IT Professional L3

IT PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE INTERMEDIATE APPRENTICESHIP Level 3

To complete this apprenticeship 75 credits are required consisting of the following:

• NVQ - 72 Credits for a Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence. • Mandatory Group A - 12 credits • Optional Group B - 60 credits (maximum of 15 credits from the restricted units), which at least 35 credits at level 3. • Technical Certificate - 24 Credits for Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles knowledge certificate, of which, candidates must achieve 8 Credits from the mandatory unit and at least 16 credits from the optional. • Functional Skills - 5 Credits are awarded for each of the following Functional skills: English, Maths and ICT if required.

Unit Titles Group A Mandatory Units (Achieve all 12 credits) Level 3 Credits Develop own effectiveness and professionalism 9 Health and Safety in ICT 3

Optional Group B (60 Credits - Minimum of 35 credits at Level 3). Maximum of24 credits may come from the Restricted Group) Level 3 Credits Computer Games Development 10 This unit introduces computer game components and the computer games industry. It also covers the fundamentals of developing computer games. Creating a Procedural Computer Program 12 This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of procedural computer languages and their use to implement, refine and test a computer program. Creating an Event Driven Computer Program 12 This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of event driven computer languages and their use to implement, refine and test a computer program. Creating an Object Orientated Computer Program 12 This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of object oriented computer languages and their use to implement, refine and test a computer program. Customer Care in ICT 12 This is the identification of, and response to, customer needs to ensure customer satisfaction. This unit will typically involve direct customer contact. Typically this will involve: • The maintenance of a successful balance between customer needs and the needs of the organisation • The monitoring of customer satisfaction through the use of formal and informal assessment techniques (e.g. surveys, feedback etc.) • The handling and resolution of customer issues and complaints in a constructive manner that ensures customer satisfaction. Data Modelling 9 This unit covers the use of simple logical data modelling techniques in the design of data structures for computer systems. IT Project Management 10 The aim of this unit is to enable candidates to understand the business environment within which new Projects are initiated. Candidates will develop an understanding of the organisation and planning that underpins a basic project. Software Installation and Upgrade 12 This is the ability to install or upgrade software on any ICT system following agreed processes. It includes: • Preparation and planning • Installation or upgrade • Configuration and handover to the customer The software installation/upgrade target can be any system capable of running software which can be interactively installed or upgraded. Examples include base stations, switches and hubs, control systems and mobile, desktop and server computers. A competent person at level 2 can carry out a range of installations or upgrades under instruction. System Management 12 This is the ability to manage ICT systems to ensure that they deliver the required functionality and capacity. A system can be any combination of equipment, hardware and software. System Management will involve changing system configuration to meet short-term fluctuations in demand (e.g. high numbers of calls to specific telephone numbers). It will also involve longer-term changes such as increasing resources (e.g. processing or storage capacity) to meet anticipated needs, taking account of advances in technology. A competent person at Level 2 can assist in administering a system. Technical Advice and Guidance 12 This unit covers basic knowledge of how to provide technical advice and guidance and practical application of this knowledge in providing reactive advice and guidance. Technical Fault Diagnosis 12 This unit introduces knowledge of the process, methods and information that are used in the diagnostic process and their practical application in the diagnosis of a limited range of faults. It also covers selection of remedies for identified faults and maintenance of relevant records. Testing ICT Systems 12 To develop knowledge, understanding and skills to carry out routine testing of IT systems and to assist in other testing. User Profile Administration 9 This is the ability to specify and configure user profiles. Investigating & Defining CUSTOMER Care Requirements for OCT Systems 12 Evidence for this unit can only be achieved through actual work in a work environment. Simulation is not permissible for any competence based unit. Quality Management of ICT products and Services 12 Evidence for this unit can only be achieved through actual work in a work environment. Simulation is not permissible for any competence based unit. Remote Support for Products and Services 12 To develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to support ICT products and services Security of ICT Systems 12 Evidence for this unit can only be achieved through actual work in a work environment. Simulation is not permissible for any competence based unit. System Operation 12 Evidence for this unit can only be achieved through actual work in a work environment. Simulation is not permissible for any competence based unit. Managing Software Development 12 Evidence for this unit can only be achieved through actual work in a work environment. Simulation is not permissible for any competence based unit. Interpersonal and Written Communications 12 Evidence for this unit can only be achieved through actual work in a work environment. Simulation is not permissible for any competence based unit. Working with ICT Hardware and Equipment 12 Hardware and equipment in the context of ICT can include: cables, PC boards, racks, rack mounted equipment, poles, masts, aerials, large computer systems. Work can be carried out on, for example: a single monitor or keyboard by a technical courier, single or networked systems or a telephone exchange by a team of technicians/ engineers. Restricted Optional Units (maximum of 12 credits from this group) Level 3 Credits IT security for users 3 This is the ability to protect hardware, software and the data within an IT system against theft, malfunction and unauthorised access. This unit is about the skills and knowledge needed by the IT User to avoid