Microsoft IT Apprenticeships Birmingham

Our multiple award-winning degree IT apprenticeships Birmingham programme is at the heart of our strategic growth plan and our entire business has a vested interest in the success of our apprentices. Crimson is looking for highly motivated individuals who are interested to pursue a career in IT.

No matter who you are, or what your background is, if you want to become a Microsoft Consultant, we can help.

Our current cohort includes school leavers, graduates and career changers who took the decision to switch to a tech career.

Successful applicants will receive a full salary plus benefits, while undergoing a structured training programme. You will get to use cutting edge technology, gain priceless knowledge from experienced mentors, and ultimately achieve a degree.

Crimson partners with the bespoke tech dedicated training provider Digital Native UK Limited where the apprentices will start a level 4 apprenticeship, and once successful they will have the choice to continue a degree-level apprenticeship (level 5/6).

Crimson is not only a fast-moving Microsoft consulting business, but also an IT recruitment firm. Working with exciting brand names across a range of sectors, we take enormous pride in the work we do for all of our clients and are a passionate and hard-working team.

Crimson is part of the Nash Squared, “a global professional services organisation connecting people and technology”.

I’ve loved every single day of my Crimson journey so far. This is because Crimson feels more like a family rather than just a job. I’ve been impressed with how much attention has been given to the apprentices in terms of presentations we had from every head of department and the Managing Director himself – it made me feel like I am valuable and gives me confidence that I can be successful at Crimson.

Mihai Iacob
Crimson Apprentice

We have been encouraged to stretch ourselves and grasp the plethora opportunities available to develop – whether that be in mindset, a practical skill or simply experience in a certain field.

Andrea Kahle
Crimson Apprentice

It has been two months into my career change, and what a positive experience it has been. For me, what has really set Crimson apart from other employers is their passion and enthusiasm to invest into my future career success. Not one day has past where I have not been challenged to grow and develop my technical and interpersonal skills.

Satveer Shanker
Crimson Apprentice

I have already been assigned project work and learned lots in the first steps in becoming a Microsoft certified, qualified business analyst. I have formed strong relationships with many people across the company – most notably my mentor, my coach, and my academy cohort – who have all aided my progress so far. I look forward to what the rest of this journey will bring me.

Cameron Baxter
Crimson Apprentice

I’ve learned a lot and grown a lot already, and my experience so far has made me much more confident in my own future.

Michael Hunter
Crimson Apprentice

I have really enjoyed my first two months with Crimson. There has been a wide range of learning activities, including some very entertaining role-plays. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into project work now, and I’ve recently booked my first Microsoft Exam.

James Cooper
Crimson Apprentice

The IT Apprenticeships Birmingham Programme

The Level 4 apprenticeship takes just over a year to complete, and the cohort will then move onto Level 5/6 of the degree apprenticeship. With a mix of time spent at Digital Native focusing on theory and time spent at Crimson applying the new knowledge to live customer projects, apprentices gain a wide range of experience and knowledge.

What are the day-to-day tasks?

The scheme is varied, and time is split across focused study time with Digital Native and project related work with Crimson. Applicants must be organised, as every day is filled with different tasks – no day is the same at Crimson.

During the level 4 stage of the apprenticeship, the days are very structured, and as you progress through the apprenticeship you will become more independent.

At the Crimson Head Office, tasks include software testing, writing up requirements, client/internal meetings, and information analysis.

There are also plenty of self-improvement, personal growth, and business awareness sessions at Digital Native and Crimson. There is a mandatory reading list and each apprentice is asked to lead a book review which is presented on a Teams call with an open invitation to the whole Crimson team.

What are the minimum requirements?

For Crimson Academy, the main requirement is having the right mindset, personality and inter-personal skills to fit the Crimson culture. We are looking for individuals interested in a career in tech but you don’t have to be an IT expert already.

Our solutions are low code, no code and our programme will ensure you learn you all the tech you need to know. Applicants should be 18 or over (as a minimum their 18th birthday must fall during the first year of study) and have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s (A-C), including English and Maths however most of our current Academy have either A levels (or equivalent) or a degree.

What qualifications will I get?

The qualifications you will get depend on the apprenticeship programme you join and your previous qualifications. All Academy members will undertake Microsoft exams including MB-901 and PL-200. Below you will find information on the qualifications for each programme, and for those who already have a degree.

Level 4 Software Testing Programme: Level 4 ISTQB Software Tester Qualification. Digital & Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) provided they continue to Level 5/6.

