Information Technology - level 3 apprenticeship framework

About the framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of a level 3 apprenticeship framework to achieve qualified status within the IT industry.

If you successfully complete the framework you'll be awarded a level 3 qualification showing recognition as a qualified person within the IT industry.   

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in IT will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both a competence-based and a knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications or already hold a recognised equivalent:

• application of number – level 2
• communication – level 2

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competency and knowledge qualifications

The apprenticeship provides the opportunity to specialise in one of five areas; cyber security, digital forensics, networking infrastructure, software development and telecoms. You need to complete both a knowledge-based qualification and a competence-based qualification from the list below. Your training contractor will provide advice on the appropriate qualification and unit choices for your chosen specialism.

Knowledge-based qualification:

• OCR level 3 Cambridge technical diploma in IT (601/7101/7)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles 501/1436/0
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology 603/0455/8

Competence-based qualifications:

• City & Guilds level 3 diploma in ICT professional competence (501/1788/9)
• Pearson BTEC level 3 diploma in ICT professional competence (501/1291/0)
• BIIAB level 3 diploma in professional competence for IT and telecoms professionals (PROCOM) (601/6447/5)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals (Northern Ireland) 610/4052/6

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be a new employee, or an existing employee taking on a new role to take part in the programme.

The level 3 IT apprenticeship is suitable for applicants who have achieved a minimum of five grade Cs at GCSE or an equivalent level. The employer and training contractor will also undertake an initial assessment to determine an applicant’s capability to achieve a level 3 standard.

Applicants may also progress from a level 2 ICT apprenticeship framework, or be considered based on previous experience in the sector.

Employers may apply their own additional criteria at the recruitment stage.

See also the DfE operational requirements.

Duration

Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training provider and employer.

Assessment

The competence-based section of the qualification will be assessed in both the learning provider’s premises and in the apprentice’s workplace. This assessment should be conducted by trained competency assessors.

The knowledge-based section of the qualification will normally be assessed in the learning provider’s premises, and will include a mix of examinations and coursework.

Related knowledge

All pathways must include mandatory induction. Employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) must be covered and confirmation of completing ERR must be included with the request for the apprenticeship certificate.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the training contractor/college to ensure that the requirements of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements

The apprentice must be employed from day one on the programme.

Delivery structure

To prepare apprentices for their role in the workplace, training contractors may choose, with the employer’s agreement, to provide an initial focused period of directed training (bootcamp). In this bootcamp period apprentices would attend directed training three days per week for five weeks.  The apprentice’s employment must commence before the start of the bootcamp, and no additional funding is available to training contractors opting for this delivery model.

Each apprentice will gain competency and skills in core IT areas, which may include optional* industry approved qualifications in:

* Optional qualifications are not funded by DfE
**These qualifications may be achieved by the apprentice during the initial focused training session / ‘bootcamp’ phase of the apprenticeship.

Following the initial focused training session, apprentices would revert to the established pattern of one day directed training per week, with the remaining 4 days spent with the employer.

Further information

The content of this framework (framework number 429 issue 9: 11/24) has been developed between the Department for the Economy and the ICT Sectoral Partnership (working with Belfast Metropolitan College).  For further information, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch
• Belfast Metropolitan College
• Occupational profile - Information Technology