Canon launches UK Partner Apprenticeship Programme to \u00cb\u00e...\u00c/b\u00e

Canon launches UK Partner Apprenticeship Programme to support channel business development

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 19 October 2016 - Canon, world leader in imaging solutions, today announces the launch of its Partner Apprenticeship Programme, designed to support channel partners address the industry skills gap whilst providing young, talented people with attractive career opportunities.

In the programme's first year, Canon aims to on-board 30 apprentices with 70 to follow in year two. The announcement comes as part of the ongoing evolution of Canon's partner programme, designed to support accredited partners develop their print and information management service offerings.

Working in collaboration with CompTIA, the IT industry trade association, Canon has designed a comprehensive programme of training, on-the-job experience and a professional certification. Once qualified, apprentices will have the technological and business skills to take up roles such as Integration Specialist, Service Delivery Analyst and Helpdesk Technician in one of Canon's accredited print and imaging solutions partners.

A number of current partners including SOS Systems, Unidoc Solutions and IT@Spectrum are aiming to support the programme from its launch. As we move further into a digital-first world, we're seeing an increasing need for apprentices with a certain skillset. These skills are key to our growth aspirations as a provider of innovative print and business process solutions, said Ken Sturdy, Managing Director at IT@Spectrum. Through Canon's programme, we're reinforcing our commitment to apprenticeships, enabling us to expand the opportunities they provide and present emerging talent with a vibrant career opportunity.

Adam Poole, responsible for Canon's B2B go-to-market strategy commented. The digitisation of information brings with it exciting opportunities for both Canon and our partners to develop new customer solutions and services. To do this effectively the industry needs to invest in new skills and talent. We are proud to be able to support the next generation of IT print and imaging professionals build careers in this hugely rewarding industry, whilst simultaneously supporting our partners to develop the talent they need to achieve their business development goals.

Graham Hunter, VP Skills Certification, Europe and Middle East, CompTIA said: Recruiting and developing the best fresh talent is vital to the future of the IT industry and it's great to see a business like Canon recognise this. We've worked closely together over the past twelve months, using our A+ certification and Canon's in-house training to design a programme that will support Canon's channel partners to achieve their growth objectives, whilst providing young people with key skills in areas such as cybersecurity, systems networking, and mobile. We look forward to seeing the next generation of print and information management superstars rise through the initiative.

LINK:	http://www.canon.co.uk/press-centre/press-releases/2016/10/uk-partner-...
	See more stories from canon

More from Canon