em_it sys & networking higher_scotland_160421 (1)

IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern

ApprenticeshipF R O M N Q - L E V E L T O S K I L L E D I T E N G I N E E R

Apprenticeships

SCOTLAND

ContentProgramme Overview ..............................

Classroom Units Part 1 ................................

Workplace Units Part 1 ................................

Vendor Qualifications Part 1 ...................

Workplace Units Part 2 ..............................

Vendor Qualifications Part 2 ...................

Programme Add-ons .................................

4

12

14

16

22

26

30

Our IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern Apprenticeship combines high-quality classroom training with on-the-job experience to develop your apprentice’s real world skills using the most popular IT technologies. The programme gives them the qualifications, skills and technical grounding needed to become skilled PC builders, data defenders and cloud controllers.

Roles this programme is suitable for:

• First line/helpdesk support • Junior network support/technician • ICT technician • Systems administrator

Programme duration

16-24 month programme (with the opportunity to step off after part 1 and still gain qualifications equivalent to working at Advanced Higher/HNC level)

Approximately 8% of training takes place at a QA study centre, with the remaining 92% completed in the workplace.

in workplace in classroom

PROGRAMMEOVERVIEW

TechnicalModern

Apprenticeship

AdvancedModern

Apprenticeship

Our Advanced to Technicalprogramme

SCQF 8SCQF 6

Our programme includes SCQF 6 and SCQF 8 qualifications

How is the programme structured?

The programme is made up of two components, ensuring apprentices have a rounded, in-depth understanding of fundamental principles, techniques and technologies.

Knowledge units introduce apprentices to IT theory, in a local QA learning centre. Each instructor-led unit is completed at a time convenient to your business, maximising the time apprentices spend developing practical skills at work.

Competency units are delivered in the workplace, providing a direct link between theory and practice. A qualified QA assessor visits apprentices on site to verify that they are progressing with their studies, and that they are gaining confidence and experience using their knowledge in the world of work. They also support apprentices throughout the programme providing them with a single point of contact for any questions or help they need - including help developing their portfolio, adjusting to the world of work, and expert pastoral care including advice around the government’s Prevent agenda and safeguarding.

What return on investment can I expect from the programme?

The depth and breadth of high-quality training units included in our programme ensures that QA apprentices provide a great return on investment. With a QA apprentice you have the opportunity to grow your own talent — taking bright, enthusiastic young people from your local area and training them in the specific skills your business needs — whilst they become loyal, valuable employees.

Designed to meet the needs of employers and school leavers, our IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern Apprenticeship fully prepares apprentices for a successful career in IT. On completion they will be a skilled IT engineer ready to take on higher-level responsibility.

“QA designs and delivers a model of excellence in apprenticeship training that has brought significant

benefits to the United Kingdom economy”

Latest QA Ofsted Findings

What apprenticeship qualifications are included?

• SQA SCQF 6 Diploma in ICT and Telecommunication Professional (equivalent to working at Advanced Higher\HNC level) • SQA SCQF 8 Diploma in ICT and Telecommunication Professional (equivalent to second year of degree study)

What vendor qualifications are included?

• Installing and configuring Windows 7 client (Exam optional – only one exam included*) • Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8 (Exam optional – only one exam included*) • Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices ICND1 (Exam optional cost) • Microsoft IT Security Fundamentals (No exam) • Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 (Exam optional cost) • Server Virtualization with Windows Server Hyper-V and System Center (Exam optional cost) • Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices ICND2 (Exam optional cost)

*Apprentices can choose to take an exam in one of these courses. If they wish to do the exam for both, speak to your

QA Apprenticeships Account Manager for more information and costs.

To ensure your apprentices develop relevant skills for the modern IT workplace, the IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern Apprenticeship from QA teaches them to master the technologies you use. We develop our programmes based on the needs of the IT industry, and training units can be tailored to suit your needs — so your apprentices have the specific skills required by your business.

What does the programme cover?

