IT Infrastructure

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:

• Qualifications,
• Essential Skills
• On/off the job training

The total minimum credit value required for the:

Level 3 - IT Infrastructure is 114 credits.

Level 4 - IT Infrastructure is 168 credits.

Entry requirements

Level 3 IT Infrastructure and Level 4 IT Infrastructure:

There are no specific entry conditions for the IT Infrastructure L3 and L4 pathways.

However, in general, learners should possess qualifications (or equivalent experience) at the levels at or immediately below the level of the award. For example, candidates may have a qualification at CQFW level 2, 3 or 4. In particular qualifications at these levels in STEM subjects would be an advantage.

Alternatively, candidate may have successfully completed an Apprenticeship at CQFW Levels 2 or 3. There is no absolute requirement that learners possess Computing or IT qualifications prior to undertaking this pathway, however given the cognitive demands of the underpinning qualification, it is unlikely that candidates will successfully complete without some knowledge and experience of computers and/or demonstrable intellectual skills at an appropriate level.

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 3: IT Infrastructure

Level 3: IT Infrastructure Qualifications

Participants must achieve the combined qualification below

Please see Annex 1 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

96 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 3 Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Combined).

The total amount of learning hours which includes both on and off-the-job training for the IT Infrastructure Apprenticeship is 600.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy

Level 4: IT Infrastructure

Level 4: IT Infrastructure Qualifications

Participants must achieve the combined qualification below

Please see Annex 2 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

150 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 4 Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Combined).

The total amount of learning hours which includes both on and off-the-job training for the IT Infrastructure Higher Apprenticeship is 1500.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 3 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 3 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 3 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy

Other additional requirements

None

Progression

Progression from this Level 3 Apprenticeship in IT Infrastructure:

The Level 3 Apprenticeship programme offers successful apprentices the opportunity to further progress in their studies and go on to undertake a related degree programme. They could select from Bachelors degrees, Foundation degrees, Higher Nationals or another higher level qualification. Apprentices may also elect to continue within their job role and pursue their learning by undertaking additional technical, business or managerial level training and qualifications.

Apprentices who have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship programme have often progressed within their career to take on team leader or senior level positions, utilising their expanding technical expertise – and guiding and training others within the organisation.

Progression from this Level 4 Apprenticeship in IT Infrastructure:

Following the completion of the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship pathway, successful apprentices will be able to follow up on their knowledge studies and continue on to complete full Honours degree programmes.

Or other industry recognised, role-specific qualifications:

• Project Management training and accreditation (PRINCE2, MSP, PMI, APM and Agile)
•  Service Management training and accreditation (ITIL, SDI and ISO/IEC 2000 training)
•  Management and Personal Development Training

A wide range of vendor and core technology training – leading to industry recognised qualifications are also available.

Some qualifications entitle membership of a professional organisation, offering networking and career advancement opportunities. For example, becoming a member of a professional organisation:

• The British Computer Society (BCS)
• The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Equality and diversity

It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.

The IT Infrastructure pathway offers no barriers to entry and is intended to accommodate all learners regardless of gender, age, disability or ethnic origin.

GENDER EQUALITY

Gender imbalance remains a significant issue for the IT & Telecoms sector. Female representation has fallen from 22% in 2001 to 16% in 2016 (51% across Wales as a whole). The gender imbalance worsening across IT-related courses and industry. Instructus has initiated a number of programmes to encourage girls to consider a career in IT.

AGE OF WORKFORCE

The average age of IT & Telecoms professionals in the UK is 39 years old (41 for workers more generally). 47% are aged 40 or above and only 19% are aged 16-29 (down from 33% in 2001). Strong apprenticeship programmes in this sector will help establish the pipeline of skilled professionals moving into higher level job roles in 5 to 10 years’ time.

ETHNICITY AND DISABILITY

The Information and Communication Technologies industry is one of the most ethnically diverse industries in the UK, with 13% of the workforce (an increase from 8% of the workforce in 2002) Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic compared to 9% across the whole economy.

There is significant provision for individuals with disabilities throughout the IT & Telecoms sector with many, varied opportunities for rewarding careers at all levels. A wide range of IT apprenticeships are available for those with differing levels of disability.

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory.  But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.

Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government

DfES-ApprenticeshipUnit@gov.wales

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