Level 4 Business Analyst Programme: Level 4 BCS Foundation Certificate. Digital & Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) provided they continue to Level 5/6.

Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree: Level 4 qualification (ISTQB Qualification or BCS Certificate). If you already have a degree, you can choose whether to continue to study for a further 2 years after achieving the level 4 to gain an IT degree, or move onto 100% delivery after the first year, and therefore will not achieve an IT degree.

Will there be a job after I complete the apprenticeship?

Provided apprentices meet their first-year targets and pass the course, they will have a permanent role as a Junior Microsoft Consultant at Crimson when the apprenticeship is finished.

Our Microsoft Consultants work to create solutions to clients’ IT needs using the full suite of Microsoft software products. They work with clients from a wide range of sectors including higher education, house builders, housing associations and local government.

Why should you apply to the Crimson Academy?

An award-winning programme

Our degree apprenticeship programme has won regional and national awards in the small/medium business categories only 12 months after the programme was designed. After winning the SME Employer of the Year category at the West Midlands National Apprenticeship Awards 2020, Crimson went onto achieve Highly Commended at the National Apprenticeship Awards. Crimson Academy’s success continued at the BirminghamLive Apprenticeship Awards where we won Medium Employer of the Year.
Join the Crimson family and make a difference

At Crimson you are joining a team of great people who want to make a difference and are given the daily opportunity to do exactly that. Our apprentices start working alongside experienced Microsoft Consultants on live client projects by month three. This gives them the opportunity to start applying the theory they have learnt with Digital Native straight away.
Competitive salary

Our apprentices will receive £18,000-£22,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This is highly competitive in comparison to equivalent programmes, and apprentices can expect to earn £35,000 once they have successfully completed the programme.
Certified Microsoft Solutions Partner

Working for a Microsoft Gold Partner means that the company has highly skilled and qualified Microsoft Certified Trainers who have passed the relevant assessments. In addition to demonstrating competence around the Microsoft suite of solutions, Gold Partners are also required to provide evidence of client satisfaction. Companies who have reached Gold Partner status need to submit five customer references and earn 120 partner points from Microsoft. Rest assured, your mentors, buddies and colleagues at Crimson are highly trained professionals with loads of industry experience, making them the ideal people to help you begin and support your IT journey.
Recognised IT qualifications

The Software Testing Programme features qualifications from the ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) which is the most popular software testing certification exam board. The ISTQB module, and the rest of the Level 4 programme is therefore recognised internationally and is of high value. You will also gain Microsoft Certificates MB-901 and PL-200 in the first year of the apprenticeship, with the chance to gain more certificates in the following years.
Growing company

Crimson have grown by about 60% since June 2019. We reached the milestone of 100 employees in September 2020 and are continuing to expand across the whole business. This is a really exciting time to join our business.
Essential benefits

Every employee at Crimson benefits from our pension scheme, private healthcare, death in service, life cover and an Employee Assistance Programme. These are essential benefits that help to look after our staff and their wellbeing.
We cultivate our culture to help our employees grow

At Crimson, we think great workplace culture is paramount to collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. There is a busy events calendar comprised of teambuilding days, virtual quizzes, and an annual awards ball. Crimson has been named as one of the 75 Best Companies to work for in the Midlands, with a Best Companies 2-star rating. Based on eight factors including wellbeing, management and personal growth, our employee satisfaction and workplace engagement are truly award winning.

Ready to apply for Crimson Academy?

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Frequently asked questions

What is the age limit for applicants?

Applicants must be a minimum age of 18 years old in the first year of the apprenticeship, but there is no maximum age for applicants. Our current cohort consists of some apprentices in their 20’s and 30’s.
Do I receive feedback at each application stage?

Yes, if unsuccessful we will provide reasons why. Constructive feedback will help improve yourself and increase employability in the future.
What is the closing date for applications?

Applications open every year in March, and close at the end of May.
Do you accept people coming from a Level 3 apprenticeship?

Yes we do, however they would be subject to the interview process like other applicants.
If I’m unsuccessful can I reapply?

Yes you can.
Am I guaranteed a job after my apprenticeship?

Successful candidates will initially be offered a fixed term contact. On successful completion of the Level 4 Apprentices and providing you meet all of the first-year objectives you will be offered a permanent role at Crimson as a Junior Microsoft Consultant.
I already have a degree, can I still apply?