Programme units cover a number of fundamental IT systems including:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 • Microsoft Windows 7/8.1 and other client operating systems • Cloud technologies • Mobility solutions such as Microsoft Intune • Support for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) • Securing devices and networks

Introducing the Individual Learning Plan

Your business has a vested interest in tracking your apprentice’s progress. QA Apprenticeships will support you in maintaining an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) tailored to the specific needs and career goals of your apprentice.

The ILP is a handy way for you to collate and track information on your apprentice’s progress. It includes details of all their training – both completed and yet to complete – and will help you plan your apprentice’s workload to provide the necessary opportunities to complete practical tasks in line with training goals.

In addition to the ILP, your apprentice will also have an e-portfolio, where they can collect evidence of the skills and experience they have acquired as they complete each unit. They’ll work with an assessor from QA Apprenticeships to build their portfolio as the programme progresses.

Initial assessment

All of our apprentices are assessed by a qualified QA assessor prior to starting on programme, to decide which level of study is appropriate. They may need a stronger base of foundation knowledge and skills, so would start at SCQF 6; or they may be more than capable of SCQF 6 study and would benefit from progressing straight to SCQF 8. The assessment ensures the right apprentices are on the right programmes – and in turn helps to ensure successful completions.

Proposed timeline

The timeline below is simply a guide to show how the programme could be arranged — units can be scheduled whenever best suits the needs of the business and the apprentice.

QA aims for apprentices to complete most of their classroom training for the SCQF 6 portion of the apprenticeship within the first 9 months, to help them start contributing to the business straight away.

in workplace in classroom

1Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

Week no

65

33

97

17

81

49

9

73

41

25

89

57

2

66

34

98

18

82

50

10

74

42

26

90

58

3

67

35

99

19

83

51

11

75

43

27

91

59

4

68

36

100

20

84

52

12

76

44

28

92

60

5

69

37

101

21

85

53

13

77

45

29

93

61

6

70

38

102

22

86

54

14

78

46

30

94

62

7

71

39

103

23

87

55

15

79

47

31

95

63

8

72

40

104

24

88

56

16

80

48

32

96

64

Workplace induction

Windows Server 2012END OF PART 1SCQF 6 apprenticeshipComplete all remaining part 1 workplace units

Window 7 and Windows 8.1[System Management 2 | System Operation 2 |

Testing Systems 2]

Cisco Networking Devices[Working with Hardware and Equipment 2 | Network

principles 2 | Customer Requirements 2]

IT Security Fundamentals

Cisco Networking Devices

Workplace units and activity













Server Virtualization

Complete all remaining part 2 workplace units




END OF PART 2SCQF 8 apprenticeship

PART 192% of

QA apprentice graduates go on to full-time

jobsSCQF 6

(EQUIVALENT TO WORKING AT ADVANCED HIGHER/HNC LEVEL)

*Exact timings vary from apprentice to apprentice but most complete the first part of the programme in 8-12 months

The first half of our IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern Apprenticeship introduces the fundamental skills your IT department needs. In the first 9 months, apprentices will complete the following classroom units:

IT and Telecoms System Management 2

A unit giving apprentices a working knowledge of basic system management skills:

• Understand how to manage a system. • Manage a system under direction. • Understand how to minimise risks when managing a system.

Testing IT and Telecoms Systems 2

This unit introduces the basics of systems testing:

• Understand the principles of IT and Telecoms testing. • Plan for the testing of system components. • Carry out the testing of system components. • Interpret test results.

IT and Telecoms System Operation 2

A unit that trains apprentices to:

• Understand the technical architecture of an IT or Telecoms system. • Understand the expected functionality and capacity of the system. • Operate the system. • Carry out system maintenance.

Investigating and Defining Customer Requirements for IT and Telecoms Systems 2 A unit to teach apprentices how to understand and define customer requirements:

• Understand how to investigate and define system requirements. • Contribute to the investigation and definition of system requirements.

Working with IT and Telecoms Hardware and Equipment 2

A unit encouraging apprentices to get hands-on with common hardware:

• Understand how to work with IT and Telecoms hardware and equipment. • Plan work activities on IT and Telecoms hardware and equipment. • Carry out work activities on IT and Telecoms hardware and equipment.

