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Sheona McNamee - Modern Apprenticeship Trainee

“I did my A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. I then started a degree in Chemistry at Imperial College, but I left after two years,” explains Sheona. “I decided to take a year out to figure out what I wanted to do.”

“I didn’t like spending hours in the library, studying,” she admits, “but I also didn’t want to be stuck in a nine-to-five job. I needed an environment in which I could learn and work at the same time. An apprenticeship at EDS was exactly what I was looking for.” The EDS Apprenticeship Programme is open to young people between the ages of 16 and 19, and who have achieved the equivalent of at least five GCSEs at grades A* to C, including Maths and English. Apprentices on the scheme are considered EDS employees “from day one,” and while on the job they work towards obtaining NVQ at levels 2 and 3 and completing the national Advanced Apprenticeship (AA).

“I had absolutely no previous experience in computer programming or anything like that,” says Sheona and she’s also extremely enthusiastic about the working atmosphere at EDS. “Everyone is really friendly and easygoing with each other, but when it comes to the work, they’re very hardworking and completely dedicated.” EDS is a global leader in IT solutions, and its clients include BP, Adidas and London Transport. To succeed on the Programme, “you do need to be analytical, with a mathematical brain, but you also have to have people skills, because so much of our work involves dealing directly with clients.”

“EDS is a huge company with an excellent international reputation,” continues Sheona. “You have excellent opportunities here for growth and advancement.” Despite the vast size of the company, Sheona affirms that, “you’ll never be without help or support. Everyone’s very approachable and easy to talk to, as well.” “An apprenticeship at EDS is definitely a sound alternative to university. It’s a great place to work, and I’ve learned an enormous amount since I’ve been here. Before I applied to the Programme, I’d never even considered a career in IT. Now, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.”