Think Cloud: Cultivating Local Talent through Apprenticeships

Think Cloud: Cultivating Local Talent through Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are more than just a career path—they’re an opportunity for growth, learning, and development in a supportive environment. Just ask Dean, the Head of Customer Service Success at Think Cloud!

At Think Cloud, innovation flourishes not only through cutting-edge technology but also through investing in people. Partnering with Hull Business Training Centre (HBTC), they have welcomed two remarkable apprentices, Dom and Chloe, whose journeys exemplify the power of hands-on learning and mentorship.

Dom’s Apprenticeship Journey at Think Cloud: A Transformative Experience

Dom’s time as an apprentice at Think Cloud has been nothing short of transformative. After completing his apprenticeship as a Digital Support Technician with a Distinction in September, Dom continues to work at Think Cloud, gaining more skills and confidence as he navigates his career. He has honed his technical expertise, earning the recognition he deserves in the process.

Inspired by the opportunities apprenticeships can offer, Dom decided to pursue a Helpdesk Technician apprenticeship at Think Cloud after learning about them at a school careers fair. He quickly developed his people skills—something he believed he wouldn’t have gained at university—and deepened his knowledge of various IT modules. Dom’s apprenticeship, embedded within a professional environment, has helped him understand the importance of customer service etiquette, while onboarding new businesses to Think Cloud’s systems. Now, Dom proudly serves as the face of the company, building his confidence and realising that the workplace isn’t as daunting as he once thought. Motivated to continue progressing in his career, Dom is eager to take on more advanced roles, leveraging his experience to propel his future in IT. This is a fantastic achievement!

At the start, Dom was apprehensive about transitioning from college to the workplace, as the environment was entirely different. However, throughout his apprenticeship, he found continuous support from HBTC, which helped him feel motivated and assured. He credits the team at HBTC for always being available to answer questions or offer guidance, which was immensely encouraging.

When asked what he would say to others considering an apprenticeship, Dom shared, “apprenticeships are great for someone who doesn’t want to sit in a classroom, whilst also having the ability to better their skills and become more employable in a harsh job market”. We couldn’t agree more! Dom’s success speaks volumes, and he’s now positioned to leverage the knowledge gained during his apprenticeship to progress to even more advanced roles within IT. We’re incredibly proud of Dom and his achievements!

Chloe’s Apprenticeship Success at Think Cloud: Growth and Confidence

Chloe’s apprenticeship as a Helpdesk Apprentice at Think Cloud has marked a defining moment in her career, helping her grow both technically and personally. As the first point of contact for customers, Chloe handles inquiries, resolves issues, and directs messages to the appropriate technicians. She also excels at organising her tasks, ensuring she completes them in a timely and efficient manner.

Initially, like many students, Chloe planned to attend university after completing her A-Levels. However, after reconsidering, she decided to pursue an apprenticeship in ICT, a field she had always been interested in, thanks to her educational background and love for problem-solving. After searching for opportunities in the Hull area, Chloe found HBTC, which helped her secure her role as a Helpdesk Technician at Think Cloud within weeks of her application.

At first, Chloe was concerned about the challenge of learning new things in a fast-paced environment, but with determination and the support of her team, she overcame those hurdles. Chloe participated in numerous training programs, expanding her knowledge and strengthening her skill set. Answering calls from clients allowed Chloe to build strong relationships while also significantly boosting her confidence—she’s now one of the first to pick up the phone when a client calls.

Throughout her apprenticeship, Chloe has developed critical technical, teamwork, and organisational skills. From troubleshooting IT issues to improving company apps and services, her contributions have been impressive. Chloe has even become the go-to person in her family for IT help! Her customer service skills have flourished as well, learning how to handle emails and calls professionally, which is vital in her role.

Chloe has worked on several impactful projects, including pushing out two-factor authentication (2FA) across the company to enhance security. She also coordinated with other technicians to schedule 2FA setup for users. As a result of her hard work, Chloe has received over 300 positive feedbacks from customers, including direct praise from the Head of Customer Success and directors at Think Cloud. This recognition reflects Chloe’s outstanding contributions.

Chloe feels that her apprenticeship has significantly shaped her career goals. It has provided a strong foundation for her future in tech, and she is eager to pursue further qualifications to continue growing in the industry. When asked about her apprenticeship experience, Chloe said that her experience could not have gone smoother, the lessons where informative and she was able to communicate with other apprentices doing the same course as herself. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn and also build lasting relationships with peers.

When asked what advice she would give to others considering an apprenticeship, Chloe said, “Just go for it! I am so happy I went for an apprenticeship instead of the university path I intended on taking, as it has given me a head start in a career I am qualified for. You get trained on the job and are paid to be there, you can’t fault that!” Chloe is still working at Think Cloud and will soon sit her final assessment for her ICT apprenticeship. We wish her the best of luck—she has a bright future ahead, and we are so proud of her progress!

Think Cloud’s Commitment to Apprenticeships: Fostering Talent and Innovation

Dean, the Head of Customer Services at Think Cloud, was motivated to invest in apprenticeships with the goal of developing skilled talent tailored to the company’s needs while supporting career growth for young professionals. After a smooth recruitment process with HBTC, Dean noted that Think Cloud was provided with well-prepared candidates who aligned perfectly with the company’s requirements.

Think Cloud has embraced apprenticeships by offering structured guidance, mentorship, and hands-on learning, gradually integrating apprentices into client support roles to build their skills and confidence. Dean shared fantastic feedback on the benefits of apprenticeships for his business “apprentices have enhanced our capacity for client support, contributed to a collaborative team culture, and allowed experienced staff to focus on complex tasks by handling basic IT issues.”

Thanks to their work, the apprentices at Think Cloud have streamlined client support, resolved IT issues faster, reduced response times, and boosted client satisfaction. By taking on helpdesk tasks, apprentices free up senior engineers to focus on critical projects, improving overall team efficiency.

As technology continues to evolve, more companies are recognising the value of apprenticeships as a way to build strong, innovative teams. Dean believes that apprentices are now integral to business growth, driving innovation, enhancing client service, and providing a steady pipeline of skilled talent for the future.

Think Cloud’s investment in apprentices demonstrates just how valuable young talent can be to a business. By nurturing these apprentices, companies can drive innovation, foster community growth, and create a dynamic workforce that is equipped to handle the challenges of the fast-evolving IT landscape. Just like Dom and Chloe, apprentices bring fresh ideas, energy, and a strong desire to develop, making them an essential asset to any team.

If you want to find out more about how apprentices can help your business, leave your details below and we’ll give you a call to discuss your needs!

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