A HOOK-based IT support and services company is celebrating the value of apprentices.

Freestyle IT wants to giving young people the opportunity to develop their professional experience and skills, both in technical and other business focused roles.

Gaspard Melody-Alliot, IT helpdesk apprentice, and Paige Byrne, digital marketing apprentice, have both recently completed their qualifications and joined the team full-time.

To deliver apprenticeships, Freestyle IT works with Basingstoke ITEC, a government funded training organisation specialising in training and finding employment for young people.

Guy Wright, director at Freestyle IT, said: “We have continued to invest in apprentices and have seen the benefits for our business and the young people themselves, who have thrived and developed their professional skills, whilst playing an active role in our company.

"Our technical services team have taken on several apprentices. We were excited to have the opportunity, to be one of the first companies to be involved in partnership with Basingstoke ITEC, in the digital marketing programme.”

Paige said: “I have really enjoyed expanding my knowledge over the course of my apprenticeship and am looking forward to seeing what the future brings, as a digital marketing coordinator.”

Gaspard added “I am glad that all my hard work throughout the course of my apprenticeship has paid off, I look forward to continuing my time here at Freestyle IT as a helpdesk engineer.”

Martine Fairchild, Paige’s Tutor at Basingstoke ITEC, added: “Paige has been given the opportunity to develop her knowledge, skills and professional practice, whilst working alongside the fantastic Freestyle IT Team. She has worked extremely hard to demonstrate the competency required, in today’s digital marketplace.”