Digital Application Support

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 2 - Digital Application Support is 82 credits.

Level 3 - Digital Application Support is 102 credits.

Entry requirements

Level 2: Digital Application Support/ Level 3: Digital Application Support

There are no additional requirements other than the general entry conditions for Level 2 Foundation Apprenticships. However, most employers will require good (A*-C) GCSE passes in English and Maths as a minimum for entry.

There are no specific entry conditions for the Level 3 Apprenticeship pathway but qualifications which may provide a useful grounding for the Apprenticeship include:

• Learning from the 14 to 19 Pathways

• Qualifications in the Welsh Baccalaureate

• Wider Key Skills

• Essential Skills Wales

• GCSEs, A Levels or National Diplomas in ICT-related subjects

While it is not mandatory for a candidate to have achieved a lower level qualification in IT prior to embarking upon these Apprenticeships, it may be beneficial. Some of the fundamental IT principles and core technical skills need to be learned at a basic level before more advanced skills and techniques can be effectively applied in the workplace. This may be evidenced by Essential Digital Literacy Skills. In some instances however, prior training or experience may have equipped a candidate for direct entry to the Apprenticeship.

The majority of Digital Application Support apprenticeship roles require:

• Proactive, fast learners
• Individuals who are able to work independently or as part of a team
• The ability to focus on assisting customers and colleagues find solutions to problems
• Good attention to detail and the ability to deliver what is required, when it is required
• Individuals to be open to change and focus on the requirements of the business at all times

Roles in data management and administration would suit individuals who:

• Are well organised and efficient
• Have good problem solving ability
• Can manage multiple or complex tasks

Roles in web publishing or creative industries would suit those who:

• Have an interest in design and creativity with a flair for creating audio, video and other multimedia products;
• Have good communication and team-working skills

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 2: Digital Application Support

Level 2: Digital Application Support 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)

64 credits for competence and knowledge - Agored Cymru Level 2 Diploma in Digital Application Support (Combined).

The total amount of learning hours which includes both on and off-the-job training for the Digital Application Support Foundation Apprenticeship is 420.

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

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy

Level 3: Digital Application Support

Level 3: Digital Application Support Qualifications

Participants must achieve the combined qualifications 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)

84 credits for competence and knowledge - Agored Cymru Level 3 Diploma in Digital Application Support (Combined).

The total amount of learning hours which includes both on and off-the-job training for the Digital Application Support Apprenticeship is 500.

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

Other additional requirements

None

Progression

Progression from this Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in: Digital Application Support:

The Level 2 Apprenticeship programme offers successful apprentices the opportunity to further progress in their studies and go on to undertake a Level 3 Apprenticeship programme, 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 or business training and qualifications.

Progression from this Level 3 Apprenticeship in Digital Application Support:

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

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.

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 510 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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