T Level: Digital Support Services
The T Level in Digital Support Services at MK College is a two-year, Level 3 program that combines core computer science education, specialized cyber security training, and a 315-hour industry placement to prepare students aged 16-18 for skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher-level study.
Course overview
T Levels are new two-year, Level 3 study programmes that will follow the study of GCSEs and Technical Awards at Key Stage 4 and offer an attractive alternative to A Levels and Apprenticeships. T Levels will combine classroom theory, practical learning and a minimum 315 hours of industry placement with an employer to make sure students have real experience of the workplace.
The Technical Qualification (TQ) is the main classroom-based element of the T Level and will see students learning from a curriculum that has been shaped by industry experts. During the two-year programme, students will learn the core knowledge that underpins each industry and they will also develop occupationally specific skills that will allow them to enter skilled employment within a specific occupation.
The T Level programmes have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so the content will meet the needs of industry and prepare students for work. They provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door to highly skilled employment, an Apprenticeship or higher level study, including university.
Please note: T Levels are only available for students that will be 16-18 whilst studying the qualification
What will I do?
This technical qualification in digital support services is made up of 3 components.
Core Knowledge and Skills
You will gain fundamental Computer Science knowledge and skills within the first year of the programme. You will gain fundamental knowledge and skills in the areas of Infrastructure and Networking (Digital Environments), Data Management and Analysis, Security and Programming Concepts using Python. Your knowledge and skills gained these topics will be extended further, to a point whereby you can apply these to a business context (being able to consider business culture, diversity and inclusion, legislation, etc.).
The core year is assessed via two written exams and a controlled assessment known as the Employer Set Project.
Occupational Specialism
The second year focuses on developing some of the entry-level skills a cyber security technician requires. You will be taught skills prior to attempting small projects to get you to demonstrate these skills. By the end of the year, you should be able to:
- Apply procedures and controls to maintain the digital security of an organisation and its data.
- Propose remediation advice for a security risk assessment.
- Discover, evaluate, and apply reliable sources of knowledge.
The occupational is assessed via a holistic skills-focused controlled assessment, which spans over a period of a few months.
Industry Placement
As a mandatory element of the qualification, the learner must partake in a 315-hour work placement with a digital focus. This can be completed over the 2-year duration of the programme.
Throughout all the above, you will also need to show competence in English, Maths & Digital Skills which will be assessed throughout all your course assessments.
What’s next?
This Technical Qualification aligns to the Cyber Security Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship standard, so could open up opportunities in entry-level IT support roles. Other opportunities include:
- Higher Education at our South Central Institute of Technology or at University.
- Higher (L4/L5) Apprenticeships.
- Degree (L6) Apprenticeships.
Is it for me?
This digital support services course will require a passion for IT Support and Cyber Security. It will also require a dedicated, committed learner, as this course will require around 20 hours per week in College plus the industry placement of at least 1 day per week. This is alongside additional independent study outside of those hours.
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language, Maths and Science OR a vocational qualification at Level 2 at Merit and above in a relevant subject e.g. BTEC in Digital Information Technology with GCSE English language & Maths at 4 or above.
Course highlights
- Having classrooms that are more like real-world workspaces, rather than standard IT Classrooms.
- Being taught by dual professionals: teachers who have worked in the industry.
- Being able to gain real-world industry experience whilst you study with local employers.
- Opportunities to gain additional CISCO qualifications in IT Support, Networking and Cyber Security.
- Working with a broad range of employers from the public sector, SMEs, etc. that either offer IT support services in-house or as a managed service.
How will my progress be monitored?
Students will have access to tutor who will act as their progress mentor, conducting 1:1 reviews with them, supporting them in finding industry placements, etc. Feedback is given in verbal 1:1 meetings, as well as in a written-electronic format through our ePortfolio platform.
How will I be assessed
Year 1 (Core): 2 Written Exams + 1 Controlled Assessment (Employer Set Project)
Year 2 (Occupational Specialism): 1 Synoptic Controlled Assessment (spanning over 3-4 months)
Work experience
We work with a range of public and private sector employers that offer industry placements. Industry Placement is a mandatory 315 hours and must be within the Digital sector (e.g. IT/Infrastructure Support, Software Development, Data Analytics or Cyber Security).
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