Digital experts Capgemini UK keep switched on talent in the Highlands
Capgemini UK’s flourishing apprenticeship programme is not just helping the Highlands retain young talent but also helping attract skilled people to the region.
A global leader in consulting, technology services and digital transformation, Capgemini has trained more than 300 apprentices in the last eight years in Scotland, with 97 per cent based in the Highlands. The company has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Nairn, with Inverness being its largest base.
Capgemini has provided apprenticeships since 2011 in response to the digital skills gap.
A decade on, its achievements have led to the company being named finalist in the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards within the Large Employer of the Year category sponsored by Balfour Beatty.
The company works with four learning providers to offer Modern and Graduate Apprenticeship jobs in digital marketing, cybersecurity, information security and software development.
Capgemini UK Apprenticeship Programmes Manager Louise MacBean said: “Our presence in the Highlands is expanding, and we remain committed to continue that investment into the region with a focus on increasing the workforce and nurturing skills of our young talent through opportunities like apprenticeships.
“Early careers, such as apprenticeships, will make up 30 per cent of our overall UK recruitment in 2022, which is a positive contribution to the wider economic challenge of youth unemployment.
“Capgemini’s investment in the Highlands by expanding the UK’s biggest delivery centre has made this a reality and it will give people an option not only to remain in the Highlands but also to draw people into the region.”
With nine apprentices currently working in Scotland and 333 completed apprenticeships in the last nine years, Capgemini has enjoyed an impressive UK-wide retention rate of more than 90 per cent over a five-year period, bringing an array of benefits to the business.
Apprentices contribute hugely to Capgemini’s special culture, bringing a strong work ethic, diversity, and prompting changes in our ways of thinking. We are using apprenticeships to fill the growing digital skills gap in Scotland and grow our own technologists of the future.
Louise MacBean
Capgemini UK Apprenticeship Programmes Manager
Louise said: “Apprentices contribute hugely to Capgemini’s special culture, bringing a strong work ethic, diversity, and prompting changes in our ways of thinking.
“We are using apprenticeships to fill the growing digital skills gap in Scotland and grow our own technologists of the future.
“From a typical entry-level position such as a service desk analyst which requires good customer-facing skills, people can progress into an array of different digital pathways including cloud, cybersecurity, infrastructure support, programmes and projects, technical architects, automation, even finance, HR, and payroll.
“The opportunities through apprenticeships are boundless and that progression route is important as our people are ambitious and want to plan the next step in their careers.”
Over 12,000 employers support Scottish Apprenticeships, which are work-based learning opportunities or jobs with industry-recognised qualifications. Designed with employers for employers, Scottish Apprenticeships is demand-led and responsive to regional skills needs.
Louise concluded: “We’re really pleased to be a finalist and to be recognised in this way.
“Investing in people development is at the heart of what we do – some of today’s senior leaders were once apprentices themselves and are now managing the next generation.
“The impact of Covid-19 and the resulting shift to remote learning has also meant that many young people are looking at the different routes available to them other than university, with apprenticeships, such as ours, growing in popularity.
“The wealth of digital careers opportunities available are huge, and we believe we must empower young people to take full advantage of the growing sector’s opportunities.”
Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2022
The winner of the Large Employer of the Year category sponsored by Balfour Beatty will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which is organised by Skills Development Scotland and set to take place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 7-11 March.
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting www.apprenticeships.scot/awards