Digital Support Services (IT Support) T-level

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Every organisation needs an IT support team. This course will prepare you to work in a digital IT support role. If you enjoy building and repairing hardware this could be the route for you. In this course you will be repairing and upgrading computers, installing operating systems and fault finding hardware problems. You will use the latest hardware and software in our brand new digital tech lab and develop these skills. You will be identifying network vulnerabilities, setting up networks, building computers and servers. You will be installing operating systems, and completing a range of technical skills. Along with technical skills, we will develop your teamwork and personal skills as IT support is always a critical relationship role. This is an exciting time to join the IT industry with many technical innovations. This T-level will also provide you with an opportunity to complete a 45 day industry placement where you will be working within the industry and learning the latest skills and trends in the sector.

What will I study in Digital Support Services (IT Support) T-level?

The core part of the qualification will give you a baseline understanding of the industry. It covers a range of areas, giving you a vital underpinning knowledge and understanding of concepts and the skills that you’ll need in this sector. You will also complete an Employer Set Project as part of this Core.

The core elements of digital will cover a host of themes including the following:

  • The Business Context
  • Culture
  • Digital Analysis
  • Digital Environments
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Learning
  • Legislation
  • Planning
  • Security
  • Testing
  • Tools

In addition, learners will complete an employer set project.

The specialism is the second section and this covers content which aligns with industry specific skills or directly relevant content for your chosen occupation. The third section of the course is an Industry Placement which gives you valuable work experience and also has a work related project attached to it. In addition, there are a host of other elements such as preparation for work, T-level specific tutoring and career advice and guidance to make a relevant and substantial study programme.

The specialist elements of digital will cover developing your skills:-

Careers within the digital support services sector - In the course you will look at a range of different IT support careers.

Communication in digital support services - you will develop your communication skills and learn how to gain the information you need from users to resolve issues.

Fault analysis and problem resolution - how to resolve faults and problem solve.

In year 2 you will complete an occupational project where you will be assessed on resolving a number of IT issues in our brand new tech lab. You will be looking at solving network problems, identifying vulnerability issues and building computer servers.

Entry Requirements

At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above all from the basket subjects including Maths and English Language.

What is the T-level industry placement?

The Industry Placement

Your industry placement gives you a great opportunity to put your learning into practice and develop your technical skills and knowledge for the industry your placement is in. It will help you to progress once you have finished your T-level, whether that is directly into employment, an apprenticeship, or more education.

This is a compulsory part of your T-level, and you must complete it to get your T-level certificate. You will spend a minimum of 315 hours on your placement, or 750 hours for Childcare and Education T-level students.

How will I learn?

A typical week could see you learning how to cable a new-build office environment, having a lecture on the pros and cons of a cloud based server, working in a team to test network security, and a group discussion on integration and management of mobile devices.

How will I be assessed?

The core is assessed with two exams which are externally marked.  Both are two hours long. Learners are also required to complete an employer set project task as part of the core.

All learners will complete a 45-day industry placement as part of their course.  Although we do provide some support with helping to find a placement we expect learners to be activity looking and making their own applications. They are also required to formally apply and attend an interview. Learners need to be proactive in looking for placements and this is a key requirement of the course. The placement can be completed with one or two employers. It can be a day release or over a number of weeks as a block placement. Learners must pass the industry placement. Learners will complete their placement in years 1 and 2.

We also expect that our students have the required professional standards in the workplace. Dressing smartly and being on time is key to making a good impression. Learners will need to be able to communicate to clients effectivity and be productive in the workplace. There will be support to develop these professional standards within the course.

The Occupational Specialism Assessment (OSA) will be assessed by three assignments which are completed under control assessment conditions

Any trips?

Learners will attend day trips to a range of IT organisations.

Are there any costs involved?

No additional equipment is needed however a computer or laptop at home would be useful.

FAQs

What careers can this course lead to?

Career opportunities

-     Infrastructure technician/admin

-     IT Support technician/admin

-     Desktop Support Analyst

-     Systems Security Analyst

-     Helpline Support Advisor

-     Network Administrator

-     Data Communications Analyst

-     Cabling Engineer/technician


Can you tell me about the industrial placement?

The work placement will be over 45 days. You will have the opportunity to work with one or two employers within the IT industry. Your work placement could be a day release or a number of weeks. We work with many organisations within the IT industry and will help you find a suitable placement. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain skills using the latest technology.


Will I be setting up networks and building PCs every day?

We have a new lab where learners will be able to build, repair and upgrade computers however, please keep in mind this is an academic course worth 3-A levels so there is still a considerable amount of theory and writing on these courses.


I am not sure what I want to do are these the right courses for me?

It’s really important you do your research and have an interest in a career in the digital sector. Whilst we appreciate not everyone at a young age knows exactly what they want to do next we would not recommend these courses if you have no idea what you want to do.  These courses have been designed to prepare you to work in a specific sector of the digital industry.


How is the course assessed?

The Digital T-level course is made up of three key parts.

  • Core – The academic part of the qualification graded A to E. You will learn the underpinning knowledge in this part of the course and study a range of topics. This is assessed by two 2.5-hour exams and an Employer Set Project. (ESP) This Employer Set Project is set by the exam board but they have consulted with employers. This consists of a series of tasks completed under exam conditions. 
  • Occupational Project – This is generally completed in the second year and is the vocational part of the qualification graded Pass, Merit, Distinction.  Leaners specialise and complete a series of controlled assessments under exam conditions. These can range between 35 and 65 hours in total.
  • Industry Placement - There is no grade for the placement but learners need to complete the required hours over two years with up to two employers.

Can I study an A-level alongside a Digital T-level?

A T-level is a full-time programme equivalent to 3 A-levels – it is not possible to study any other course alongside a T-level.


Available As

T Level
[168 UCAS pts. available]

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What can I do after I have taken this course?

Available As

T Level
[168 UCAS pts. available]

Add to Application

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