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What does an Infrastructure Manager do?

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An infrastructure manager is responsible for the hardware, operating systems, and tools used to organise large computer installations. This position is also known as an information technology architect or technical systems manager. All three titles refer to the connectivity and hardware responsibilities that are the focus of this position.

The information technology (IT) infrastructure manager is responsible for coordinating system management, building in redundancy and room for growth, and emergency planning. This position typically reports to the director of information technology or a similar role within the organisation. Software and application managers are equivalent in rank, but often rely upon the expertise of the infrastructure manager when planning new projects.

System management coordination occupies the vast majority of the manager’s time. In most organisations, the system operations staff report directly to this position. The systems operators are responsible for maintaining all the different programs and routines necessary to keep the system up and running.

In order to become an IT infrastructure manager, you would have usually completed post-secondary education in computer science, computer system management, or information technology. Many employers also expect candidates to have completed additional training in operating systems, hardware structure, and system infrastructure. People who enjoy working with technology, like a challenging work environment, and can work in a continuously changing industry report the greatest satisfaction. Teamwork is essential in this role, as multiple people are required to achieve the initial set up and maintenance of this type of infrastructure. A proper system design, complete with room for expansion, back-ups, and redundancy is the primary responsibility of this job.

A career as an Infrastructure manager requires dedication to continuing education. Both the hardware and software are constantly changing in this field, and it is expected to continue to change into the foreseeable future. This career is forecast to have an increased rate of growth in the next five to ten years. In order to advance your career, candidates must obtain further education through certification in a specific technology or graduate-level training.

Emergency planning includes back-up and restoration systems, remote system management, specially designed server rooms, and other structural settings. This part of the job requires a significant investment of time and then a minimal level of maintenance on an annual basis. Take the time to test this system thoroughly to ensure it will work if required.

To find our more information on our Infrastructure Manager jobs available please click here.  If you would like help and advice on how to progress your career as an Infrastructure Manager, Technology Architect or Technical Systems Manager please call us on 0330 2233 047 or send en email to hello@graffitirecruitment.co.uk

 

– Wise Geek

IT Job Feature: 10 Must-Know Skills for a job in Web Design

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In order to land an IT Job in web design, check out the top 10 tips below.

You need to know them so well that you can do them almost without thinking. When it comes to an IT Job in web design, many skills can change and evolve over time, but there are a few basics that you should be able to do in your sleep.

And even if you aren’t a “web designer” by trade, each of these skills is becoming must-have for all designers working today. How many are you already comfortable with? Let’s dive in and take a look at what you should be able to do on “auto pilot”!

 

1. Code with HTML and CSS

Whether you are a developer or not, everyone needs to understand the most basic of language behind website design. You need to understand how to read, edit and troubleshoot basic HTML.

In any case, you should be able to pinpoint a bold or font or color or size issue in HTML without thinking. You should be able to substitute styles in CSS with ease. These are skills that are easy to learn and will serve you well in the long run.

 

2. Edit Photos

In any design field, it’s likely that you will work with images all day long. So it only makes sense that you understand how to manipulate them. From basic cropping to sizing and a little “clean up,” you should be able to work with photos with ease. At a minimum, you should feel comfortable with cropping and resizing as well as some image quality adjustment.

 

3. Make a Print

While your IT job might be in the digital realm, parts of the design will no doubt be needed for printed applications. From fliers to business cards to press releases, you should be able to create and convert elements in such a way that are also print-ready.

Key things to understand include printing resolutions for different media types and colour. While you likely use a value such as FF0000 to make a text block red, that won’t work for printing. CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color mixes are the standard for printed items.

 

4. Write a Headline

It’s near impossible to really visualise a design with lorem ipsum as the main headline. The words are the glue that bring the visuals and the message together. Your headline might not always stick, but you should always fill in the big words when you turn in a design concept.

As a practical matter, the words can help the client understand how much space is available for text. A good headline shows that you understand the client and go the extra mile in projects and it leaves people with a lasting impression.

 

5. Grab Any Device and Navigate a Website

You should have a comfort level with computers and devices that most people do not. This might require breaking away from your favourite devices or browsers or programs and playing with plenty of other things.

