Sky Betting and Gaming moves to ensure it has enough IT staff

The UK online gambling group Sky Betting and Gaming has ensured that it has the right technical people – and enough of them – for the future by investing GBP 1.5 million in its new graduate software academy project.

The company is currently accepting applications for an initial group of 25 graduates for mid-2016 who will spend their first year with the company gaining relevant knowledge and experience, starting with an intensive 14-week course to familiarise them in company affairs and enhance their business skills.

Following the initial 14 week course, the grads will be rotating through the various Bet, Gaming, Data and International Tribes (divisions) of the company, and if successful are guaranteed of a permanent post at the end of their year of training.

Throughout their training the graduates will be paid a competitive remuneration package.

Sky’s chief technical officer, Andy Burton, said in a statement this week: “I’m delighted that our software academy has now launched. Like many other tech companies in the region we are finding recruiting the right people increasingly difficult. By investing in graduates now we hope to play our part in ensuring there’s a pipeline of tech talent in Yorkshire. I look forward to welcoming the first grads in the summer.”

A company spokesman revealed that there are plans to launch a similar initiative soon to recruit the right people for commercial roles as well.