Yes, you can. Read the Apprenticeship Scheme section on this page for more information for those who already have a degree.
What are the minimum requirements for applicants?

5 GCSE’s (A-C), and you must be a minimum age of 18 years in the first year of the apprenticeship.
How long is the apprenticeship?

Level 4 takes 12-18 months, depending on how long you take to collate the required evidence for your Level 4 portfolio. You then have the option of moving onto Levels 5/6 and completing a degree apprenticeship, which takes a further 2 years to complete.
What happens after I have accepted my offer?

If you are successful and you accept your offer, you will then sign contracts and receive your Crimson welcome pack ready for when the apprenticeship starts in September.
What help will you give me when I start?

The apprenticeship includes a comprehensive onboarding schedule to introduce the new cohort to both Crimson and Digital Native. All apprentices are each assigned a mentor, a buddy and a coach, and will be introduced to each business area to understand how Crimson works.
I have a learning disability, what will you do to support this?

We offer support and can tailor the scheme to your needs, however contact us for specific information.

Women in Tech

Do I belong at Crimson?

Diversity and inclusion are important across Crimson and the rest of the Nash Squared, and Crimson Academy aim to improve the diversity of the cohorts year on year. A diverse workforce provides different viewpoints, and results in a more successful business overall.

Since Crimson onboarded their first Academy cohort in 2019, we have gradually increased our gender balance. We recognise we still have much work to do in achieving a diverse workforce overall and will continue to challenge our approach.

Crimson Academy’s 2019 cohort, the first group of apprentices to join Crimson, included three females and five males, and the 2020 cohort was made up of four females and six males. The aim onwards is a 50/50 split for gender, while continuing to encourage diversity surrounding race, age and social background.

In 2019, Crimson created its very own tech community for women, known as Women in Tech, which includes social gatherings, webinars and a podcast channel, The WIT Diaries. Crimson’s Women in Tech community is ideal for women in senior IT roles, or those who aspire to be in senior IT roles, where they can share stories, insights, and advice to encourage and empower one another.

“My advice to women who are considering starting a career in tech is to be passionate, be confident and recognise, and embrace your uniqueness. Being a woman in a heavily male dominated field means you are going to have a unique voice, and that is invaluable.”

– Sabrina Bano, Junior Consultant

Apply for the Crimson Academy

Application timeline

March

Information event. Come along to the event and meet some current apprentices to find out a bit about their experiences and ask any burning questions.

April

Telephone interviews with Digital Native are scheduled with all interested candidates throughout May and early June.

June

Successful candidates are asked to attend a formal interview.

July

The final selection will take place and the next cohort will be appointed.

September

Apprenticeship begins.

How to ace your application

Some successful applicants haven’t been called to an interview before, while some may have been to several. Whether it’s your first interview, or one of many, it’s always good to know what to expect when the day arrives. Here are our top four tips for our Academy interviews:

Dress for the occasion: The way you present yourself is critical for all job applications, and this includes what you wear. Whether your interview is in-person or virtual, make sure you look smart. You can’t go wrong with formal trousers/skirt, an ironed shirt/blouse and smart shoes. Make sure your shoes are polished and remember personal hygiene is vital too.

Do your research: It’s important to have some knowledge of Crimson, including the background of the company and what we do. Google is your friend. You don’t need to be an IT whizz just yet, but having a basic understanding of our sectors, the two sides to our business and Microsoft products we offer is always a good start.

Don’t let a video/telephone interview hold you back: Applicants are often more relaxed during video and telephone interviews thanks to the comfortable setting, but it is very easy to get them wrong. Ensure you find a quiet space for the interview, with minimum background noise. For video interviews, make sure you position yourself in the upper middle of the screen and test the video, audio and login credentials at least 5 minutes before the interview is due to start.

Remember the aim of the stage: Interview stages – especially face to face – give the interviewer a chance to get to know you and your personality. Although the experience is daunting, we’re looking for candidates who have the right mindset and interpersonal skills so don’t shy away. What is most important to us is a synergy between what you are looking for in terms of personal growth, skills and capabilities and the raw potential we see in you.

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Application

Please note: Applications for 2024 are yet to open. To register your interest, and receive a notification when applications open, please complete the form below.

Contact Info

Jo Griffiths, People Development Manager

01675 466 477

jo.griffiths@crimson.co.uk

Realise Your Potential With Crimson’s Award-Winning IT Apprenticeships Birmingham Programme