 1, 2014

Logicalis UK and NHS Wales Informatics Service have launched an apprentice exchange scheme designed to achieve shared learning between the public and private sectors. With six Logicalis apprentices and seven NHS Wales Informatics Service apprentices, the exchange scheme is providing valuable experience of how each organisation operates, from the perspective of a private IT service provider and IT services in the NHS, as well as an insight into careers, and business skills training.

To date the apprentices have undertaken induction days at Logicalis’ managed services centre in Nantgarw and at the NHS Wales Informatics Service, at which they learnt about IT operations and discussed with employees the different jobs required to provision and manage IT services, such as field engineering, service delivery, technical help desk, and sales. Separately, they have attended business skills and professionalism training at which the apprentices learnt email etiquette, how to create and give PowerPoint presentations, CV writing, and interview skills.

The apprentices, who are working in IT and administration roles, are now being given the opportunity to shadow an employee at the opposite organisation, in order to gain hands-on experience of a career that interests them.

Richard Aston, Vice President of Services, Logicalis UK, says, “The exchange scheme is enabling the apprentices to develop an appreciation of the challenges and requirements of delivering IT services, and gain perspective of the service provider and end-user relationship. They are encouraged to share their knowledge and ideas with peers and colleagues, which is helping each organisation to improve how it engages in public and private sector contracts.”

An NHS Wales Informatics Service spokesperson said, “Competition for jobs is fierce, so the experience gained from spending time at two different organisations will prove invaluable to their future career opportunities, as well as what they can bring to their current roles.  In the future, we hope to extend the scheme and employ a Shared Apprentice as part of the Welsh Government’s education and skills initiative.”

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates said: “Wales is currently experiencing a real resurgence in apprenticeships, with the number of people in work based learning the highest it’s been in six years.

“This partnership between Logicalis and NHS Wales Informatics Service shows us there are very real mutual benefits when apprentices are shared between two different organisations.

“By sharing and transferring their knowledge in this way, these apprentices will be able to offer an entirely new perspective on working practices and customer service. “

About NHS Wales Informatics Service

NHS Wales Informatics Service is a national organisation providing the information and technology services needed to support healthcare professionals and high quality patient care.

The NHS Wales Informatics Service brings together the strategic development of Information Communications Technology (ICT) with the delivery of operational ICT services and information management.

All products and services are developed in collaboration with Health Boards and health professionals in NHS Wales. For more information visit www.wales.nhs.uk/nwis

Contact:
Greg Halse
Cohesive Communications
01291 626200
logicalis@cohesive.uk.com

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