Diploma for IT Users (Level 1)

This programme is specifically geared towards those who have left school with little GCSE success, but with a burning desire to work in technical IT. Concentrating on practical IT skills and working ethics, this challenging course introduces you to hardware, software applications and digital devices. No previous experience is assumed. Method of Assessment: Mixture of theoretical and practical assignment work and projects. Units include: Starting work in the IT Industry - Learn about what careers are available within the IT sector and for people with IT skills in other sectors. What skills are needed to run IT systems, websites, network systems and to support IT? Working in the IT Industry - What is it like to work in the industry? What do IT support staff do? What training is available? How is their performance measured? Developing skills in IT - Learn the main features on a PC computer and understand the OS in a business as well as how to organise files and manipulate desktop applications. Plus 2 of the following units: Personal Effectiveness - Audit your own IT skills and relate these to the job market for IT professionals Social Responsibility at Work - How IT work is affected by the laws of society and how IT will shape the future of society. Financial Management - Improve your skills in managing money, handling a budget and using financial software. Plus the following units: PC Systems - How does a how a PC system works? Learn about the different PC peripherals, when they are used and how they are connected to the PC. IT Applications - Maximise your productivity through effective use of desktop applications. Digital Devices - What different digital devices are available to support IT work and benefit industry? Assignment work/background reading in addition to College attendance is required.

Duration: 1 year, attendance: full time Students should bring a pen to the first class and a bag capable of securely carrying folders, paper, books etc. Student course booklet and a USB memory stick will be provided during induction - these form part of the student package (along with consumables and hardware replacement) which is allocated from the material fee. Students will have the opportunity to attend one or more course related day trips or activities during the year. A nominal fee of £15 is charged at enrolment as a contribution towards these events. Students will register with the examination board (Edexcel) during October. Students under the age of 19 at the commencement of the programme will not have to pay this fee. The fee is in the region of £100 but please refer to examinations office for up to date information. Prospective students should send completed Application Forms to Admissions. All applicants will be offered an informal interview. INDUSTRY INFORMATION Key facts: •There is a total IT and Telecoms workforce of 1.5 million of which: ?890,000 people are in IT and Telecoms products and services ?600,000 IT and Telecoms professionals are working in organisations outside of the IT and Telecoms industries •There are around 105,000 businesses in the UK offering IT and Telecoms products and services. •IT-intensive sectors represent 55% of the UK's total Gross Value Added. •Less than 1% of those employed in IT and Telecoms occupations are under 18. •22% of companies who are trying to recruit IT and Telecoms professionals report difficulties in attracting applicants with the right skills. •58% of the workforce has a degree or higher education qualification. •The IT industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 2.5% per year for the next ten years. •There are 100,930 IT manufacturing and services establishments in the UK employing 600,000 people. •The IT workforce accounts for 4% of the UK workforce. Jobs in the IT industry include: Business analyst; Games developer; CAD/CAM Programmer/Trainer; IT trainer; Service technician; Software engineer/architect; Technology consultant; Web designer; Systems architect; Technical author.

5 GCSEs at A* to G, including English and Maths

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in IT