How IJYI is fuelling rapid business expansion with Firebrand apprentices
IJYI Ltd is a UK-based software consultancy firm specialising in development and application lifecycle management. They came to Firebrand because they identified a mid-tier resource gap within their organisation that was slowing their business expansion.
To solve this problem, IJYI decided to recruit a new staff member. By filling their skills gap, IJYI could expand their service offering to the public sector through the G-Cloud Network, while also taking on more projects.
Having agreed the skillset required for the role it was time for IJYI to look at the recruitment options available.
Why Firebrand, and why an apprentice?
Following consultations with a range of Apprenticeship providers, it was Firebrand that offered what IJYI needed. Hassle-free recruitment paired with a training methodology allowing the new hire to acquire the skills required, fast.
Director and Architect at IJYI, John Nicholson explained that “We chose Firebrand for their unique approach. Accelerated learning allowed our apprentice, Jasmine, to develop the skills we required faster. Training in concentrated blocks also meant we could set work for Jasmine without the fear of interruption and project delays, unlike the traditional day-release approach.”
Through the Firebrand Apprenticeship programme, Jasmine was also able to achieve industry-recognised certifications, including Microsoft MTA certifications in Software Development, Database Admin, and Web Development. The biggest benefit to IJYI was that this training was effectively free.
How Apprenticeships pay for themselves
While training to become a Junior Developer, Jasmine was able to support the team, acting as the main testing resource. Not only did this save up to £400 a day on fees for a testing resource, but IJYI were also able to improve the quality and speed at which applications were launched, reducing the need to go back and fix errors in the early development phase. Government funding also allowed IJYI to access £1,000s of training at a greatly reduced cost to the business.
“Our Firebrand experience has been fantastic. Through Apprenticeships, we can now develop new and existing employees faster.
The certifications they earn will also help us achieve Microsoft Gold Partner status, which opens up further business opportunities.”
IJYI have also enrolled an existing staff member onto a Firebrand Level 4 Apprenticeship.
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