We’ve all been there: There’s nothing worse than a client whipping out an old phone or showing you something on a small screen for help and you just can’t figure it out with ease. You should be able to use your website (and others) in any environment and talk others through how to do it as well.

Tip: Just start playing. Make sure to experiment with different browsers and if you are an Apple person, pick up an Android device (and vice versa).

 

6. Sketch with Confidence

One of the greatest things about sketching is that you can help others visualise what you are thinking. Remember, plenty of other people need to see a wireframe or outline before they can start to imagine what you are thinking.

Sketching with confidence is a great way to help create that connection. This is not to say you need to learn to be a top-notch artist overnight. But you should come ready with a pad and pen so you can put those ideas on paper and share them with the team.

 

7. Use a Common Framework

There is no shame in using a website design framework to kick-start projects. In fact, you probably should unless you are a super-star developer.

Frameworks keep you from reinventing the wheel with every project and are easy for others to use if you are ultimately handing a website over to a client that will try to maintain it and make updates. WordPress is a popular option, but there are plenty of others out there to try.

Tip: Start with WordPress. It’s the largest blogging and website content management system and framework available.

 

8. Backup and Package Files

While a website seems to be a self-containing system, it is not. You need to understand how to and how often to backup your site (and restore it, if necessary) to prevent data loss should something happen to the site. If you don’t know the exact logistics of this exercise in your sleep, you should know what is being saved, how frequently it is happening and where the data is stored.

In addition, you should have a good idea of how to create package files for website styles, design parts and pieces and more that can be used as a backup and can provide vital information for clients should they need to use the parts. Package files (for print) are a necessary part of the web design process as well so clients have a set of branding tools that match the website design for printed promotions.

Tip: Every website needs a backup plan. Packaging files will help you keep materials, such as fonts and images, together when you have to send them elsewhere.

 

9. Know 3 Trends (And When To Use Them)

You should be able to talk to anyone with a reasonable amount of design knowledge about what visual techniques are trending and why or why you should not use them. How do they work and what do you like/dislike about these trends. Alternatively, you can view online sources for advice.

 

10. Explain Design Theory

Colour, flow, balance and proportion, spacing: These are all things that you should just be able to see when working on projects. But it’s more than having a good eye; design theory is equally important. Understanding why you do what you do and why that creates a well-balanced aesthetic is important.

And if you understand it well, you can explain it and more easily defend and explain design decisions to others. A foundation in the basics will help you master any project.

 

Conclusion

How many elements on this list can you check off as things you know in your sleep? How many others are you eager to go learn more about or refresh your skillset?

Web design – like any other type of design – is rooted in the basics and sprinkled with plenty of trends and new techniques. A good understanding of the mix will help you grow and become a better designer, and will help you feel even more confident in your design decisions and work.

If you are already familiar with all of these skills and would like to take the next step in your web design career, check out our latest IT Job vacancy by clicking here!

New Software Development brings AR/VR into reach for smaller businesses!

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New Software Development brings AR/VR into reach for smaller businesses! Appy Pie is the first drag-and-drop builder to support AR/VR

Software Developers have been busy developing the new Drag-and-drop app builder Appy Pie. They have released virtual and augmented reality features which enable businesses without large budgets to deliver immersive experiences to users.

Last month, the director of developer relations at Salesforce proclaiming it’s time for an “upgrade” for users. In the article, Will Coleman argued the only solution for overburdened enterprise IT teams and software developers is to empower users with the knowledge and tools required to solve problems themselves – leaving software developers to focus on complex tasks.

DIY app building platforms such as Appy Pie help to deliver on Coleman’s vision. Users without specialist development knowledge can now build apps with some features that were once reserved for large enterprises with budgets to afford teams of expert software developers and designers.

“We are proud to announce that we are the first DIY app platform to offer VR and AR features,” said Abhinav Girdhar CEO and Founder of Appy Pie. “SMBs rarely have the resources and budget to integrate the latest and greatest technologies, and often at a disadvantage when competing with larger companies that do. With these new features, we are democratizing VR and AR, allowing small businesses to enhance their customer experience and better stand out from the competition. We’re excited to see the creative ways our millions of users use the new technology.”

