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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Employment, training and careers
    3. Looking for work
    4. Training programmes
    5. Apprenticeships
    6. Occupational profiles
    Pink Banner with the word apprenticeships in white text.
    Apprenticeships

    Occupational profile - Information Technology

    Information on apprenticeships in the Information Technology (IT) industry, including what’s involved, skills and knowledge needed and progression routes for apprentices.

    Core occupational standard

    Completion of this apprenticeship will enable you to work across a range of jobs in the IT sector.

    You will be able to understand and demonstrate the following core knowledge, skills, behaviours and transversal skills.

    Core knowledge

    Both pathways (software development and networking infrastructure):

    • understand the working environment
    • follow appropriate health and safety precautions
    • use relevant literature regarding work practices
    • fault find
    • deal with problems and faults
    • use appropriate procedures for moving equipment
    • assemble IT equipment

    Core skills

    Software Development:

    • help develop systems
    • use software for example C#, Java, HTML, JavaScript
    • use appropriate software to help develop software solutions
    • manage software applications
    • use systems testing
    • use software testing
    • train users of software
    • develop guidance documents
    • assist with website creation and development
    • manage databases

    Networking infrastructure:

    • log faults - fault find and fix
    • provide technical support
    • manage networks
    • investigate connectivity issues
    • configure routers for use
    • address security issues
    • handle job requests
    • provide first line support and advice within a networked environment
    • manage software applications
    • update software requests
    • create user accounts

    Core behaviours

    Both pathways (software development and networking infrastructure).

    All apprentices will:

    • be dependable
    • have integrity
    • be motivated
    • be a team player
    • display a solid work ethic
    • be punctual
    • have a good attitude
    • respect authority
    • correctly follow procedures
    • correctly document the classification and priority of any problem
    • apply information leaned to resolve issues
    • act to escalate problem solutions in timely manner (with managers, if appropriate)
    • comply with standards relating to problem management

    Transversal skills

    During your apprenticeship, you’ll gain transversal skills.

    Self-management - intermediate level

    Typical performance evidence will show you can:

    • accept responsibility for your own actions
    • plan your time effectively
    • know your limitations and know when to ask for assistance
    • look for courses to attend that will improve your work effectiveness
    • be open minded about new challenges within work
    • assess and evaluate your own work
    • multitask
    • be motivated

    Working with others - intermediate level

    Typical performance evidence will show you can:

    • when appropriate, take the lead role in a group situation
    • stay with the team until a problem is solved
    • treat other team members with respect
    • try and see another’s point of view

    Citizenship / participating in society - basic level

    Typical performance evidence will show you can:

    • engage with your community (for example as a volunteer)
    • be open to working with different types of people

    Work professionalism - intermediate level

    Typical performance evidence will show you can:

    • behave appropriately with a professional manner
    • be punctual
    • show an interest in your work
    • clearly understand the role you are being asked to play
    • show respect to work colleagues
    • speak appropriately and show loyalty to the work group to which you belong

    Problem solving and decision making - advanced level

    Typical performance evidence will show you can:

    • approach faults in a logical, methodical way
    • learn from previous mistakes
    • try and conceive of new solutions to problems
    • be proactive regarding hazards

    Numeracy - advanced level

    Typical performance evidence will show you can

    • be able to handle numerical data presented
    • manage numerical data to the benefit of the apprentice role

    Digital literacy - advanced level

    Typical performance evidence will show you can:

    • use social media in a work environment
    • manage information digitally
    • use appropriate specialised software (for example data presented in a spreadsheet)

    Communication & literacy - intermediate level

    Typical performance evidence will show you can:

    • use verbal and non-verbal communication skills
    • be an effective listener, negotiator, persuader and presenter of information
    • greet, in appropriate way with respect to, management, colleagues and clients
    • listen
    • ask questions about unknown issues and give reasons for your own point of view of the solution
    • write logically and present digital information in an appropriate manner
    • use specialist terms with confidence

    Progression

    Level 3 apprentices can progress to an appropriate higher level apprenticeship at level 5 or level 6.

    In addition, an apprentice may also progress to a relevant full time or part time higher education programme.

    National occupational standards (NOS)

    Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

    Pathways can be displayed by splitting NOS into core and optional depending on the occupational profile.

    Available NOS

    Unique registration number (URN) Title of the occupational standard

    ESKIIUF2

    IT user fundamentals

    ESKITU011

    Organise digital information

    SFJCECZH6

    Investigate and implement IT security

    ESKITP903501

    Manage network implementation and support

    ESKITP4013

    Systems architecture level 3 role

    ESKITU041

    Set up security software for digital systems

    ESKITU063

    Develop business productivity IT applications

    ECIPMA3

    Establish and monitor the project requirements of the project management team

    ESKITU021

    Select and configure a range of digital communications media

    ESKITU030

    Participate in online networks and social media

    ESKITU071

    Capture and manipulate multimedia content

    ESKITP5022v2

    Perform software development activities under direction

    ESKITP5023

    Software development level 3 role

    TECIS503401

    Manage software testing activities

    ESKITU080

    Enter and edit structured data

    ESKITP7053

    IT/technology management and support level 3 role

    ESKITP4013

    Systems architecture level 3 role

    ESKITU072

    Design and develop interactive digital content

    • Level 3 apprenticeship framework - Information Technology

    For employers

    If you want to take on an apprentice or improve the skills of your employees to help your business work better, the Apprenticeships programme could be for you.

    Apprenticeships for employers
    (nibusinessinfo.co.uk website)

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    Occupational profiles

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    • Occupational profile - wall and floor tiling

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