Networking Principles 2

This unit offers a full introduction to networking principles:

• Understand physical and logical network topologies. • Understand the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. • Understand the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP). • Design a LAN Infrastructure to meet a given requirement.

CLASSROOM UNITS

MANDATORY UNITS

Apprentices are required to complete three mandatory units in the workplace during part 1 of the IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern Apprenticeship.

Personal Effectiveness 2

A unit helping apprentices gain the skills and confidence required to be a valued member of your IT team:

• Develop own personal and professional skills. • Work as a member of a team to achieve defined goals. • Understand what is meant by professional practice. • Understand the ethical and legislative environment relating to IT activities.

Health and Safety in IT and Telecoms

On completion of this unit the apprentice will be able to comply with relevant Health and Safety procedures:

• Identify relevant organisational Health and Safety procedures. • Identify available sources of Health and Safety information. • Demonstrate how relevant Health and Safety procedures have been followed.

One additional mandatory unit must also be chosen from the list below:

Customer Care for IT and Telecoms Professionals 2 This unit emphasises the importance of customer care techniques for providing great IT support:

• Understand the importance of customer care for IT and Telecoms professionals. • Develop professional customer relationships. • Contribute to improving the delivery of service.

Interpersonal and Written Communications 2

A unit helping apprentices develop confidence in their communication skills:

• Understand interpersonal communication techniques. • Be able to communicate interpersonally. • Understand techniques for communicating in writing. • Be able to communicate and extract complex information in writing.

SUGGESTED UNITS

The following list is a suggested list of units that can be completed in the workplace during part 1 of the programme, although other units are available. Contact your QA Apprenticeships Account Manager to discuss the available options and which best suit the needs of the business and your apprentice.

Remote Support for IT and Telecoms Products or Services 2

A unit that introduces the basics of remote support:

• Understand the role of remote support in the organisation. • Provide remote support for specified products or services.

Technical Advice and Guidance 2

This unit helps apprentices to better assist your non-IT staff with technical issues:

• Know the context for providing technical advice and guidance. • Provide reactive technical advice and guidance to customers. • Provide proactive technical advice and guidance to customers.

IT and Telecoms Fault Diagnosis 2

A unit teaching apprentices how to diagnose and handle technical faults:

• Understand the technical fault diagnosis process. • Understand the organisational fault diagnosis environment. • Diagnose faults in a range of IT or Telecoms equipment. • Select remedies for faults in a range of IT or Telecoms equipment.

User Profile Administration

This unit teaches apprentices the fundamentals of user profile administration:

• Understand the role of user and group profiles in IT and Telecoms systems. • Understand organisational procedures for profile administration. • Administer user and group profiles.

WORKPLACE UNITS

Apprentices also study a number of practical units in the first half of the programme that lead to industry-recognised qualifications from Microsoft and Cisco. The learning outcomes will be covered as part of their classroom training, and they will be prepared to take the exams if they wish.

Installing and Configuring Windows 7 Client (Exam optional – only one exam included*)

This unit expands the apprentice’s knowledge base and technical skills in Windows 7 client:

• Perform a clean installation of Windows 7, upgrade to Windows 7, and migrate user-related data and settings from an earlier version of Windows. • Configure disks, partitions, volumes, and device drivers to enable a Windows 7 client computer. • Configure file access, printers, network connectivity, and wireless network connectivity on a Windows 7 client computer. • Secure Windows 7 client desktop computers. • Optimise and maintain the performance and reliability of a Windows 7 client computer. • Configure mobile computing and remote access settings for a Windows 7 client computer.

Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8

(Exam optional – only one exam included*)

This unit gives apprentices the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, and support Windows 8.1 PCs and devices:

• Describe the solutions and features related to managing Windows 8.1 in an enterprise network environment. • Install Windows 8.1 and upgrade previous versions of Windows to Windows 8.1. • Configure and manage Windows 8.1 by using Windows PowerShell, Group Policy and Windows Intune. • Implement an application strategy for Windows 8.1. • Manage non-domain joined devices and provide resource access for these devices. • Secure Windows 8.1 devices by using appropriate tools and technologies. • Configure remote access for computers running Windows 8.1.

