West Midlands Firm tackles IT skills shortage its own way

The key limiting factor to business growth, according to leading West Midlands Microsoft Dynamics software firm Technology Management, is qualified and trained people, particularly in the area of IT and software development. As the company welcomes five new members to the team, tackling the IT skills shortage has become its top priority to ensure the future prosperity for itself and that of its clients.

As highlighted in reports, employment in the IT industry is expected to grow at nearly five times the UK average over the next decade, yet there is a huge lack of specialist business software consultants and developers says Technology Management, which has resorted to recruiting and training graduates at a growing rate to bridge its skills gap and ensure the firm’s growth and survival.

Now in the third year of its graduate training scheme, Technology Management has recruited 10 graduate trainees, five this year, which make up the 80-strong team that provides business software and support services to companies across the UK. A significant proportion of the team, the graduates are being specifically trained to be able to support the growing demand for Microsoft business software and support.

James Crowter, managing director of Technology Management explains: “It is well reported that the number of young people studying and choosing careers in IT has decreased and in particular, software and applications development. The growing demand from SMBs (small to medium sized) businesses investing in more efficient processes based on innovative technology means we, as suppliers, have to ensure we have the right people to service and meet that demand.

“It presents the sector with a challenge – for firms such as ours with a limited talent pool in our specialist field. Rather than constantly battle with our competitors to find already experienced candidates and drive up costs for ourselves and our clients, we feel that by training our own graduates we’ll have the best qualified and best talent to meet our clients’ requirements and ultimately the greatest impact on our clients’ performance and growth.”

“Our graduate training programme has to date brought 10 talented people into our team, five this year, each working alongside experienced developers, software consultants and business support specialists. Balancing real on-site experience with specific off-site independent residential training is proving a successful mix and producing the necessary skills needed to ensure we provide our clients with the very best and innovative solutions to drive their business performance and productivity. Our five new graduates join our team at an exciting time for Technology Management and Microsoft Dynamics.”

Burhan, graduate of Birmingham City University, one of five new 2015 recruits at Technology Management and training to become a Microsoft Dynamics NAV Consultant added: “It’s a steep learning curve, but there is so much knowledge here and the team are always happy to help and encourage me. Every day is different, which is invaluable to my development and progression. Working alongside experienced people and being trained specifically by those with knowledge of the business software solutions is crucial. I’m really enjoying working and being part of an innovative and dynamic team at Technology Management and it truly is a dream job for me.”

Nosheen, graduate of Aston University, commented: “Whilst doing my A levels I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do so I tried a few different extra subjects from creative writing to software programming. The programming was the most enjoyable and the most challenging so that’s why I chose to do a Computer Science Degree at Aston University and it just followed from there. It is great working at Technology Management as the training and support we receive is ongoing which is essential in a field where things are constantly moving and changing.”

A combination of software developers and business consultants, each graduate undertakes a tailored Technology Management training programme to support their particular business area. Developers undergo an intensive four-month programme on-site and off-site at Yarnfied Park in Staffordshire and become certified MCPs (Microsoft Certified Professionals) upon successful completion of Microsoft examinations. Consultants take part in weekly classroom sessions delivered by Technology Management, online tutorials provided by Microsoft and are supported day-to-day by a mentor from within the business. A consultant’s training is carried out over a longer period and graduates cover over 30 modules and key skills.

More information

For additional information:

Claire Rose
Technology Management Ltd
St Mark's Church
St Mark's Road
Wolverhampton WV3 00H
Tel: +44 (0) 1902 578 300