Description
This Foundation Apprenticeship gives pupils skills to prepare for an IT career. It's a great time to start a career in this sector, with jobs such as:
- cyber security analyst
- IT support technician
- security administrator
- network manager
As well as the technology sector, they can aim to work in many other areas such as healthcare or financial services.
The qualification
SCQF Level 6
The Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Hardware and System Support includes:
- a National Progression Award (NPA) in Professional Computer Fundamentals at SCQF Level 6
- 5 units of a Diploma for IT & Telecommunications Professionals at SCQF Level 6
- a substantial work placement
Example of course units include:
- NPA
- Security fundamentals
- Network fundamentals - Diploma
- IT & telecom system operation 2
- Working with IT & telecoms hardware and equipment 1
Entry requirements
Pupils don't need formal qualifications for entry. They should have a good level of English and maths and if they've taken a science subject that's an advantage.
Roles in hardware and system support are suitable for pupils with:
- good problem-solving skills
- an interest in both hardware and software
- an ability to work to deadlines and under pressure
The pupil would select a Foundation Apprenticeship as a school subject choice. Then they'd go through a recruitment process arranged by the college, or other learning provider. It's great if you can get involved, too.
Progression and development
Pupils will get the skills, knowledge and competence to help them move on to:
- a Modern Apprenticeship in a digital or ICT subject
- more vocational training
- further study at school or college
These will help them to prepare for working in ICT.
If you're looking to hire, Foundation Apprenticeships help you spot talented pupils. You can assess their skills on a longer term than a regular interview process would allow.
Your role
As an employer, you can decide what level of involvement you have in the apprenticeship. You can discuss this with the college or other learning provider who's working with you.
There’s no financial cost to you as an employer because the learner is still at school. But investing your time can bring rewards, with access to talented young people in your workplace.
The work placement
Pupils study a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of their school subjects, usually over S5 and S6.
During the apprenticeship, each pupil must complete a work placement of about 1 day a week in S6. That helps them build the evidence needed to complete the units from the SVQ.
It's important that pupils begin employer contact during S5. They'll learn about working for an organisation and using digital skills in the workplace.
What's next?
Fill out our contact form and we'll connect you with your local learning provider who can talk to you about working with Foundation Apprenticeships.
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