Government interest in ScrumIT apprenticeship scheme

HEMINGFORD Grey software firm ScrumIT s apprenticeship scheme could be rolled out in other companies after attracting interest from e-Skills, the government body for technology training. Founder Mel Pullen, a former Acorn computers team member, is aiming

HEMINGFORD Grey software firm ScrumIT's apprenticeship scheme could be rolled out in other companies after attracting interest from e-Skills, the government body for technology training.

Founder Mel Pullen, a former Acorn computers team member, is aiming to redefine computer software coding as a craft, and has been working with e-Skills and Microsoft with a view to formulating a national scheme.

ScrumIT is training seven apprentices in advanced programming straight from school and college, bypassing the traditional route of further education and university.

Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly last week paid a visit to examine the scheme and meet the participating apprentices, after finding out about ScrumIT at the Huntingdonshire Business Fair in April.

Mr Djanogly said: "ScrumIT's innovative software apprenticeship scheme deserves to succeed - especially given the high levels of youth unemployment that we are now experiencing.

"I heartily encourage other firms to follow their inspirational example."

Mr Pullen said: "The idea of training apprentices in mobile control systems programming is new: I had to write the ScrumIT apprenticeship specification.

"Since we started, e-Skills, the government body for technology training, has asked me to work with them and Microsoft to create a national programme.

"I'm proud it all began here.