Local Managed Service Provider Invests in Future Talent with New Apprentice
A Shropshire based Managed Service Provider (MSP) has reinforced its commitment to developing the next generation of IT professionals by welcoming a new apprentice to its technical team.
Flex IT, based in Shrewsbury, delivers outsourced IT support, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. The move reflects both business growth and a long-term strategy to nurture homegrown talent in a competitive digital skills market.
Building Skills from the Ground Up
The apprentice will work across the service desk and field engineering teams, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as:
- First-line technical support
- Microsoft 365 administration
- Cybersecurity best practices
- Network troubleshooting
- Customer service and ticket management
Alongside their day-to-day responsibilities, the apprentice will complete formal training through an accredited IT apprenticeship programme, combining classroom learning with real-world application.
Flex IT Director Matt Childerhouse said the decision to hire apprentice was driven by both opportunity and responsibility.
“The IT industry faces a well-documented skills shortage. Rather than competing solely for experienced engineers, we believe in investing in emerging talent. We have had success previously with employing apprentices and are continuing with this way of recruiting new talent. Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a strong willingness to learn.”
Addressing the IT Skills Gap
The UK technology sector continues to report a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in cybersecurity and cloud services. By creating apprenticeship roles, MSPs can develop engineers aligned with their internal systems, standards, and culture from the outset.
Industry analysts note that apprenticeship pathways often improve long-term staff retention, as employees trained internally tend to progress within the organisation.
Matt highlighted the benefits to the wider team:
“Our senior engineers started their careers with us as apprentices themselves and are excited to mentor the new recruits. Teaching reinforces best practice and strengthens our internal processes. It’s positive for everyone.”
A Boost for Local Employment
The apprentice is from the local area. For them, the opportunity provides a direct route into a rapidly evolving industry without incurring university debt.
One of the new recruits, Jasmine MacDonald, said:
“After working in retail after college I wanted to get into an IT based workplace and build practical experience. Being part of an MSP means I’ll be exposed to different businesses and technologies every day.”
Supporting Sustainable Growth
The appointments come during a period of sustained growth for the provider, as more businesses outsource their IT management in response to rising cybersecurity threats and increasing reliance on cloud-based systems.
By embedding an apprentice within the service desk team, the company aims to expand its capacity while maintaining service standards.
“This isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about creating career pathways. We want these apprentices to become the senior engineers and team leaders of the future.”
With structured mentoring, clear development plans, and exposure to a broad range of technologies, the MSP hopes its latest recruitment drive will mark the beginning of long-term careers — and demonstrate how smaller technology firms can play a vital role in addressing the digital skills gap.
