IT – Networking and Hardware Technician T Level

This course is ideal if you are really enthusiastic and knowledgeable about computer systems and hardware and want to learn more about Digital Infrastructure and Support in organisations such as businesses, hospitals and many others. You will work with one of our Industry Placement Liaison Officers to find an extended industry placement that is right for you and your interests, and to set objectives with you.

On this course you will:

• Make use of our Computer Network Lab. Disassemble, build, and upgrade computers. Virtualise computers, and create networks simulating small home setups, to vast setups found in business
• Create and test network cables, and discover how to splice and fuse fibre optics
• Look at the digital environment and the impact of technology on our modern world, including networked and cloud systems, the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and the Internet of Things. You will also consider the business context and usages of this technology, thinking about legislation, security, and cultural issues
• Look at the types of digital devices available to businesses and users, how these devices function, and how best to support both the user and their hardware. This includes the bespoke setup of devices for users and organisations and considering how this can be supported on a large scale
• Explore, learn about and develop cybersecurity skills in modern networks. Previous students have gone onto medal places in national competitions
• Have a long term work placement which you will attend one day per week, and access to other exciting opportunities in previous years we have done visits to places such as attending the European Games Expo (EGX), Thorpe Park, EDF Hinckley Point C, and participating guest speaker activities from a range of industry specific speakers

You will be assessed on the course with an external Employer Set Project and two core unit exams at the end of year 1. In year 2 you will be assessed via a substantial external Occupational Specialism. The majority of final year assessment is practical and carried out on custom networks, designed to reflect the reality of modern businesses. Your qualification is also dependent on the completion of the industry placement hours.

This course is ideal if you enjoy using computers and have a career aspiration that might involve cyber security, networking and hardware.

Future Steps: This T Level will equip you for progression on to our fantastic Higher Technical Education offering, the Higher National Diploma in Computing, with its separate specialist pathways in Cyber, Software and Networking, but could also lead into Apprenticeship opportunities at Level 3 or Level 4 such as an IT Infrastructure Technician. You could also progress on to university where you could continue your studies in support services or move on to a cyber security focus as a cyber intrusion analyst, or cyber security technologist. Employment opportunities from this T Level could lead into jobs such as a Digital Support Technician, Hardware or Software Solutions Expert, Network Engineer, or Computer Systems Analyst.

• Six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths
• Learners progressing from a Level 2 course will need a Level 2 Diploma or T Level Foundation course with a good Merit profile, along with English Language and Maths GCSE at grade 4 or above
• Learners are expected to have an interest in computers and/or IT, with a career aim in a computing-related field

We have a well equipped Computer Hardware and Networking lab where you will be able to demonstrate your practical skills, and learn using industry standard equipment and resources. You will have access to a Learning Resource Centre with subject books and loanable equipment, and a student refectory in Victoria House for refreshments.

The Digital and Data Centre is a £10.3million building which opened in July 2021. Complete with digital learning laboratories, state-of-the-art IT suites and interactive seminar spaces, learners have access to cutting edge equipment to help gear them to move directly into industry or further study.

There is a resource fee of £30 that will contribute towards equipment used throughout the year.