The latest additions to the Register were published today, with a further 65 former BT apprentices earning the right to add letters after their name – ICTTech.
As of today, the number of ICTTech professionals has risen to more than 250, with 130 of those candidates coming through the ITP’s tailored fast-track programme.
The ITP worked with the IET and the Engineering Council to map apprenticeships to the criteria of the ICTTech, ensuring the maximum amount of graduated apprentices are able to take part. BT continues to support its apprentices by paying for membership of the ITP, and supporting them through the ICTTech process.
Being an ICT Technician offers a wide variety of career-enhancing advantages, including greater prestige, better prospects for promotion, and a potential increase in lifetime earnings of up to £152,000. It is hoped that a further 200+ BT apprentices will take advantage of the opportunity in 2013.
The ITP works closely with apprentices across the industry, and is launching its own ITP Apprenticeship Scheme in 2013, aimed at opening up apprenticeships to SMEs.
Their work has already won the support of John Chudley, of the National Apprenticeship Service. He said: "Apprentices make an invaluable contribution to the UK economy, bringing a whole raft of benefits to the businesses that employ them. Here at the National Apprenticeship Service, we constantly work to not only promote apprenticeships, but to support those who are involved in them.
“It is fantastic to see BT and the ITP supporting apprentices in a way that will have real impact on their professional prospects, as they embark upon their careers with a solid track record of training and achievement behind them. This streamlined approach to their ICTTech recognises all of their hard work and commitment, and enables them to gain an internationally recognised registration, using letters after their name that displays their competence in their chosen field."
Ann Potterton, CEO of the ITP, said: “The ICTTech is given in recognition of the hard work and dedication it takes to complete an apprenticeship, and is an acknowledgement of their commitment and achievements. Working with BT and other employers, the ITP has ensured that the skills and knowledge gained throughout an apprenticeship are taken into account, making the process not only simple and easy, but productive – joining the professional register brings great career benefits, and contributes to the necessary professionalisation of engineering.
“If we are to tackle looming skills shortages in the industry, we need to make this an attractive career option to talented young people – and ICTTech is just a part of that.. We’d like to offer our congratulations to the 65 people publically added to the register today.”
Amanda Kirtley, Head of BT Apprenticeships, added: “We were delighted to work with the ITP on ensuring that our apprentices can find a straightforward route to gaining their Professional Registration. They all work very hard, and their training is rigorous – gaining letters after their name not only demonstrates their professionalism, but also reflects the wide variety of skills they gain during their apprenticeships. We believe it not only boosts their career prospects, but also rewards the hard work that they and their managers have put in throughout their apprenticeships. It also reflects the fact that here at BT, we are committed to our apprentices, and truly value the contribution they make to our business.”