After competing against more than 100 applicants, two successful candidates have joined one of Solihull’s largest organisations, Birmingham Airport, to undertake an IT apprenticeship.

Delivered by Solihull College, a Microsoft and Cisco Academy, the Apprenticeship for IT Professionals provides IT enthusiasts with an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required to become competent in a range of job roles, including IT Support Technician or Network Technician.

Curtis Connell and James Wheeler have joined Birmingham Airport’s team of IT experts, working underneath the supervision of Head of Information Services Wayne Smith.

Mr Smith said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in the apprenticeship scheme and helping Curtis and James to gain real experience and knowledge within a busy working environment.”

The apprenticeship programme is delivered over a period of up to 18 months, during which time Curtis and James will attend college one day a week.

One of the benefits of the programme is that it can be individually tailored by the College to suit the specific needs of the airport’s apprentice roles.

Commenting on his new post at Birmingham Airport, Curtis Connell, aged 18 from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, said: “I’m so pleased to get this opportunity, particularly at such a diverse and busy place of work like the airport.