Degree apprentice Dan Squirrel has graduated into a full-time role with Cowes software company Yokogawa Marex –among his first duties will be mentoring the company’s latest student employee.
Dan, of Newport has completed his three-year degree apprenticeship with Yokogawa Marex obtaining a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions from Southampton Solent University.
Now a fully qualified software developer, he will be a mentor to Adam Butler from Sandown who has recently taken the opportunity to become the new Software Developer Apprentice working towards the same degree.
Dan says: “This has been a great opportunity to get my foot in the door within a highly respected and competitive profession. Everyone at Yokogawa Marex has supported my development within the workplace and at university and I look forward to continuing to work within a great team supporting our global customers.
“Having undertaken the degree apprenticeship, I’m well placed to mentor Adam, another Islander, as he begins his career with Yokogawa Marex. When he graduates, like me, he will be able to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next apprentice"
Wayne Matthews (right) congratulating Daniel Squirrell (left) on his achievements.
Wayne Matthews, Divisional Director comments: “It’s great that we can support Island students with higher education whilst providing valuable, hands-on experience for young people to begin their careers in software.
“Involving our graduates in the development of our new apprentices each year ensures our newest recruit receives excellent, knowledgeable support from a member of staff who has themselves taken the same career path.”
Adam said: “I am delighted to be the next Software Developer Apprentice. Not many companies offer the chance to work on real customer projects whilst studying towards a degree and getting paid to learn!”
“I’ve been made to feel very welcome and having Dan on hand to support me is going to be very helpful in the years ahead.”
Among others being supported on an ‘earn and learn’ career path by Yokogawa Marex is Isaac Brading-Cornish of Arreton who is currently in his final year at Portsmouth University completing a top-up course after gaining a HND Computing and Software Development from the Isle of Wight College. Isaac is an integral member of the Test team, working as a Trainee Software Test Engineer.
