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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	As I have completed several IT-related courses, I already have some of the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the framework and therefore find it relatively easy to fit the Apprenticeship in with the rest of my duties." says Cheryl. "It relates closely to my job role so it's often a case of providing evidence of what I do. It also helps that I have the full support of my manager.

People often ask Cheryl Scanlon why, after gaining 11 GCSEs, she didn't go on to further education and university, "I didn't particularly enjoy school," says Cheryl "I wanted to gain some work experience and develop a career. I am now in a far more stable position than my friends who went to college".

Cheryl is employed by Cheshire County Council as a Desktop Support Officer within the ICT department. Her main responsibilities include desktop technical development, the distribution of Microsoft security patches and upgrades, and technical support.

After being employed for a while, Cheryl recognised the importance of gaining vocational qualifications to back up her experience. As several of her colleagues were engaged in apprenticeship training with Total People, Cheryl contacted us and arranged to start on an Advanced Apprenticeship incorporating the new, flexible ITQ Level 3.

Cheryl is now close to completing her Apprenticeship. "I think it's vital to gain qualifications as well as experience". She says, "It is hard work but it's important to prove your capabilities. My Total People Training adviser has been really good too. She is patient and always has time to answer any of my questions."

For the future, Cheryl intends to finish her Advanced Apprenticeship and then move onto something bigger. "The apprenticeship programme has certainly made me more capable and confident," says Cheryl, "I want to continue my development by gaining additional qualifications at a higher level."

What's it all about?

Over 20 million people in the UK use IT in their jobs and 90% of new jobs require IT user skills. IT skills are used across all industries and almost all businesses rely on IT in some form to reach more customers, to offer better services, to reduce costs and to improve efficiency.

Apprentices can be employed in a wide variety of businesses and organisations with job roles such as: administrators, graphic designers, stock controllers, IT website designers, IT user support technicians, IT Helpdesk technicians, IT trainers, school administrators, etc.

The main qualification is the Information Technology Qualification (ITQ), which is a flexible work-orientated qualification which allows you to mix and match units at different levels to suit your needs and your work situation.

What qualities should I have?

To be successful in IT, you will need good literacy and numeracy skills and a logical approach to problem solving. You will need to be comfortable with the constant changes and technological advances within the IT world, and be able to recognise the importance of attention to detail.

What will the training involve?

You will follow a training programme suitable for you and your employer. This can involve on-the-job training supported by your employer, online training through Learndirect, and/or attendance at appropriate workshops.

What will I achieve?

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship for IT Users

• Level 3 NVQ for IT Users (ITQ)*
• Key Skills Communication Level 2*
• Key Skills Application of Number Level 2*
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities
• Technical Certificate Level 3 – IT Users*

Level 2 Apprenticeship for IT Users

• Level 2 NVQ for IT Users (ITQ) + enhancement units*
• Key Skills Communication Level 1*
• Key Skills Application of Number Level 1*
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities

* Exemptions may apply for some previously achieved qualifications

Further Progression

Once you have achieved a qualification in IT you will be prepared for further progression opportunities within work-based learning or Higher Education.

 

 

 

 

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