PRESS RELEASE

Date: 10^th March 2015

Manufacturing apprentices benefit from free IT education

Manufacturing apprentices have been enjoying a free education in IT after a business solutions specialist opened the doors to its training academy for customers.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, K3 Syspro (K3) welcomed apprentices and new graduates from across its manufacturing and distribution customer base for a free five-day training course in their SYSPRO Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application.

The self-funded event provided manufacturing apprentices from all backgrounds with the opportunity to gain valuable insight into SYSPRO ERP and its core functionality within a manufacturing and distribution environment. As well as learning the processes of ERP systems and how best to use the applications, apprentices were also given in depth training on creating Purchase Orders, using SYSPRO to produce reports and analyse performance, and how to increase efficiency by automating shop floor processes. All apprentices who attended also gained a certificate of recognition from K3 and the opportunity for further learning and certification via an online learning zone.

Cathie Hall, Managing Director at K3 Syspro explained why educating manufacturing and distribution apprentices in IT is critical: “Technology is advancing the future of manufacturing and distribution, and many apprentices embarking on a career in these sectors will come across ERP at some point in their working lives. By giving them a quick five-day training course in SYSPRO, we are equipping them for the future and also adding value to their employers, because in time, these learners can become additional IT resources for our customers.”

Iain Goddard, who is currently an apprentice with heating and ventilation specialist manufacturer S&P Coils commented on the training programme: “The K3 Syspro training was really informative, and delivered in an easily digestible way. The programme combined an enthusiastic tutor, extra exercise manuals and a non-stop teaching style. I am now able to fluently use SYSPRO and a large amount of its functionality, despite never using the software before the training course. Since I finished the week long course, I’ve been able to take on more IT responsibilities, assisting with user issues, which without a doubt has helped further my career and helped solidify my role within the company.”

Daniel Ford, an apprentice at explosive and blasting service specialist EPC Group also said: “The five day training course delivered extensive training in a number of key ERP issues such as purchasing orders, IT infrastructure, and crystal reporting. The course provided a wealth of take-home materials to further improve my ERP knowledge. Since completing the course I have been able to utilise the knowledge I gained and put the theory into action.”

The five-day event comes hot-on-the-heels of the launch of the new K3 Syspro Academy, later last year. The Academy, which employs both graduates and those who have left education, aims to teach all the business and technical skills required to enjoy a long and rewarding career in the technology industry.

National Apprenticeship week runs from 9^th -13^th March and celebrates apprentices and the positive impacts they have on individuals businesses and the wider economy.

-ENDS-

About K3 Syspro

K3 Syspro employs over 90 people at its Manchester head office and its branches throughout the UK and Ireland. The company offers solutions in enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management, advanced planning and scheduling, warehouse management, human resources and e-business. SYSPRO is used by some 14,500 sites in over 60 countries. K3 Syspro is a division of K3 Business Technology Group, a global leader in providing next-generation enterprise software for businesses in the retail, manufacturing and distribution sectors. With more than 3,000 customer installations in over 30 countries, K3 is recognised as a safe, innovative and reliable provider of world-class solutions, backed by world-class service.

For further information, please contact:-

Editorial – Sarah Winterbottom, Marketing Manager, K3 Syspro on 0161 876 4498, or John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 76 520025, or e-mail john@bridgepr.co.uk.