Shipley College Apprenticeship Marks The Start of a Successful IT Career

Former Shipley College apprentice student, Leon, visited the College recently to talk to a group of current IT students about his career path in to IT security.

He praised the Shipley College apprenticeship programme for giving him a good start to his career. He then moved on to other rewarding jobs where he gained substantial experience in complex network systems involving Microsoft and Linux servers.

Leon explains, ‘After teaching myself in my own time as my career evolved, I was able to progress to become a senior systems administrator for a worldwide hosting company working on their dedicated servers over in Leeds.’

Working in the field of Cyber Security, he now tests network systems, servers and business premises for security threats and vulnerabilities. He then reports on his findings and provides solutions and advice on how to reduce the risks of cyber attacks.

He discussed topics on network security that the students are studying at the moment including identity theft, hacking, virus attacks and computer laws.

Leon says, ‘I thoroughly enjoy my job and working in IT and my apprenticeship was the starting point for a very successful IT career.’

Louise Tearle, Partnership Director for WYCC added 'It is always great to hear how former students are progressing. Leon’s story shows that apprenticeships are a valuable route to developing skills and requirements for that lead to securing employment and future career.'