MAYORAL APPROVAL FOR WILDFIRE APPRENTICE

Cranfield University Technology Park business Wildfire Solutions has received a Mayoral seal of approval, following a visit from Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson as part of a tour celebrating National Apprenticeship Week.
Apprentice Tom Winfield has been working at the company, which is one of many technology and growth businesses based at the Tech Park’s Innovation Centre, since May 2012 as part of a national scheme to build a skilled workforce and support businesses.
Wildfire Solutions, in partnership with its sister companies Total I.T., Hink Pro Ltd and Microcad, provides I.T. hardware, software and expertise for companies seeking to increase efficiency and maximise their return on technology investments. The company acts as a supplier for technology giants including Dell and Microsoft, as well as being a Gold partner for computer aided design market leader Autodesk in Manufacturing, Construction plus Media & Entertainment Computer Aided Design software.
During the visit Mayor Hodgson and Federation of Small Businesses Regional Chairman Charles Smith were shown the work Tom had been doing updating the company’s website, and spoke to MicroCAD office Director David Huke, who described the scheme as a huge success:
“The whole apprenticeship project has been a great experience and Tom has been a star pupil. Getting new blood involved is crucial for a rapidly- changing industry like ours and we’d certainly recommend the scheme to other SMEs in the region.”
Cranfield University Technology Park is a partnership between Cranfield University and St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, and is home to over 50 science, technology and knowledge-based based businesses. Alongside established companies the Tech Park’s Innovation Centre is designed to support start up and growth businesses through providing flexible leases, administrative support and space to expand.  www.cranfieldtechnologypark.co.uk