1. Andy DentInnovit George AndersonZenos Terry KillerMicrosoft

2. Shortage of affordable IT professional skills Recruitment of people with existing and often costly skills just moves the ‘vacancies’ around – no new blood moving into the industry Leitch report highlights a shortage and need for apprentices so:- Microsoft PartnersZenos Academy LSCe-skill SSC Microsoft

3. Understand the partner business Interpersonal skills Business awareness skills (supplying solutions, not products) Technical skills Define an agreed programme A concise document that clearly identified the requirements, process for taking things forward and ownership for making things happen Selected training provider Creative delivery capacity Provide validation of candidate suitability at the pre employer interview stage Job Centre Plus for recruitment

4. All Partners wanted to get their apprentices up to speed as soon as possible: For the first 3 months of being on programme, 4 days a week in learning and 1 in the workplace For the next 3 months, 3 days a week in learning and 2 in the workplace For the remainder, just 1 day a week in learning

5. 20 + candidates going through employer interview and job offer stage Other candidates being selected, tested and pre interviewed Training Provider ready to deliver (with others preparing to deliver against a Learning Specification from Sept 09)