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As we hit the 20th anniversary of running our Systemagic Apprenticeship Scheme, we’re taking a moment to look back at the journey, celebrate the incredible people who have joined our team, and share why vocational training is at the very heart of everything we do.
From early on, we realised that standard tech recruitment often missed something vital: culture fit and genuine passion.
In IT, technical skills can always be taught. What can’t be taught as easily is enthusiasm, problem-solving, and a focus on delivering outstanding customer care. By partnering with top training providers over the last two decades, we’ve been able to take ambitious, curious individuals and give them a structured path to turn their passion for technology into a lifelong career.
“Apprenticeships aren’t just a recruitment tool for us, they are fundamental to who we are. Bringing in fresh perspectives keeps our culture energised, and watching an apprentice grow is one of the most rewarding parts of running Systemagic.”
Fiona Burgess – Operations Director
Over the last 20 years, our commitment to apprenticeships has delivered real results across our team and our local community.
Having trained over 15 apprentices across two decades, we’re proud that many have stayed with us, including Rhys who is celebrating 10 years at Systemagic next year.
We sat down with some of our current and former apprentices to learn more about their experience and how technology has changed since they joined.
When did you complete your apprenticeship at Systemagic, and what was your role back then compared to what you do now?
I joined Systemagic in September 2020 as an Apprentice IT Technician and completed my apprenticeship in April 2022.
Back then, I was learning the fundamentals of IT support, working on helpdesk tickets, carrying out maintenance checks, and building my understanding of technologies such as Microsoft 365. I came straight from A-Levels, which had ended abruptly due to COVID, so although I had studied IT and Computer Science at school, there was still a huge amount to learn in a real-world IT environment.
Today, I’m responsible for delivering technical projects, supporting larger and more complex customer environments, and helping organisations make the most of technologies such as Microsoft 365, Intune, and cloud-based solutions.
How did your apprenticeship prepare you for the responsibilities you hold today?
My apprenticeship taught me to be detail-oriented and to never stop asking questions. It helped me build strong technical foundations and develop a thorough approach to problem-solving.
Those lessons are still important in the work I do today. Whether I’m delivering a migration project, implementing security solutions, or managing customer environments, making sure every detail has been considered is a key part of ensuring successful outcomes.
How has the tech industry changed since you were an apprentice, and how did your training help you adapt?
The biggest change has been the rapid growth of AI. When I started my apprenticeship, the closest thing most people interacted with was virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. Since then, AI has become a major part of the technology landscape.
I’ve had to continuously develop my understanding of AI, learn how businesses can use it effectively, and help customers understand how to adopt it safely and responsibly. I’ve completed Microsoft training and certifications focused on AI to support this.
At the same time, the industry has continued shifting towards cloud technologies. Traditional on-premises servers and Active Directory environments are becoming less common, and I’ve been able to build on the Microsoft 365 knowledge gained during my apprenticeship to specialise in cloud-based solutions such as Intune and modern device management.
What made you decide to pursue an IT apprenticeship over other paths like university or a traditional job?
I chose an IT apprenticeship over university because I wanted to learn on the job and gain real hands-on experience alongside experienced technicians. I felt it was the fastest way to progress, as I could study towards a qualification while also building practical workplace experience.
What does a typical day look like for you at Systemagic?
A typical day at Systemagic involves handling support tickets through our helpdesk system. These can range from setting up and managing Microsoft 365 accounts to investigating hardware, software, and security-related issues, both remotely and on-site.
How would you describe the team culture and the support you receive from senior engineers and mentors?
The team culture at Systemagic is laid-back and supportive. I’ve learned a lot in a short period of time and regularly work alongside the team, whether that’s asking for help, escalating tickets, or learning about more complex systems and networking during site visits.
What skill—technical or personal—are you most proud of developing since starting?
I’m most proud of developing my troubleshooting skills within IT. I’ve learned how to use different tools and systems to diagnose and resolve customer issues, and it’s always rewarding to solve a problem, especially when it’s been frustrating for the user.
What makes an apprenticeship at Systemagic different? It’s hands-on learning from day one.
As we look ahead to the next 20 years, technology will keep changing – AI, cybersecurity, and cloud automation will reshape how businesses work. But our core strategy won’t change: investing in people.
To all of our past and present apprentices, training partners, and team members who have helped build this programme over the last two decades, thank you.
You are the reason Systemagic continues to deliver “People First” IT support.
Here’s to the next 20 years of learning, growing, and building bright IT careers!