Apprentice Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals (QCF)

Course Overview

Birmingham Metropolitan College delivers its IT and Telecoms Professionals Apprenticeship (Level 3) using the Edexcel BTEC Apprenticeship syllabus. This syllabus incorporates the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and Telecommunications Professionals and the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles. The framework delivers a solid grounding in the basics of IT including networking and security.
The programme includes the commercially renowned Introduction to Cisco Technologies Parts 1 and 2 (may change to CompTIA A+ or Microsoft) qualification which provides a broad skill set to those embarking on a career in IT technical support. Apprentices will learn helpdesk processes, systematic approaches to troubleshooting and best practice for dealing with customers on the 1st line of support.

Course content

Apprentices will take Level 2 Functional Skills in Numeracy and Literacy (although students with Key Skills level 2, GCSE or A Levels in Maths and/or English can apply for exemptions). Students also have to complete a workbook on the rights and responsibilities of employees.

• Introduction to Cisco Technologies Parts 1 and 2 (May change to Comptia+ or Microsoft)
• Investigating and defining customer requirements for ICT systems
• Database software
• Technical fault diagnosis
• Working with ICT hardware and equipment
• Presenting information using IT
• Principles of IT systems and data recovery
• Communication and employability skills for IT
• IT technical support
• Develop own effectiveness and professionalism
• Health and safety

Entry Requirements

4 GCSE at grade C including Mathematics and English

Delivery & Assessment methods

Students will be required to attend college on a part time basis of one day per week plus occasional further sessions for examinations or support sessions. All students will be required to undertake homework and additional independent study outside formal class times. There will be a variety of online learning facilities and practical based learning. Assessment will be via externally set computer based examinations and internally marked assignments and practicals.

Progression

Progression opportunities •IT and Telecoms Professionals Apprenticeship (Level 4) •CompTIA Server+ and Network+ Vendor qualifications from Cisco and Microsoft. Suitable Job Roles: •Business analyst •Technical support person •Hardware engineering •Service technician •Technical sales specialist •IT trainer