A-levels and university aren’t for everyone. If you have a real passion for something, an apprenticeship can be a better option as Josh Bevis, founder of Sonar IT found out.

By his own admission Josh didn’t do as well as he could do at school, scraping through his GCSEs. He did manage to get into Sixth Form and began studying four A-levels in Law, Sociology, IT and Media, but the majority of the lessons didn’t really interest him. He liked IT, so put a bit of effort in, but otherwise was a familiar face at the local cafe!

During Year 13 he had career counselling as he wasn’t getting the grades that he needed. Focusing on the subject that he enjoyed Josh switched paths and enrolled on an IT apprenticeship – something he wishes he had done earlier, at the end of Year 11.

He began an IT apprenticeship focusing on hardware and support earning £150 a week. Whilst school didn’t suit Josh, he was incredibly hard working and as well as working and studying for his apprenticeship Monday to Friday, he worked as a lifeguard all weekend. Gradually, he began to take on overtime at the IT business where he worked.

He loved doing an IT job, much more so than classroom learning. He finished his apprenticeship early and gradually worked his way up at the company where he was employed. He went from first line support to second line, then projects, and ultimately managing his own team and also getting involved with sales and other aspects of the company. He also helped to train apprentices.

Always looking for opportunities to develop, Josh began to think about starting his own company. He set up Sonar IT with business partner Nick Quelcutti – also a former IT apprentice. Despite a difficult start with the business officially launching on the first day of lockdown in March 2020, Josh, Nick and Sonar IT are now thriving. And one thing they are certain of is the value of apprentices. Josh said:

““We always knew we’d utilise apprentices. Why wouldn’t you? They are cost effective and you have the chance to mould them into the member of staff that you want them to be. It would be weird to be an IT company without apprentices.””

Josh currently has a Primary Goal apprentice working with him, and we are so proud to be involved with a business that places such high value on apprentices. One apprentice feels like just that start.

Still only 26, Josh has big plans for Sonar IT, they are shortly due to move offices, which will support their growth plans. Over time Josh hopes to take on more apprentices as part of his company’s journey. We wish him all the best on his journey.