A MANCHESTER-based government pilot to train would-be computer wizards is celebrating its first anniversary by hitting landmark employment figures.

Ambition: IT helps people from all backgrounds and levels of education, to become IT professionals, by training and providing job opportunities for those looking for a gateway into the industry.

Now it is putting one recruit a week into a job.

It has teamed up with big-name firms to offer them work and the intensive programme ensures recruits will be referred for work experience within the IT department of one of its partners in the scheme, invariably leading to full-time jobs.

The scheme provides a free service to companies serious about reducing their IT recruitment costs, by providing top class recruits who have undergone thorough technical and commercial training.

Ambition: IT has now forged relationships with over 80 local employers in both the public and private sector, including PC World, Fujitsu Services and a wide range of small and medium-sized businesses.

It is celebrating having placed more than 50 recruits in full-time employment in its first year.

Resources

The scheme was launched by Jobcentre Plus in Manchester at the end of September last year and is managed by Salford recruitment company CG Resources.

Single mum Lisa Jules, 33, is the scheme's 50th recruit to go back to work following a six-month course.

She trained in networking and systems support and landed an IT support technician role at Manchester-based Delta Microsystems which specialises in managing IT systems for primary and secondary schools across the north west.

"Being a single mum, I had taken a three year career break to bring up my daughter. The IT industry appealed to me, so when I heard about the programme, I was quick to enrol, especially as they supported my childcare costs during training," said Lisa.

CG Resources managing director Michael Sweeney said: "We are delighted to be celebrating our anniversary through announcing the placement of Ambition: IT's 50th recruit. It comes after a fantastic year, and we expect to double this recruitment rate in the next 12 months.

"Our free recruitment service offers employers the opportunity to cut their recruitment costs. In placing Lisa in employment, we have also provided Delta with an invaluable resource. The comprehensive service benefits all - the employee fulfils a career ambition and the employer receives a high quality, tailored service with no associated fees."

The Manchester pilot scheme has been such a success that it is now being rolled out elsewhere across the region. Tweet