About the course

SUBJECT TO SUFFICIENT NUMBERS OF APPLICANTS

The purpose of this qualification is for learners to understand the essentials of Digital Infrastructure Services. You will learn how to install and configure both a physical and virtual networking infrastructure and understand relevant security, testing, planning and legal issues.  Learners will have the opportunity to plan, perform and evaluate their work whilst using a range of materials, methods and techniques.

T Levels are new courses which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A Levels. These 2-year courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares learners for work.

Entry requirements

GCSE grade 5 in English and mathematics, as well as three additional grade 4s in technical subjects ( IT, Computer Science, Science, Design & Technology) – other related disciplines.

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18

This course is not currently available for 19+ learners.

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries.

Who is it suitable for?

For those looking to progress into a career in the Digital Infrastructure industry or looking to go university in this area.

Why study?

T Levels are designed to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs. The Digital T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the Digital industry and gives you:

• A thorough understanding of concepts and theories of the digital industry.
• The opportunity to solve real life problems in the digital industry.
• Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side by side with those in the digital industry on your industry placement so that you have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world while you continue your studies.

Where will this course take me?

T Levels offer many opportunities for progression:

Enter Employment: You can use the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained to start working in the digital infrastructure industry right away.

Progress to University: You can use the UCAS points you achieve as a result of completing your T level to continue your studies at university.

Apprenticeship: There are many opportunities offered through apprenticeships that allow you to carry on learning (20%) whilst spending most of your time (80%) furthering your skills in the workplace.

There are a variety of careers you can pursue once you have completed the course as the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will develop are highly prized within a broad range of businesses.

Careers within the digital infrastructure industry may include:

• Network Engineer
• Cyber Security Support
• Cloud Technology Operative
• Digital Services Architect
• Wireless Network Engineer

Core modules

Year 1 is made up of three key parts: 

1. Core: Knowledge and understanding of contexts, concepts and theories of the digital industry: 

• Business Context
• Culture
• Data
• Digital Analysis
• Digital Environments
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Learning
• Legislation
• Planning
• Security
• Testing 
• Tools

2. Employer Set Project: A project set by digital leaders that requires you to apply your knowledge to a real-life problem in the industry. 

3. Industry Placement: Towards the end of the year, you will get the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills you have learned in to action as you start your industry placement. You will work with an external employer to apply your knowledge and develop your technical skills in a real-life digital workplace.

Year 2 is made up of two key parts:

1. You will specialise in Digital Infrastructure and practicing this branch of the digital support industry will help you to develop specialist knowledge and skills on apply procedures and physical and virtual infrastructure.

2. Continuation of your Industry Placement; with an external employer which will develop your technical skills and apply your knowledge in a workplace environment.

Across year one and two, you will complete at least 45 days in total working in the digital infrastructure industry, giving you valuable experience in the workplace and employers the chance to see the new talent in their industry.

How will I be assessed?

Year 1:

• Core Assessment: Externally Set Test – Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both graded A*-E.
• Employer Set Project: Externally assessed project work is graded A*-E.
• Industry Placement: Evidence log to show completion of hours required and evidence of development of technical skills and application of knowledge in a workplace environment.

Year 2:

• Synoptic assessment to judge how well the competence requirements have been met. Graded: Distinction, Merit or Pass. 
• Industry Placement: Evidence log to show completion of hours required and evidence of development of technical skills and application of knowledge in a workplace environment.

Will I have to provide anything?

Recommended course text as per your interview, enrolment information to follow.