IN BUSINESS Joshua makes waves at digital design agency

ADIGITAL agency apprentice who grew up in Runcorn is making waves through streamlining processes and even writing software that did part of the job for him.

Joshua Stevenson-Woods, 20, grew up on Plover Drive in Norton and now lives in Warrington.

After leaving school aged 16 four years ago he decided to pursue an apprenticeship.

Both of his parents are teachers and he knew that new skills could take a long time to filter through the school system into the classrooms.

He began an apprenticeship with Ixis – a leading specialist in open source web development platform Drupal – so that he could keep up with emerging technology and software.

When Joshua started he had little experience with web development, and none with Drupal.

However, he quickly progressed through his initial tasks and was moved onto the service desk, the front line for client contact, where any one of the clients could come through to him and needing help.

His stand out moment since beginning his apprenticeship is writing the software Samurai.

The security updates at Ixis used to freeze the entire support team and take a full day to complete.

Joshua wrote an application – using Drupal as the framework – with the goal of automating the process.

Now it only takes one person and less than half the time.

Since starting at Ixis, Joshua has completed two level 3 BTEC qualifications in IT systems and principles and professional competence for IT and telecoms professionals.

He is currently working towards a software developer qualification with Happy Apprentices.

The course is comprehensive and updated frequently, and it even contains Drupal components.

Joshua said that he would not say no to any more qualifications in the future with Ixis.

He said: “I would recommend an apprenticeship, but only if you are really committed, have a passion for your job and want to learn.

“It is rewarding but it takes a certain way of thinking.”

Barry Standen, Joshua’s supervisor at Ixis, added: “we are delighted with how well Josh is getting on; he has worked really hard and is a valuable member of the team.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing what he can achieve!”