Empowering the next generation: How Cegal’s programs build careers and bridge the IT skills gap

Cegal, a global technology leader, is proud to announce the continued expansion of its training, apprenticeship, and mentorship pathways, empowering the next generation of IT professionals to build rewarding careers in technology. At Cegal, professional development is more than a policy - it’s a passion. Cegal place people at the heart of its culture, believing that professional development, continuous learning, and mentorship are essential for building a resilient and innovative workforce. The company’s approach is designed to help employees grow their skills, confidence, and careers, benefiting not only its teams but also customers and the wider industry.

The IT industry faces a well-documented shortage of skilled professionals, with many organisations expressing scepticism about hiring those with limited experience. For new graduates and career changers, entering the sector can be daunting Cegal recognises these challenges and is committed to providing pathways that help talented individuals overcome barriers to entry and thrive in technology roles.

Structured Training and Apprenticeships

Within the UK, Cegal’s IT Operations team has implemented a structured training plan focused on building core technology competencies and supporting future career goals, fostering continuous learning. Every team member is encouraged to achieve at least two certifications annually, ranging from ITIL and CompTIA to full apprenticeship programmes. This commitment ensures employees not only advance their own careers but also share expertise with customers and colleagues.

Cegal’s apprenticeship programme offers a structured route into technology, combining hands-on experience with real-world challenges. In partnership with QA and supported by the Scottish Government, the IT Support Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 8) covers project management, digital transformation, scripting, and professional development. Apprentices benefit from classroom learning paired with practical experience, supporting customers alongside experienced Cegal professionals. Recent apprentices, Mirela Dancheva and Richie Lornie, have thrived, balancing coursework, ITIL and Microsoft certification training, and customer support, laying a strong foundation for their IT careers.

Chris Rankin, Manager IT Operations, Cegal commented “At Cegal, training and professional development are key priorities. Our structured training plan and apprenticeship opportunities enable us to grow our team, expand our collective knowledge, and continue delivering world-class service to our customers, all while inspiring new talent to pursue IT careers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our team evolve, with apprentices like Mirela and Richie joining us and quickly contributing to our success. Many of our team members have advanced into specialised technical roles, clear evidence that our approach to training and development truly works.” 

Mirela Dancheva, Service Desk Analyst and QA Apprentice at Cegal shared, “Cegal's decision to integrate QA’s apprenticeship programme into the working environment, has given me a fantastic opportunity to broaden my knowledge in a variety of areas. Including service support, asset management, and business initiatives, all of which I find very interesting. I thoroughly enjoy the dedicated weekly training time we receive since it allows me to blend hands-on work with focused learning and personal development. I've always valued possibilities for growth, and the ability to study alongside my career is tremendously rewarding. I'm also pursuing certifications such as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) and hope to obtain as many as possible to further develop my abilities and confidence in the IT field.”

Fast-tracking talent and building confidence with mentoring

Cegal’s mentorship program is designed to address the industry’s biggest challenge: bridging the gap between junior and senior consultants. By pairing new talent with experienced mentors, the company ensures that juniors are guided, included, and empowered to contribute to projects from day one. This approach not only helps juniors gain valuable experience but also reassures clients that fresh talent can deliver top-quality work. The program has delivered outstanding results for many customers, where junior consultants have accelerated development and helped teams achieve their goals.

In addition, the Geoscience department at Cegal offers a summer internship program to students, providing mentorship and practical experience before graduation.

Cegal Cloud Academy - partnering for the future

Cegal has also launched the Cloud Academy in partnership with Microsoft, offering guided learning paths and certification programs in emerging technologies. Employees are rewarded for achieving key certifications in cloud disciplines, further strengthening the company’s technical expertise.

Building careers, building the future

Cegal’s commitment to investing in people isn’t just good for the team, it’s good for customers and the future of the company. By fostering a culture of growth, learning, and opportunity, where training and mentorship is central, Cegal ensures that when its people grow, everyone benefits.

For more information about apprenticeships and mentorship at Cegal, visit Cegal Apprenticeships, Mentorship Program.

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