common security risks and control access to software and data; and use a wider range of methods to protect software and data (eg from exchanging information by e-mail or when downloading software from the Internet). Optimise IT system performance 5 This is the ability to keep a personal computer system up to date, fully functional and operating efficiently; and to solve problems and errors involving the interaction between hardware and software components. This unit is about the skills and knowledge to carry out appropriate procedures to optimise system performance and solve problems and errors on most types of hardware and software using skills and experience. Set up an IT system 5 This is the ability to safely set up the components of an IT system (eg personal computer - PC, keyboard, mouse and printer), removable storage media (eg data stick or external DVD drive), and communication service to access the Internet and associated software and check that they are working properly. This unit is about the skills and knowledge to connect up an IT system with a range of hardware, removable storage media and a communication service safely and run more advanced tests to check it is working successfully. Technical Certificate C - Mandatory Units (8 credits) Management and Prioritisation of Own Schedule 8 The candidate will be able to: • Plan and manage own workload • Understand how to identify opportunities for professional development Understand the implications of legislation and regulations on tasks Technical Certificate C - Optional units (16 Credits) Level 3 Credits Customer Care 7 This unit aims to enable the candidate to: • Know how to identify different types of customers and their requirements • Understand the appropriate conduct for a workplace • Know how to apply types of communication Asset Management 7 This unit will enable candidates to: • Understand asset and configuration management activities in an IT environment • Know how to carry out identified IT/technology asset and configuration management activities Computer Forensics 8 The aim of the unit is to enable candidates to: • Understand computer storage and software systems • Understand the methods used to secure computer systems • Understand the statutory and regulatory requirements of computer forensic investigation • Know the software tools required to carry out a computer forensic investigation Hardware Installation 7 The aim of the unit is to provide candidates with the knowledge and the ability to apply practical skills to safely carry out hardware installations Information Management 7 This unit aims to enable the candidate to: • understand and support the management of information in the IT environment • be able to apply the principles of information management in an IT environment • be able to carry out their role in an information management area Maintaining Equipment and IT Systems 9 The aim of the unit is to enable candidates to: • Different types of routine preventative maintenance. • Types of remedial maintenance. • Preventative maintenance product. The documentation used to record the maintenance with an explanation of purpose. The purpose of the maintenance, and why they would select routine or preventative maintenance. Describe a range of safety procedures relating to: • maintenance of high risk equipment including lasers, power supplies and CRTs/monitors • ESD • Disposal of computer equipment Finally provide evidence of the process used to: • Diagnose, locate and repair different component faults. • Collate and analyse diagnostic information. • Select actions and resources to rectify faults. • Plan the fault rectification activities. • Test the system/component to ensure restored specified performance. Service Delivery 8 The aim of this unit is to enable candidates to: • understand the operational activities for service events, • understand how to prepare for designated service operations activities under supervision • be able to monitor the progress and completion of designated service operational activities and understand organisational standards and procedures to service operations in line with professional, ethical and legal standards Supplier Management 11 This unit enables the candidate to: • Be able to identify the existing products and suppliers for an organisation • Understand how to develop and maintain agreements and relationships with partners and suppliers • Understand the need to comply with organisation and regulatory requirements • Be able to monitor and review preferred IT/Technology supplier performance System Architecture 10 This unit covers how information is represented and processed in a computer, communication processes in networks and distributed systems and distributed applications and transaction processing. It also involves knowledge and use of an operating environment. Telecommunication Principles 10 This unit provides knowledge of the basic principles underpinning telecommunications including the electromagnetic spectrum, circuits and transmission lines, transmission of binary information, analogue and digital signals and multiplexing. Networking Principles 10 This unit provides the basic knowledge to enable the learner to develop the skills and understanding required to safely install and maintain components in networking. Principles of ICT Systems and Security 9 This unit introduces the common types of threat to ICT systems and data and methods of protecting against them. It also covers an awareness of the applications of cryptography to ICT systems and data Software Testing 9 This unit introduces the basics of testing strategies and techniques and their application. Advanced Data Representation and Manipulation for IT 7 This unit introduces mathematical concepts (matrices, series and graphs) and their application to the development of computer programs. Web Development 9 This unit provides knowledge of web architecture, components and technologies. It also covers the development of a specification for a website and implementation of website elements. Software Design Fundamentals 9 This unit introduces the principles of software design and the application of software design techniques.

Functional Skills to the following levels

Functional Skills Title Level Maths 2 English 2 ICT 2

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements ERR Booklet PLTS (included within mandatory units)

Testimonials ‘The apprenticeship really helped me in my job role. It has enabled me to look at different avenues of IT and learn a wide range of systems.’

‘Jeremy was amazing throughout the entire course and was extremely helpful every step of the way! Cannot be happier with the support I was given throughout the course.’