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Thursday 17th May 2012

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The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists - Journeyman Scheme


What is a Journeyman?
Historically, young craftsmen who had served their apprenticeship were sufficiently experienced and qualified to work for an employer, but not yet masters in their own right.  Being a Journeyman was an intermediate stage between basic knowledge of a trade and full mastership – in modern terms between early experience after qualification and becoming a leading practitioner.

What is the Journeyman Scheme?
The Journeyman Scheme brings together the traditions of the Livery Companies and the practice of IT.  The WCIT scheme is designed to fast track the personal and career development of those selected to make the journey, by exceptional professional support and the opportunities to be involved with the activities of the industry Livery Company.

Who can become a Journeyman?
The scheme is designed for young, qualified IT professionals with the potential to become leading IT practitioners.  Typically a Journeyman will have about five years commerical experience - they will be mature, qualified individuals who are capable of taking responsibility for their own careers.

How does the Journeyman Scheme work?
A Journeyman is supported by a ‘Journey mentor’ who is a member of the Company.  The role of the mentor is to provide support and guidance to the Journeyman, both on developing his or her professionalism and on wider aspects of participating in the IT community and the Company.  

How long is the Journey?
Journeymen spend a period of some three years on the scheme, during which time their training, development, and practical experience as an IT practitioner is planned, reviewed, and recorded.

What are the benefits of being a Journeyman?
  • First and foremost a WCIT Journeyman will have the opportunity to become associated with the organisation and activities of their industry Livery Company much earlier than their peers.  More specifically they will:
  • Receive mentoring from experienced professionals.
  • Have the opportunity, not otherwise easily available, for networking both professionally and socially with the industry leaders who are the Company members. 
  • Become an active participant in the panel activities of the Company.
  • Have the opportunity to attend some of the formal and social activities of the Company.
  • Each year a Journeyman is eligible to enter for the John Pinkerton award. This prestigious award, of significant value, helps to fund the winning Journeyman through a particular education programme or project which will add to their knowledge and development in becoming a leading IT practitioner.

At the end of the period, individuals will normally apply for Freedom of the Company, and the record of their Journey will support their application to the Freedom.

How can one become a Journeyman?
Anyone can apply to be a Journeyman who sees the industry as his or her future.   Applications should be made through the Assistant Clerk at the Information Technologist Hall.  The Journeyman management team will then consider applicant details.

For further details of the scheme and to apply to be a Journeyman please contact:

The Deputy Clerk
Information Technologists’ Company
Information Technologists Hall
39A Bartholomew Close
London EC4 7JN
Tel:  +44 (0)20 7600 1992
Fax: +44 (0)20 7600 1991
Email: tricia@wcit.org.uk
Web:  www.wcit.org.uk

For further information about the The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists please click here.