Two main VR/AR features will be provided at launch for budding developers to incorporate within their Android and iOS apps – image recognition and tracking, and a panoramic and 360 video viewer.

Image recognition enables the app to identify millions of real-world objects, keep track of their position, and overlay augmented information where appropriate. The panoramic and 360 video viewer allows users to experience real-world locations and products within a virtual environment.

A restaurant owner, for example, could take a panorama of his restaurant on his iPhone and let users explore it no matter where they are in virtual reality. When customers look at the menu in the physical restaurant, images of the food could be recognised and nutrition information augmented to help them make informed decisions.

New technologies such as virtual and augmented reality are making it easier to differentiate from competitors, but the entry cost was high. With their latest update, Appy Pie is leading the way in breaking down barriers preventing creativity and putting advanced features within reach of us all.

What are your thoughts on Appy Pie’s new VR/AR features? Let us know.

Check out some of our latest Software Developer jobs & get involved with the latest technologies and career advancements! 

 

  • Developer Tech

It’s National Apprenticeship Week – How much do you really know about an apprentices’ employment rights and protections?

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Apprentices

There are a number of employee/employer relationships which are now different from the traditional 9-5 job. A person’s employment status will determine their rights and their employer’s responsibilities.

Apprentices can be aged 16 and over and will combine work with study for a work-based qualification, from GCSEs or equivalent to degree level.

Key points
  • Apprentices can be anyone over the age of 16 and not in full time education.
  • Apprenticeships can be for school leavers or those who are seeking to start a new career.
  • Many of the special protections for young workers in the working time regulations will apply to apprentices.
  • An apprentice must work with experienced staff.

Apprentices Checklist from Acas Displays a larger version of this image in a new browser window

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes which will lead to a nationally recognised qualification. Apprentices will normally attend day release at local colleges or specialist training providers as part of their training, which can take between one to four years to complete, depending on the level of apprenticeship.

As employees apprentices would normally be expected to work for at least 30 hours per week, for which employers can receive funding from the National Apprentice Service, however, funding will depend on the sector and the age of the apprentice.

Apprentices and the National Minimum Wage (NMW)

Apprentices under 19 years or 19 years and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to £3.40 per hour. However, the employer may choose to pay the apprentice at a higher rate.

Once the apprentice reaches 19 years and has completed the first year of the apprenticeship the employer must pay the full NMW rate.

All other apprentices are eligible for the full National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage for their age.

Apprentices and the working time regulations for young people

Many of the special protections in these regulations for young workers under 18 will apply to apprentices, for example young workers must not exceed the 8 hour a day or 40 hours per week. They are also entitled to paid holidays and rest breaks of at least 30 minutes if their shift lasts more than four and half hours.

The 3 levels of apprenticeship
  1. Intermediate Level Apprenticeships – apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 2 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.
  2. Advanced Level Apprenticeships – apprentices work towards work-based learning such as a Level 3 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.
  3. Higher Apprenticeships – apprentices undertake a framework at Level 4 and above which will include a competence based qualification, Functional Skills and in some cases a broader vocationally related qualification which could be a Foundation degree.
Apprenticeship levy

From April 2017 the apprenticeship levy will be introduced and will be a levy on UK employers to fund new apprenticeships. The levy will only be paid on annual pay bills in excess of £3 million. Each employer will receive an allowance of £15,000 to offset against their levy payment.

Once an employer has paid the levy to HRMC they will be able to access funding for apprenticeships through a new digital service account. If an employer doesn’t pay the levy they can still employ an apprentice and can choose: the training they would like the apprentice to receive; an approved training provider and an assessment organisation using the registers available.

For more information visit GOV.UK – Apprenticeship funding: how it will work.

.ACAS

If you want to be a millionaire, it’s better to be a software developer than a pro athlete!

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It’s better to be a software developer than a pro athlete! Find out Why…

So Software developer vs Pro Athlete, lets check out the competition!  In 2016, Cleveland Basketball great LeBron James made over £61 million between his pay (£18 million) and endorsements, Forbes reports. New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning made £36 million, and LA Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw made £25 million.

