The introduction of what is believed to be Australia's first formal IT Apprenticeship program is helping businesses to gain risk-free IT help desk services, as well as reduce attrition rates.

Launched by Australian IT consultancy, 3W, the program has been quickly leapt upon by Government departments, large corporates and medium sized businesses, keen to solve ongoing staff problems.

3W’s CEO, Bruce Mills, said the apprenticeship program combats the biggest issue faced by most medium to large sized businesses with IT help desks – that of high staff turnover.

“Most help desk staff are young people who are eager to learn, but then use those skills to move on to a new employer and higher paid position,” said Bruce Mills. “Although this helps the employee, it is a never-ending battle for the employer, faced with ongoing hiring issues and reduced performance. There’s just no loyalty.”

Similar to a trade apprenticeship, the program works by delivering entry-level IT support staff who are permanent employees of 3W, to clients at a fixed contract rate. 3W then provides them with fully-funded training outside work hours, and enrols the employee in a Certificate 4 for IT, under the Australian Apprenticeship Scheme.

“It’s time that more focus and investment was put into apprenticeships outside of trades. The IT industry has a skills shortage like many other industries, and Australian companies need to do more to ensure there will be enough qualified and well trained IT staff for the future,” said Bruce.

“We shouldn’t be the only company taking proactive action to combat the ongoing IT skills shortage. Our program is proving hugely beneficial for both the employers and the apprentices. Imagine the impact if programs like ours were running all around Australia,” he said.

3W’s apprenticeship program helps companies find loyal staff for a range of IT roles, but mostly for help desks and IT support services. Each contractor is provided for two weeks free, so they can get up to speed on their host employer’s specific technology.

Mark Varricchio is an apprentice undertaking a 3W apprenticeship and is working on the help desk at the Queensland Department of Public Works’ Information Services Directorate. He believes his apprenticeship is providing a great career path for himself and huge benefits for the department.

“For me personally, I’m learning so much, everything from problem solving and doing backups and file creations, to server monitoring around the State and now, scripting,” said Mark. “It’s a great opportunity.

“The best bit is that I’m being continually trained off the job and at no expense to the Department. It’s all covered by my apprenticeship.”

Mark believes his team are also benefitting, by having an extra pair of hands who is proactive, flexible and able to assist them while they concentrate on core work. Their performance has increased and they have a very dedicated and loyal workmate, keen to learn and assist.

3W’s Bruce Mills is confident the apprenticeship program will make a huge difference to all sized companies requiring on-site IT support, from call centres and software houses, to support centres in large corporates and government departments