QA supports Microsoft's campaign to narrow the digital skills gap
Microsoft anticipates that by 2021 the UK will need more than 3 million new skilled people in technology – including 1.5 million new developers and nearly 1 million new people across machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), data and cloud roles.
We're proudly supporting Microsoft's Get On 2021 campaign, a five-year initiative, to help 1.5 million people build careers in technology and help 300,000 connect to tech job opportunities.
In partnership with Microsoft, QA has designed the new Azure Cloud Support Specialist work-based learning programme, which aligns to an exciting Microsoft career path, helping individuals to launch new careers in tech and organisations to develop the Azure talent they need.
Find out how you can use the apprenticeship levy and government incentives to start building the skills and capabilities you need in; Core Cloud & Networking Principles, Operating Systems, Azure and M365.
"There has never been a better time for people thinking about their future to consider a role in tech, that's why we are delighted that QA is joining Microsoft's Get On 2021 campaign.
As one of our UK Gold Learning Partners, QA brings to bear their long-standing pedigree in training, re-skilling and certifying thousands of Microsoft IT professionals, developers and apprentices.
Simon Lambert Chief Learning Officer, Microsoft UK
Work-based Learning for Azure Cloud Support Specialists
AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST (LEVEL 3 APPRENTICESHIP)
Programme Duration: 19 months / Gateway: 12 months
Fees: This programme is fully funded through an employer by the apprenticeship levy.
For new and early-career tech or IT professionals looking to develop a solid grounding across a wide range of cloud-based skills


Skills & capabilities gained:
- Systems Deployment, Testing, Management and Troubleshooting in a Windows, Azure and M365 Environment
- Customer and Stakeholder Communication Skills
- Systems Security Management in a Windows, Azure and M365 Environment
- IT Process and Governance
Modules:
- Core IT Principles (9 weeks)
- Core Cloud & Networking Principles (9 weeks)
- Operating System Fundamentals (15 weeks)
- Azure, M365 & Advance IT Principles (15 weeks)
Suitable job roles:
- Desktop Support Engineer
- First and Second Line Helpdesk Support
- Technical Support Analyst
- Infrastructure Technician
- Cloud Technician
- Network Technican
- IT Support Analyst

3D-approach to learning
Our award-winning, 3D guided discovery approach to learning, empowers learners to Discover, Practise and Apply new skills, helping them to develop further and faster.

Learner support
With an average query response time of 5 minutes or less and submission feedback averaging 24 hours or less, we offer our learners unrivalled support, advice and guidance to give them the best opportunity for success.

CPD
QA learners receive full access to our world-leading e-learning platform, Cloud Academy, providing the opportunity to deepen knowledge through dedicated learning pathways, featuring bite-size videos, quizzes, and the ability to gain hands-on skills and practice using labs and sandboxed environments.


Government incentives
In the Spring 2021 Budget, the Government announced an increase to the incentives offered for apprenticeships.
Employers can now receive up to £4,000 for each new apprentice joining between 1 April 2021 and 30 September 2021.