IT (Hardware/System Support)

Course description

Combining work-based and classroom-based learning in ICT.

This programme incorporates classroom-based study with work-based learning to prepare you for entry to the workplace or full-time Further or Higher Education. The course is funded by Skills Development Scotland.

Scotland is highly dependent on its IT & Telecoms workforce – it underpins the economy and is integral to information, business and consumer services, health and leisure and modern day social networking. Across all industries in Scotland, the combination of its highly skilled IT & Telecoms professionals, technology-savvy business leaders and competent IT users enable the organisations’ effective participation in the global digital economy.

Find out more about this course from Skills Development Scotland

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology (Hardware and System Support) is for pupils in S5 and S6. You will complete a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 6 in Professional Computer Fundamentals and you will also complete an extended work placement to achieve the Diploma for IT & Telecommunications Professionals
The NPA includes units in:

You will also undertake work-based learning during which you will attend an extended work experience with an industry partner equivalent to a day a week. During that time you will develop essential skills for the workplace and be assessed on your performance in each of the following areas:

Pupils completing this Foundation Apprenticeship on a Short Duration Delivery Model (1 year programme) will be expected to undertake both coursework and work-based learning elements within the same year, generally spending equivalent of a day a week in a College staff delivered class and a day a week on placement. We recommend that applicants for the one-year delivery model only study 3 additional school-based courses alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship.

Students will need access to a computer with internet access to allow them to study outwith class time.

Learning outcome

Progression:

Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.

Upon successful completion of this course, you may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:

Foundation Apprenticeships are accepted as equivalent to at least one Higher by all Scottish Universities. Further qualifications may be required for University entry — applicants should check individual course entry requirements for further information.

Those who wish to progress directly to employment will find a range of entry–level jobs available in areas such as IT Technical Support, Cybersecurity, Database Administration, Telecoms Engineerings and Network Planning & Control. Upon completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship, you may gain advanced entry onto an associated Modern Apprenticeship.