Digital and Technology Solutions Professional - Degree Apprenticeship (From 01/08/2024)

Entry Requirements

If you're fascinated by data and technology and wish to influence strategic decision-making in businesses, then the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional apprenticeship could be the perfect fit for you. This course will equip you with skills to gather, organise, and analyse data, providing invaluable insights to help your organisation respond swiftly to market trends. You'll be positioned at the intersection of real-time data proliferation and business strategy, enabling you to anticipate and manage demand, costs, and revenue, while identifying potential risks and opportunities. Perfect for those aiming to work in technology-focused roles, this apprenticeship can set you on a path to making a significant impact within your organisation through digital and technological advancements.

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Learning and Teaching Methods

What will I learn?

Software Engineer

The primary role of the Software Engineer is to undertake all requirements during the solution development life-cycle from gathering requirements to analysis, design, code, build, test, implementation and support. They may also be required to supervise the work of junior software developers and others who may be working on elements of the solution and work with product managers and UX designers in implementing solutions. They will apply software engineering principles to all stages of the solution life-cycle, from gathering requirements, undertaking analysis and design, development of code and data requirements whilst also ensuring security feature are addressed. As well as creating new code, they can support existing code by troubleshooting, reverse engineering and conducting root cause analysis. They typically work as part of a large collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software solutions.
 

IT Consultant

An IT consultant bridges the gap between users and technology: they reinvent the digital world of the future. They require a broad set of skills in business analysis , solutions development, network infrastructure, data, cyber security etc. They use their consulting skills to get to the root of a problem and advise clients, both externally and internally, on how to best utilise technology to meet their business objectives, overcome problems and increase productivity. They provide strategic guidance and training to clients, both externally and internally, about digital and technology solutions. They facilitate changing business processes, improved structure, and efficiency through enhancements to digital and technology solutions. They design, build and install innovative customer experiences using the latest technologies to win business for their organisation.
 

Business Analyst

A business analyst is an interpreter between two worlds: business and IT, bridging the gap of understanding between business and technology teams. They analyse and understand business needs and define and manage business requirements . They oversee design and delivery of tested system solutions throughout a project life-cycle to ensure these meet business requirements . They are key communicators and drivers of collaboration throughout the development life cycle. They are focused on the customer and work closely with the IT delivery team. They are essential in the development of successful digital and technology solutions through their rigorous analysis of business requirements to inform their recommendations and insight.
 

Cyber Security Analyst

A Cyber Security Analyst leads in the work to define, implement and maintain security products and systems within an organisation’s policies and service level agreements . They will need to analyse and understand the points of vulnerability within IT systems and a proactive and agile approach to maintain high levels of systems and organisational security. They will monitor security performance using tools, statistical reporting and analysis, using the output of monitoring to problem solve, propose improvements and implement changes to meet service level requirements. A Cyber Security Analyst leads technical implementation of security infrastructures and technical designs, including producing cost and timescale estimates and identifying risks. After implementation they take ownership for obtaining the information required to diagnose and resolve more complex problems and escalations such as security incidents and business recovery. They engage with third parties to jointly resolve in-depth product issues where necessary and completing cyber risk assessments.
 

Data Analyst

The primary role of a data analyst is to collect, organise and study data to provide new business insight to a range of stakeholders . They are responsible for leading the provision of up-to-date, accurate and relevant data analysis for the organisation. They are typically involved with managing, cleansing, abstracting and aggregating data across the network infrastructure. They look for opportunities to build data driven insights into decision making. They have a current understanding of data structures, software development procedures and the range of analytical tools used to undertake a wide range of standard and custom analytical studies , providing data solutions to a range of business issues. They are comfortable supporting teams and colleagues with analytics and report the results of data analysis activities making recommendations to improve business performance.
 

Network Engineer

The primary role of a network engineer is to lead in the planning, design , installation, maintenance and support of communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. They take a proactive and agile approach to maintain high levels of network performance and availability for their users, such as staff, clients, customers and suppliers. They understand network configuration, cloud, network administration and monitoring tools , and give technical advice and guidance to their users . As part of their role they analyse system requirements to ensure the network and its services operate to desired levels with security at the heart of everything they do . They understand data traffic and transmission across the network and have a major role to play in ensuring network security and resilience . They are the key problem solver when networks fail and respond with resilience under pressure. This programme is delivered on a day-release basis to allow you to balance study alongside work and other commitments. We use engaging teaching methods that effectively.
 

Learning and Teaching Methods

This online course offers flexible learning, with monthly sessions covering essential data analysis skills. Interactive virtual classes, led by industry experts, promote engagement and collaboration. A blend of live sessions, self-paced activities, and practical assignments ensures a comprehensive learning experience, catering to diverse learning styles and busy schedules.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Assessment Methods

Assessment in this course involves both formative and summative components. As you progress through the modules, formative assessments will measure your understanding, while you also compile a portfolio based on delivered content. For more information, click here.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

This programme costs £26,000 – all covered through the Apprenticeship Levy. Even if employers don’t pay into the Levy, they will only pay 5% of the full price, with the remaining 95% being paid for by the Government.
 

Key points

Online, flexible learning with monthly sessions: The course is delivered through online weekly sessions, offering convenience and flexibility for learners. Virtual or physical classes led by industry experts and promote engagement and collaboration.

Formative assessments and portfolio development: Throughout the course, learners are formatively assessed to track their progress. They also compile a portfolio to showcase their work and learning experiences.

Government funding eligibility: The course is eligible for government funding, helping employers to reduce training costs and maximise their return on investment.

Employer-focused, tailored programme: The apprenticeship is designed to meet the specific needs of employers, allowing them to address organisational skill gaps and enhance their workforce's capabilities.

Career Options and Progression

The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional apprenticeship can open up a wealth of career opportunities in the expansive field of digital technology. It equips you with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to excel in a variety of technology-oriented roles.

Upon successful completion, you could find yourself working in roles such as a Business Analyst, interpreting business needs and determining solutions; an IT Project Manager, overseeing tech-related projects within an organisation; a Data Analyst, working with vast amounts of data to aid decision-making; a Cyber Security Analyst, protecting sensitive information from cyber threats; a Network Engineer, managing and implementing network configurations; a Software Engineer, designing, writing, and testing code; or a Systems Analyst, improving computer systems for businesses.

Moreover, the practical experience and advanced knowledge gained during the apprenticeship would also pave the way for further progression within your chosen field. You could advance to senior or leadership roles within your organisation or even branch out to consultancy or freelance work, providing specialist services to various clients.