Brentford company explains how apprentices can help future proof organisations

AJAR Technology celebrate the success of apprentices in National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February), sharing how apprentices can support the future of the company.?

Tara, Sales and Marketing Manager at AJAR Technology, Brentford, said the company has seen great benefits from young apprentices integrating with the existing staff.?

AJAR Technology is an international system integrator specialising in physical security, audio, visual and specialised integrated solutions for public sector and private businesses. The company has been recruiting young people and experienced professionals across the country to join their apprenticeships programmes.?

The company has also launched apprenticeship programmes for existing managers and project managers who want to upskill themselves. Apprentices take part in full-time, on-the-job training, study programmes in colleges and online learning.?

Tara explains the ethos towards apprentices at Ajar: “Our sector has traditionally been for very experienced individuals. But our business needs to be innovative and dynamic. When we have confident, competent, skilled young people working with us, it has been good for us and ensures the future proofing of business.”

The company has also recruited experienced professionals who want to develop their second career. One of the engineer apprentices is a qualified electrician and has obtained Level Four and Five qualifications in engineering.?

Tara emphasised that apprentices could enhance business operations and respond to clients’ needs efficiently. The company has also hired its first female apprentice. She is currently studying IT technical sales Level 5 and working in the sales team. She has been attending client facing activities, such as sales events and site surveys in clients’ offices.?

One of the engineer apprentices, Alex, has completed the programme in September 2023. He has now taken up a senior commissioning engineer role and has recently completed a project for a client in Amsterdam.?

Apart from apprenticeships, the company has organised T-Level placements and work experiences for students. They want to encourage more young people to learn more about the sector and the different career options and goals associated with it.?

Tara shared some advice for employers who are considering hiring apprentices:

“As a result of the pandemic, employers are worried that young people who have been learning remotely might not feel confident to come straight to workplace or might prefer not to work around with other people.?

“Employers can manage expectations with apprentices, explaining what the role would look like and what would suit for the apprentice and your business. If you are an SME or a small business, you can involve apprentices in all sorts of things. Young people would know way more about technology and different types of communications than older generations. We all start somewhere. None of us are born knowing everything. Employers who want to build their businesses cannot do it on their own.”

Work Hounslow will welcome over twenty organisations to Apprenticeship Marketplace event on Wednesday, 7 February. Register to attend.

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