Patrick O’Conner
Study Type: Apprenticeship
Study Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Studied: IT, Digital Skills and Computer Science
Patrick’s success paves way for more IT apprentices at IDT
First line support engineer Patrick O’Connor made such a good impression on his Derby College apprenticeship that his employer, IDT, is now looking to recruit more IT apprentices.
Patrick, aged 22 from Belper, was the Ilkeston-based IT specialist’s first apprentice.
He recently completed an IT Infrastructure Technician Level 3 Course run in partnership with Derby College Group and is now set for rapid progression with the family-run firm.
Patrick, who has always enjoyed IT and built his own computer at age 14, said: “College was really good. We had great teachers and I loved the facilities and learning resources, especially the Microsoft room. It’s cool.
I attended college on day release, with Lawrie Moon, head of the technical support team at IDT, overseeing what I did at work.
Lawrie gave me tasks that let me put what I’d learned at Derby College to practical use, day to day. I’m now a first line support engineer with IDT and enjoy my role.
People can be quite stressed when they have computer problems and one of the best parts of my job is knowing that I’ve helped resolve their issue.”
IDT managing director Luke Draper took on Patrick in November 2019 and knew straight away he’d recruited the right person.
He added: “When we interviewed Patrick, we found he had all the qualities we were looking for and knew he would fit right in. He’s a nice lad and ticked all the boxes.
“At IDT, we think of ourselves as technical customer service providers so it’s important staff have the right people skills. Our engineers aren’t just a voice on the phone – they take time to get to know the customers.”
Find out more about IDT.
College was really good. We had great teachers and I loved the facilities and learning resources, especially the Microsoft room. It’s cool. I attended college on day release, with Lawrie Moon, head of the technical support team at IDT, overseeing what I did at work. Lawrie gave me tasks that let me put what I’d learned at Derby College to practical use, day to day. I’m now a first line support engineer with IDT and enjoy my role. People can be quite stressed when they have computer problems and one of the best parts of my job is knowing that I’ve helped resolve their issue.