A MALVERN-based software company has praised apprenticeships, declaring: “University will not give you all the skills a business needs.”
Located at the Malvern Hills Science Park, D-RisQ was established in 2012 and produces software and systems verification technologies aimed at high integrity systems such as those found in aerospace.
With a team of 12 people, the company has seen the benefits of apprenticeships and has taken on two apprentices in the past, with both currently in training.
Hannah Saunders, 19, is studying a Level Three Software Apprenticeship and is learning programming languages as well as developing user interfaces for the verification tools before she finishes in January 2019.
Ross Lambert, 20, will finish his three-year Level Four Software Apprenticeship with TDM in September this year.
He has been offered a contract to work with D-RisQ once he satisfactorily completes his apprenticeship.
During his time at the company, Ross has been developing user interface tools, linking Linux Programming to Windows Software, developing the technological architecture and linking Central Processing Units.
With plans to take on a marketing trainee in the next 12 months, D-Risq professor Colin O’Halloran said: “There was a need to grow the business and it made sense to train local talent to the business culture.
“We look for people with enthusiasm for our industry and willingness to be adaptable and learn.
“You gain the use of great talent but it is their apprenticeship and there is an investment on both sides, university will not give you all the skills a business needs.”
D-RisQ received an apprenticeship grant from Malvern Hills District Council and government funding for 16 to 18-year-olds in training non-wage costs.
David Chambers, leader of Malvern Hills District Council and portfolio holder for economic development, said: “At Malvern Hills District Council we are committed to helping our small and medium sized business (SMES) to grow by addressing the need for higher levels skills.
“Taking on apprentices and graduates is a great way of doing that.
“Our priority is to retain young people in the area and give them access to the fantastic career opportunities.”
