Building Tomorrow's Talent: Partnering with FIT to Drive Technology Resourcing

As talent acquisition remains a critical challenge in financial services, organisations are discovering the strategic advantage of apprenticeship programmes. This article explores how two Irish Funds member organisations are leveraging the FIT (Fast Track into Technology) Tech Apprenticeship programmes in Cybersecurity, Software Development and Computer Networking to build teams that blend fresh perspectives with industry-specific training.

Apprenticeship Programmes - Creating a Pipeline of Skilled Professionals

Apprenticeship programmes are becoming a strategic imperative for future-focused organisations. In our previous article, we highlighted FIT’s comprehensive approach to addressing talent needs through the development of Tech Apprenticeship programmes, in partnership with industry and education providers. The success of FIT demonstrates how combining structured college-based learning with hands-on workplace training creates a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals tailored to our industry's needs.

Expleo's Experience with FIT Tech Apprenticeships

In 2022, Expleo, a global engineering, technology, and consulting service provider, took significant strides in enhancing its diversity and inclusion efforts by participating in the FIT Tech Apprenticeship Program to  fulfil two primary objectives:

• promoting diversity and inclusion within the company

• diversifying the talent pool and sources of talent

Expleo's commitment to diversity and inclusion is a core part of its corporate ethos. The FIT portfolio of apprenticeship programmes aligns with Expleo's broader strategy to foster an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work.

In an industry that is constantly evolving, having a diverse range of skills and backgrounds is crucial for innovation and growth. By availing of FIT Tech Apprenticeships, Expleo was able to tap into a new source of talent, bringing in mature individuals with fresh perspectives and unique skill sets. This FIT initiative is designed to address the skills gap in the ICT sector by providing training and development opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Expleo found the FIT programme to be exceptionally easy to deal with, thanks to its flexible curriculum that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of participating companies. This flexibility allowed Expleo to integrate the programme seamlessly into its existing training and development framework.

In 2022, Expleo welcomed into the team two graduates from the FIT Apprenticeship programme who had successfully completed the programme and gained valuable experience working on client sites alongside professional developers. This hands-on experience was instrumental in helping them develop the practical skills needed to thrive in the ICT industry. By participating in this program, Expleo was able to provide opportunities for talented women and men to re-enter the sector, further enhancing the diversity of its workforce.

The graduates who joined Expleo, have made significant contributions to the company. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm have been a valuable addition to the team. Expleo's positive experience of Tech Apprenticeships has reinforced the company's commitment to these initiatives.  Expleo highly recommends the FIT programme to other companies in the Irish funds industry. The programme's flexibility, ease of integration, and the quality of graduates it produces make it an excellent choice for companies looking to diversify their talent pool and enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts.

Amundi's Experience with FIT Tech Apprenticeships

Amundi's engagement in the FIT Tech Apprenticeship programme has been a resounding success, creating a true win/win scenario for both the company and the participants. By partnering with FIT, Amundi has been able to tap into a diverse pool of skilled talent, ensuring a mixture of youth and experienced professionals. This diversity is further enhanced by an agreement with FIT to maintain at least 50% female applicants, promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the technology sector.

The program's structure, which combines on-the-job training with academic and practical coursework over a two-year period, has proven to be highly effective in developing well-rounded professionals who are ready to meet the demands of the industry.

One of the standout features of the FIT Apprenticeship programme is the mentor/mentee relationship it fosters. Each apprentice is paired with a seasoned professional who provides guidance, support, and valuable industry insights. This relationship not only helps the apprentices navigate their career paths but also allows mentors to develop their leadership and coaching skills. The mutual benefits of this arrangement have been evident, with apprentices gaining confidence and expertise, while mentors find fulfilment in contributing to the growth of the next generation of tech professionals. This dynamic has created a collaborative and supportive environment that is conducive to learning and professional development.

Overall, Amundi's participation in the FIT apprenticeship programme has been a strategic move that aligns with the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The programme has successfully bridged the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, producing a pipeline of skilled talent ready to drive innovation and growth. The positive outcomes of this initiative underscore the importance of investing in comprehensive training programmes that not only benefit the participants but also contribute to the broader goals of the organisation. Amundi looks forward to continuing its partnership with FIT and furthering its mission to cultivate a diverse and talented workforce.

Tech Apprenticeships: A Strategic Solution for Sustainable Talent Pipelines

The compelling and positive experiences shared by both Expleo and Amundi demonstrate that Tech Apprenticeships are more than just an alternative hiring pathway – they're a strategic solution to building sustainable talent pipelines.

For organisations looking to future-proof their tech talent strategy, now is the time to explore apprenticeship programmes. FIT's established framework, combined with the proven success within organisations, provides a clear pathway for implementation. FIT is also expanding its portfolio of apprenticeship programmes in response to industry demands with programmes in Data Analytics and AI Practitioner Skills coming on stream over the coming months, both of which will have significant contribution to the funds sector.

To learn more about incorporating apprenticeships into your talent strategy, contact the FIT team today at:

E: info@fit.ie W: www.fit.ie

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Amundi Important Information

Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in this document is from Amundi Ireland Limited and is as of 31/01/25. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. The views expressed regarding market and economic trends are those of the author and not necessarily Amundi Ireland Limited and are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that countries, markets or sectors will perform as expected. These views should not be relied upon as investment advice, a security recommendation, or as an indication of trading for any Amundi product. This material does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, fund units or services. Investment involves risks, including market, political, liquidity and currency risks. Past performance is not a guarantee or indicative of future results. Amundi Ireland Limited is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Date of first use: 01 February 2025

Doc ID: 4206310