THE APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
Crimson Academy Apprenticeship Programme
The Level 4 apprenticeship takes just over a year to complete, and the cohort will then move onto Level 5/6 of the degree apprenticeship. With a mix of time spent at Digital Native focusing on theory and time spent at Crimson applying the new knowledge to live client projects, apprentices gain a wide range of experience and knowledge.
What are the day-to-day tasks?
The scheme is varied, and time is split across focused study time with Digital Native and project related work with Crimson. Applicants must be organised, as every day is filled with different tasks – no day is the same at Crimson. During the level 4 stage of the apprenticeship, the days are very structured, and as you progress through the apprenticeship you will become more independent.
At the Crimson Head Office, tasks include software testing, writing up requirements, client/internal meetings, and information analysis. There are also plenty of self-improvement, personal growth, and business awareness sessions at Digital Native and Crimson. There is a mandatory reading list and each apprentice is asked to lead a book review which is presented on a Teams call with an open invitation to the whole Crimson team.
What are the minimum requirements?
For Crimson Academy, the main requirement is having the right mindset, personality and inter-personal skills to fit the Crimson culture. We are looking for individuals interested in a career in tech but you don’t have to be an IT expert already. Our solutions are low code, no code and our programme will ensure you learn you all the tech you need to know. Applicants should be 18 or over (as a minimum their 18th birthday must fall during the first year of study) and have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s (A-C), including English and Maths however most of our current Academy have either A levels (or equivalent) or a degree.
What qualification will I get?
The qualifications you will get depend on the apprenticeship programme you join and your previous qualifications. All Academy members will undertake Microsoft exams including MB-901 and PL-200. Below you will find information on the qualifications for each programme, and for those who already have a degree.
Level 4 Software Testing Programme: Level 4 ISTQB Software Tester Qualification. Digital & Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) provided they continue to Level 5/6.
Level 4 Business Analyst Programme: Level 4 BCS Foundation Certificate. Digital & Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) provided they continue to Level 5/6.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree: Level 4 qualification (ISTQB Qualification or BCS Certificate). If you already have a degree, you can choose whether to continue to study for a further 2 years after achieving the level 4 to gain an IT degree, or move onto 100% delivery after the first year, and therefore will not achieve an IT degree.
Will there be a job available after I complete the apprenticeship?
Provided apprentices meet their first-year targets and pass the course, they will have a permanent role as a Junior Microsoft Consultant at Crimson when the apprenticeship is finished. Our Microsoft Consultants work to create solutions to clients’ IT needs using the full suite of Microsoft software products. They work with clients from a wide range of sectors including higher education, house builders, housing associations and local government.
Contact us to find out more
Cat Halstead,
Head of Change & People Development
E: catherine.halstead@crimson.co.uk
