IT Application Specialist

Mode of study: Full-time – Blended Learning

Duration of program: 14-18 Months

Credit & Qualifications framework level: Level 3 – QCF

This Apprenticeship will support the development, skills and knowledge required to be proficient and specialize in developing, using, supporting and maintaining a range of IT systems and software. At advanced level you will use the skills to develop IT systems and processes, support businesses and their staff across a variety of activities. Businesses need individuals with higher level application skills to function and compete in a technological world.

An Intermediate Apprenticeship is a framework of qualifications which may include:

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma for IT Users (ITQ)

• Functional Skills (Level 2 in Maths, English & ICT)

• Employment Rights & Responsibilities (ERR)

• Personal learning and thinking skills.

The Diploma covers the advanced practical skills and techniques you will need to support them in an IT application specialist role where they may be involved in developing IT systems. Assessment will be via assignments, workplace observations and tests to reflect the variety of units within the qualification. The BTEC Level 3 Diploma is a 39 credit qualification 17 of which are achieved from the 3 mandatory units,

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  • On Program Assessment
    Technical knowledge and understanding is assessed on program through a combination of Ofqual-regulated Knowledge Modules and specified vendor and professional qualifications. These must be passed before the end point assessment can take place.

  • End Point Assessment
    The final, end point assessment is completed in the last few months of the apprenticeship. It is based on
    A portfolio – produced towards the end of the apprenticeship, containing evidence from real work projects which have been completed during the apprenticeship, usually towards the end, and which, taken together, cover the totality of the standard, and which is assessed as part of the end point assessment
    A project – giving the apprentice the opportunity to undertake a business-related project over a one-week period away from the day to day workplace
    an employer reference
    a structured interview with an assessor – exploring what has been produced in the portfolio and the project as well as looking at how it has been produced

  • An independent assessor will assess each element of the end point assessment and will then decide whether to award successful apprentices with a pass, a merit or a distinction.

To get a place, you first need to register for an Assessment Day below at one of our training centres. Just pick the most convenient place and time for you, and then turn up with your documentation

  • Proof of ID: passport or birth certificate .

  • Proof of benefits: JSA award letter from JCP or bank statement showing your JSA payment not older than 2 months if you claim benefits

  • Proof of address).

If you can prove your eligibility by bringing in all the necessary documents and you pass the initial assessment exam, you will be invited to enrol into the course. We’ll drop you an e-mail explaining the things you need to bring after you’ve chosen your time and place.

Typical Job Roles

Junior Developer, Junior Web Developer, Junior Application Developer, Junior Mobile App Developer, Junior Games Developer, Junior Software Developer, Junior Application Support Analyst, Junior Programmer, Assistant Programmer and Automated Test Developer.

Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include 5 GCSEs (especially English, mathematics and a science or technology subject); other relevant qualifications and experience; or an aptitude test with a focus on IT skills.

Duration

Typically 14-18 Months

Qualifications

Apprentices will achieve each of the Ofqual-regulated Knowledge Modules such City & Guilds or BCS, as summarised below. Further details are available in the occupational brief available from the Tech Partnership at http://www.thetechpartnership.com/apprenticeship/softwaredeveloper

Course Contents

Mandatory units:
• Improving Productivity Using IT (L3)
• Understanding the potential of IT (L3)
• Developing Personal and Team Effectiveness
Using IT (L3).
Examples of optional units:
• Audio Software
• Collaborative Technologies
• Computer Security and Privacy
• Design Software or Imaging Software
• Desktop Publishing Software
• IT Communication/IT Software or IT User
Fundamentals
• Optimise System Performance
• Setting Up IT Systems
• Specialist Software or Bespoke Software
• Spreadsheet, Word Processing, Database &
Presentation Software
• Using Email
• Using Mobile IT Devices
• Using the Internet
• Website Software.

English and Maths

Level 2 English and Maths will need to be passed, if not already, prior to taking the end
point assessment.

Underpinning Skills, Attitudes and Behaviours

  • Logical and creative thinking skills

  • Analytical and problem solving skills

  • Ability to work independently and to take responsibility

  • Can use own initiative

  • A thorough and organised approach

  • Ability to work with a range of internal and external people

  • Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations

  • Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment

Technical Competencies

  • Logic: writes simple code for discrete software components following an appropriate logical approach to
    agreed standards (whether for web, mobile or desktop applications)
    Security: applies appropriate secure development principles to specific software components all stages
    of development
    Development support: applies industry standard approaches for configuration management and version
    control to manage code during build and release
    Data: makes simple connections between code and defined data sources as specified Test: functionally
    tests that the deliverables for that component have been met or not
    Analysis: follows basic analysis models such as use cases and process maps
    Development lifecycle: supports the Software Developers at the build and test stages of the software
    development lifecycle
    Quality: follows organisational and industry good coding practices (including those for naming,
    commenting etc.)
    Visit:

How is the Course Assessed?

  • On Programme Assessment
    Technical knowledge and understanding is assessed on programme through a combination of Ofqual-regulated Knowledge Modules and specified vendor and professional qualifications. These must be passed before the end point assessment can take place.

  • End Point Assessment
    The final, end point assessment is completed in the last few months of the apprenticeship. It is based on
    A portfolio – produced towards the end of the apprenticeship, containing evidence from real work projects which have been completed during the apprenticeship, usually towards the end, and which, taken together, cover the totality of the standard, and which is assessed as part of the end point assessment
    A project – giving the apprentice the opportunity to undertake a business-related project over a one-week period away from the day to day workplace
    an employer reference
    a structured interview with an assessor – exploring what has been produced in the portfolio and the project as well as looking at how it has been produced
    An independent assessor will assess each element of the end point assessment and will then decide whether to award successful apprentices with a pass, a merit or a distinction.

How do I enrol?

Apply online, or walk into our Training Centre, click here for details of our locations or phone: 0207 247 5497 and we will organise funding for you. As the course is based at your workplace, there are no fixed start dates and so you can start whenever you are ready.