Are you thinking about working in digital support? If you are looking to earn a qualification that will help you progress towards higher education or jobs within this field, this exciting new technical qualification could be just what you?re looking for.
Digital support services are required in organisations of all types and sizes. Those who work in this area implement and support an ever-increasing range of digital operations including digital information systems and communication systems.
The new T level qualification in Digital Support Services combines classroom learning with gaining vital on the job experience. The core component will be studied in the first year whilst year 2 will focus on acquiring the knowledge, understanding, skills and behaviours required to secure employment in roles relevant to digital support. Alongside your time in college, you will complete a minimum of 315 hours industry placement.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Route Core components:
- Business context
- Digital environments
- Security
- Testing
- Fault analysis and problem resolution
- Careers within the digital support services sector
Occupational specialism (digital support):
- Procedures and controls to maintain digital security
- Installing, configuring and supporting software applications and operating systems
- Evaluation and application of reliable sources of knowledge
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in Digital Support Services and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in digital support.
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How is the course assessed?
Core component:
- Two written examinations
- Employer-set project
Occupational specialism component:
- Three synoptic assignments
Formative assessments and homework throughout the course
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- Digital Infrastructure: Understanding how IT infrastructure supports modern businesses, including knowledge of networks, servers, cloud services, and other digital environments.
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Key concepts in security protocols, threat detection, data protection, and best practices for preventing cyber attacks.
- Data Management: Basic principles of data collection, storage, processing, and interpretation, along with concepts of data privacy and data ethics.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
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Network Setup and Maintenance: Hands-on experience with setting up and maintaining network devices, understanding IP addressing, network security protocols, and connectivity.
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Technical Support and Troubleshooting: Skills for diagnosing and resolving common issues in computer systems, networks, and software applications.
- Software Installation and Configuration: Familiarity with setting up operating systems, applications, and other software tools, including virtual environments and cloud-based tools.
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Behaviours
What is required?
- meet deadlines, following data protection protocols, and adhering to industry standards.
- flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills
- communicate clearly and effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
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Progression and Career Opportunities
This technical qualification will support students onto a range of progression routes including employment, higher education and higher apprenticeships.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Five GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English Language and maths. English Lanuage and maths must be at grade 5. A GCSE in Computer Science or IT would be an advantage. Alternatively, a Pass in Level 2 IT plus English Language and maths which must be at a grade 5.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email, or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs, we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
