Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship Information Communications Technician

This Information Communication Technician apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to prepare for a role in the industry whilst gaining real-life experience in a working environment with an employer.You are able to choose to specialise in one of the following pathways:

• Support Technician
• Network Technician
• Digital Communications Technician.

Learn how to provide technical support, establish, diagnose and troubleshoot ICT problems, and install and configure new and appropriate software and hardware.

Study Aims

As an Information Communication Technician, your core duties would involve:

• Providing technical support to customers both internal and external through a range of communication channels
• Establishing and diagnosing ICT problems/faults using the required troubleshooting methodology and tools
• Applying appropriate testing methodologies and processes to resolve ICT technical issues
• Installing and configuring software and hardware.

The following specialised roles will include a range of additional tasks and responsibilities, such as those outlined below.

Support Technician

• Address IT issues by prioritising in response to customer service level agreements
• Support the roll out of upgrades or new systems or applications
• Administer security access requirements and permissions for stakeholders escalating as necessary for example password resets.

Network Technician

• Complete cabling tasks for example coaxial, copper, fibre or remotely
• Administer mobile devices on a network
• Deliver network tasks prioritising security with a view to mitigating and defending against security risks.

Digital Communications Technician

• Maintain computer systems or telecommunication networks
• Research solutions to maintain network communication architectures
• Monitor and report telecommunications or communications systems performance to enable service delivery.

Modules Studied

• Information Technology Systems
• Programming
• Data Modelling
• Website Development
• Computer Games Development
• Introduction to Networking (as part of the Cisco Network Academy.

Teaching and Assessment

This course combines work-based learning four days a week with an employer, and theoretical learning one day per week at New College Durham.

You will complete an On-Programme Assessment which includes written assessments and evidence-based assignments.

You must fulfil the Gateway Requirements:

• Employer declaration
• Portfolio
• Achievement of maths and English at Level 2
• Project specification.

You will also complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) which will cover the following:

• A professional discussion underpinned by portfolio
• A report with questioning

Overall you will be graded Distinction, Merit, Pass or Fail.

End Point Assessment

The final assessment for the qualification is an End Point Assessment (EPA) which must be passed to achieve the full qualification.

Industry Links

Learning on-the-job with a local employer means you will develop your practical skills and knowledge in a real working environment.

Entry Criteria

You will hold:

• Five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A-C), including maths and English, or
• a Level 2 qualification in IT at Distinction plus GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A-C) in maths and English.

What are the next steps?

You will be given details of the programmes available in Computing and IT, meet some of the curriculum team and have an opportunity to see the classrooms in which you will study. You will be asked a series of questions to find out more about you and your career aspirations and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the course. Your parent/guardian is welcome to attend the interview with you. Please bring with you proof of ID, e.g. passport or driving license or birth certificate.