30 MAR 2023
Sage – the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announces the launch of a Sage Partner Academy in the UK and Ireland. The Sage Partner Academy is designed to help partners overcome the challenge of attracting and onboarding new talent with varying levels of tech-focused experience.
The programme caters to school leavers, graduates, and those looking to change careers, with applications made directly to the participating Sage partners. The 12-week programme is run by Sage and provides comprehensive support to partner businesses' employees, offering guidance on product excellence, software-as-a-service business models, and professional development. By equipping participants with the necessary skills, the programme aims to kickstart their careers in the technology industry, ultimately bridging the talent gap in the sector.
According to a recent study by Sage, the channel sector in the UK is still facing difficulties in finding and retaining talented employees. The 'Partnering for Success' report of 2022 revealed that more than 40% of resellers are facing challenges in attracting skilled entry-level employees. In response to this, the Sage Partner Academy is assisting partners in addressing these challenges by bringing new talent into the industry.
“We know that our partner ecosystem is facing challenges in finding and recruiting the right talent into their businesses. After a successful pilot, the Sage Partner Academy is helping to fill these talent shortages by providing our partners’ new recruits with the skills needed to have a thriving career as a consultant in a reseller’s business,” comments Paul O’Riordan, VP of Partners and Alliances at Sage UK & Ireland. “In as little as 12 weeks, those on the programme can build their expertise on Sage Intacct to become confident specialist consultants.”
After a successful pilot programme mentoring six graduates, Sage has recently started a second intake of 14 participants for its programme. One of the first graduates of the programme was Joel Purvis, who now serves as a Lead Sage Intacct Consultant at Manchester-based Sage partner Phase 3. Having graduated with a finance degree, the programme allowed him to improve his knowledge and skills, paving the way for a career as a consultant. Joel was pleased with the programme, stating that it helped him gain a thorough understanding of Sage Intacct and its capabilities, thereby providing him with a solid foundation to support their customers' success.
Victoria Riley, Head of Client Services at PKF Smith Cooper Systems, which has offices around the UK, is one of the partners with an employee currently taking part in the Sage Partner Academy. “This initiative brings opportunities to immerse emerging talent in the skills and expertise that we need in our consultants today,” she said. “The content is extensive and our representative is also gaining hands-on practical skills, while developing their professional network and contributing knowledge to the wider partner community.”
Media contact:
Kirsty Bennett
+44 7870 983 051
[email protected]
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About Sage
Sage exists to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive, starting with the millions of Small and Mid-Sized Businesses served by us, our partners, and accountants. Customers trust our finance, HR, and payroll software to make work and money flow. By digitising business processes and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, banks and governments, our digital network connects SMBs, removing friction and delivering insights. Knocking down barriers also means we use our time, technology, and experience to tackle digital inequality, economic inequality and the climate crisis.
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