Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 – Ryan Maitland 

Today we speak to Ryan Maitland, our newest Apprentice at Quorum. Ryan joined us in September 2020 to start his Modern Apprenticeship in IT Systems & Networking (Level 6).

Ryan was referred to Quorum by an employee who currently works for us in our Managed Services team and we are so glad they did! Despite joining us during Covid, Ryan has adapted brilliantly and has really risen to the challenge of not only starting a new job and apprenticeship but also working remotely and the challenges that brings.

Ryan has very much just got stuck into his life at Quorum and is certainly embracing our culture and company values. Ryan is certainly showing himself to be a very willing learner and always happy to help.

Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?

“Nowadays, I think that apprenticeships are the best way of adapting to working life. With the mix of on the job learning and the more formal side of learning provided by QA, it is just a great way of building knowledge in your field of interest and learning more each day. Knowing that I have all the best support from the Quorum team and QA makes the whole process easier to manage.”

What have you been up to in Quorum?

“Since starting my first-year apprenticeship last September, I have had the chance to work with a variety of clients all with different support needs whether that be helping by going on-site or remotely. From my first day at Quorum, I felt very included and part of the team, I am always being included in little projects where I am getting the chance to help and learn as I go.

Along with on-the-job work, I am currently working through QA coursework. This involves theory-based units and some practical learning in test environments. All the courses and units I have completed gets me closer to my goal of completing my first-year apprenticeship and progressing to my second year with Quorum.”

How have you developed throughout this stage of your Apprenticeship?

“As a first-year apprentice at Quorum, my level of knowledge has increased greatly with the support of the Managed Services team and all the great opportunities that are given to me. I have come across various challenges since starting but I know I have a team that can give me all the support I need and help me overcome these challenges.

As of now, I am nearing the end of my first-year apprenticeship with only a few units left to go. I have completed two courses so far which has helped in my day-to-day role. I hope to be finished my first year very soon and move onto my second year with Quorum.”

What would you say to anyone thinking of starting an Apprenticeship?

“In my opinion, an apprenticeship is the best way of getting your foot in the door to the world of work. It is the perfect mix between courses and on the job training both helping develop skills for the long run. I am looking forward to developing my IT skills with Quorum in the years to come.”

What are you planning on doing for your 18th birthday?

“At this time, I cannot be certain about anything due to the current circumstances with COVID. It will likely be a quiet one, with a few drinks and some food in the house with the family. Hopefully, it will not be too long to see some normality again so I can go and celebrate my first legal pint with my family and friends.”

Ryan has really embraced his apprenticeship and is an excellent example of how learning and gaining a qualification whilst working can really kick start your career.  We cant wait to support Ryan through the next level of his apprenticeship and continue his training via Microsoft Accreditations also.