9 July 2004

Jobcentre Plus (part of the Department of Work and Pensions) has chosen a consortium lead by Merseyside based internet services group, Connect Internet Solutions Limited, to deliver Ambition:IT, an innovative initiative to help unemployed people gain key technology skills in order to fill the current IT skills gap.

Ambition:IT, delivered in Merseyside by Connect and Nacro, will supply trained individuals for vacancies identified by Jobcentre Plus as being traditionally hard to fill such as Help Desk Personnel, Network Administrators, Applications Developers and Database Programmers. The consortium will provide the latest technology and skills training tailored to meet the particular skill sets being sought by individual companies.

Jill Prasad, Ambition:IT Project Manager, commented, "This initiative is free to employers and will benefit businesses of all sizes and sectors. The growing importance of ICT to businesses underlines the need to fill this skills gap. It's imperative that employers are able to source individuals who have the technical skills to help plan and implement effective ICT strategies. Ambition:IT will also reduce the usual risk and cost associated with recruitment and selection."

Colin Charlton, CEO of Connect Internet Solutions, said, "Connect has a successful track record in providing the highest level of IT skills training to individuals who previously have had no experience of computer technology whatsoever. We are well placed to help ensure the success of this flagship initiative from Jobcentre Plus."

Ambition:IT selects trainees based on a thorough 2 week selection process. In addition to IT skills training, individuals are also equipped with personal skills relevant to the workplace, with work experience an integral part of the scheme.

Companies interested in the scheme should contact the Ambition:IT Employer Liaison Department on 0151 282 4282. Interested individuals should speak to their Jobcentre Plus advisor or contact Sarah Houlton on the above contact number.