ICT and digital technologies play a part in everything we do. In Scotland, over 90,000 people work in digital technology roles and the current average full-time salary for digital technology roles is £37,500, over 30% higher than the Scottish average.
There’s never been a better time to start your ICT career. A Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Hardware and System Support could lead to jobs like:
- Cyber security analyst
- IT support technician
- Security administrator
- Network manager
As well as opportunities with technology employers, you’ll find ICT and digital technology jobs in many other sectors such as healthcare, financial services and the creative industries. Even if you haven’t considered or studied digital technologies before, these jobs could offer you an alternative way to use your maths, science and problem-solving skills.
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology: Hardware/System Support, which is the same level of learning as an SQA Higher (SCQF level 6).
This includes:
A National Progression Award (NPA) in Professional Computer Fundamentals at SCQF level 6
Five units of a Diploma for IT & Telecommunications Professionals at SCQF level 6
What will I learn?
Your National Progression Award (NPA) will cover:
- Security Fundamentals
- Network Fundamentals
- Server Administration Fundamentals
In S6, you’ll work in a hands-on, practical way as part of your work placement, towards achieving the five units of your Diploma:
- Personal Effectiveness
- Health and Safety in IT and Telecom
- IT and Telecom System Operation
- Testing IT and Telecom Systems
- Working with IT and Telecoms Hardware and Equipment
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop core skills valued by employers, particularly:
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Working with others
- Time management
These transferable skills are necessary and highly desirable for working in a range of other related jobs.
Where could it take me?
Your Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options: it’s up to you where you go next.
- A Modern Apprenticeship: On completing your Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll already have achieved five units of the IT and Telecoms Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF level 6. If you choose this route, you’ll have a head start in your career.
- Further Education: Continue your studies at college with a HNC or HND in a related subject. Your workplace experience will support your college application.
- University: Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised as equivalent to SQA Highers by all Scottish universities. You’ll already have quality experience in the industry – this will make your UCAS stand out from the crowd. This apprenticeship also provides you with 42 UCAS tariff points. Find out more about points on the UCAS website.
- Straight to a job: Use your qualification and work experience to find a job in the ICT and digital technologies industry. You could find employment across many areas, such as IT technical support, database administration, telecoms engineering and network planning and control.
How will it work?
You'll complete your Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll spend time working on projects supported by a learning provider, like a college, as well as an employer. It'll give you an industry recognised qualification which will look great on your CV.
How to apply
If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
You can use the search tool to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then just fill out the form to let us know you're interested, and we'll get back to you with more information.