There’s no question being an elite pro athlete pays very, very well.

But consider this: The career span for an athlete is short and the rank-and-file pros don’t get paid nearly so much as the top players. In the NFL, the average career length is 3.5 years with the lifetime earning potential of £24,010,000, according to tech job site Paysa. In the MLB, the average career length is 5.6 years with the lifetime earning potential of £2.3 Million. None of that is chicken scratch. But if you factor in the number of people who try to become pro sports players and don’t ever get a decent contract at all, the percentages would be far lower.

Now, compare that to becoming a developer, Paysa suggests. If you try to become a software  developer, odds are good that you will succeed. The average acceptance rate at engineering/programming Colleges are 63 out of 100. Plus, 6 out of 10 developer students graduate, and 97 out of 100 find jobs, Paysa says.

And once you’re out in the workforce, the average career span is 40 years with an average annual salary at £60,000 in the UK. The lifetime earnings potential adds up to £2.4 Million.

And that’s enough to stand tall, even against a pro NBA player.

If you want a Slam dunk career in Software development and bag yourself a few million pounds over the next 30/40 or 50 Years then check out our Software Developer jobs right now. There’s no better time than NOW!

 

– Tech Insider

£2.8 million pound development will create around 2700 Shropshire Jobs

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The Marches LEP has awarded three contracts worth £2.81m to develop Advanced Manufacturing Hubs in the region which will create nearly 2,700 Shropshire Jobs.

Around 2,700 Shropshire Jobs will be generated as part of the private sector-led LEP’s plans for tackling the skills gap, the project will see regional training centres, in Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury and Hereford, set up to support employers in areas where there is limited access to workforce training.

The Shrewsbury Colleges Group has been awarded £425,166 to develop a ‘hub and spoke’ model of training provision, supporting 183 businesses and more than 450 apprenticeships.

Herefordshire and Ludlow College, with Herefordshire & Worcestershire Training Association has secured £464,763 to develop the third centre, creating 260 apprenticeships and supporting 225 businesses.

As well as apprenticeships, all three hubs will deliver more than 1,960 additional qualifications over the next five years.

Graham Wynn, Chairman of the Marches LEP, said: “We have a need across the Marches to ensure there are enough of the right people with the right skills to meet the demand of our employers. It is vitally important that they remain invested here, and continue to grow their business here.

“But this can only happen with additional capital investment. We developed this project to support the manufacturing sector to develop its skills base, equipping them to maximise future opportunities.”

Chris Greenough, commercial director of Salop Design said: “The key issue facing our sector is there is simply not enough people with the right skills, to do the jobs we need them to do in order to grow manufacturing businesses, the sector and ultimately the UK economy.

“The Marches LEP has developed a project which will see industry take the lead in training its own workforce. Our employer-led consortium is delighted to have secured this contract and look forward to delivering apprenticeship placements, training opportunities and supporting hundreds of businesses. Our aim is clear, 2020 learners by 2020.”

Ian Peake, Principal & Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Ludlow College, said:

“This significant LEP and College co-investment to develop Advanced Manufacturing Hubs in the Marches will have a transformative impact on education and skills development in engineering, strengthening the college’s capacity to meet the requirements of cutting edge industries.”

Lyn Surgeon, Principal of Shrewsbury College, added: “The project has cemented the relationship between Shrewsbury College, Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, Staffordshire University, Caterpillar and Festo, which will be collectively known as the Shropshire Advanced Manufacturing Skills Hub.

“It allows us to significantly extend our investment in state of the art equipment to suitably train the engineers of tomorrow and puts the college in the position of being able to offer a range of full time and part time courses from basic introductory levels through to degrees, apprenticeships from intermediate through to higher levels and bespoke training to meet individual company needs.”

The training centres are due to open in 2017. Funding for the project was awarded to the LEP via its initial Growth Deal for skills capital projects.

Upon completion of an apprenticeship, there are many opportunities around the county which are suited to newly trained professionals looking at taking the next leap in their careers. Check out our latest Shropshire Jobs on our vacancy page by clicking here!

 

– MarchesLEP

 

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