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Visa begins search for 12 IT apprentices

The payments giant is looking for a dozen candidates to work with on a three-year training and development programme.

By Maggie Holland, 18 Apr 2011 at 10:38

Visa Europe is taking its lead from Amstrad creator Alan Sugar by searching for 12 apprentices to join its tech ranks.

The three-year training and development programmes will be spearheaded by Visa's Technology and Processing Services (TPS) arm, spread across its offices in Basingstoke, London and Reading.

It will offer candidates a blend of on-the-job and academic training, leading to a Foundation Degree.

“We are very excited about this IT Apprenticeship Programme and the opportunities it will provide hard working individuals who have a passion for technology and a love of people," said Adam Banks, Visa Europe's chief technology officer.

"As a business, we are committed to investing in our employees’ skills. We recognise that IT professionals need to possess a mix of business, interpersonal and technical skills and through our Apprenticeship Programme we hope to nurture talent and equip them with these, which will in turn enhance our business."

As part of their placement, apprentices will work in a variety of business areas, which could see them getting involved with contactless payments, online security and more.

The ultimate aim of the programme, which starts in August, is to "develop future leaders." The closing date for applications is 6 May.

“With this programme Visa Europe aims to support the Government drive to make more apprenticeships readily available in UK companies, whilst at the same time providing young people with the training necessary to give them a head start," Banks added.