• Monitor and recover Windows 8.1. • Implement Hyper-V in Windows 8.1.

*Apprentices can choose to take an exam in one of the courses above. If they wish to do the exam for both, speak to

your QA Apprenticeship Account Manager for more information and costs.

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices ICND1

(Exam optional cost)

This unit teaches the apprentice how to install, operate, configure, and verify a basic IPv4 and IPv6 network:

• Describe network fundamentals and build simple LANs. • Establish Internet connectivity. • Manage network device security. • Expand small- to medium-sized networks with WAN connectivity. • Describe IPv6 basics.

Microsoft IT Security Fundamentals

(No exam)

This unit provides apprentice’s with an in-depth introduction to the field of information security:

• Understand the IT security threats faced by a modern network and the techniques used to mitigate these threats. • Respond to IT security incidents and understand IT security policies. • Understand cryptography and its uses. • Understand authentication mechanisms. • Understand the importance of physical security and the compliance and legal requirements of an organisation.

VENDORQUALIFICATIONS

Once the first half of the programme is complete, apprentices and employers have the option to ‘step off’ if continuing study into the second half is not appropriate.

If they do step off, your apprentice will receive their SCQF 6 apprenticeship qualification – equivalent to working at Advanced Higher/HNC level – and your business will have a competent, valuable employee trained in IT support.

All grades and credits remain valid, allowing apprentices to resume training whenever they are ready, and gain further qualifications in the future should they choose to do so.

FLEXIBILITY FOR EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES

TechnicalModern

Apprenticeship

AdvancedModern

Apprenticeship

Our Advanced to Technicalprogramme

SCQF 8SCQF 6

Step o

90% of QA apprentices

are with their employers for a year or

longer

PART 2

*Exact timings vary from apprentice to apprentice but most complete the second part of the programme in 8-12 months

SCQF 8(EQUIVALENT TO SECOND YEAR OF DEGREE STUDY)

The second half of the programme builds on your apprentices’ strong foundation of technical skills. Apprentices are expected to take a step up when progressing to part 2 – refining their skills to a higher level.

The workplace units expand on the content learnt in part 1 to a higher level, and apprentices are required to be more analytical in their work. All learning towards their SCQF 8 Diploma takes place in the workplace to ensure their technical knowledge is being practically applied.

MANDATORY UNITS

The two mandatory units below must be completed during part 2 of the IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern Apprenticeship:

Personal Effectiveness 3

This unit develops the skills apprentices need to perform effectively in a team and drive their skills forward:

• Develop own personal and professional skills. • Work as a member of a team to achieve defined goals and implement agreed plans. • Understand what is meant by professional practice. • Improve organisational effectiveness.

Customer Care for IT and Telecoms Professionals 3

This unit helps apprentices understand the importance of customer care at a higher level:

• Evaluate the importance of customer care for IT and Telecoms professionals. • Develop professional customer relationships. • Improve the delivery of service.

SUGGESTED UNITS

This is a suggested list of units that can be completed in the second half of the programme, although others are available. Contact your QA Apprenticeships Account Manager to discuss the options and which best suit the needs of the business and your apprentice.

WORKPLACE UNITS

Investigating and Defining Customer Requirements for IT and Telecoms Systems 3

This unit teaches apprentices how to understand and define customer requirements at a higher level:

• Understand how to investigate and define system requirements. • Control the investigation and definition of system requirements. • Investigate customer requirements.

IT and Telecoms System Operation 3 This unit develops apprentice’s understanding of IT and Telecoms systems operations further:

• Understand the technical architecture of IT or Telecoms systems. • Understand how to specify system operation parameters. • Control the operation of the system.

Remote Support for IT and Telecoms Products or Services 3 A unit giving apprentices higher-level skills to provide remote support:

• Be able to provide remote support for IT and Telecoms products or services. • Maintain and develop the organisation’s remote support provision. • Manage the provision of remote support.

IT and Telecoms System Management 3 A unit to improve the apprentice’s understanding of system management:

• Understand how to manage systems. • Review the functionality and management of systems. • Be able to manage systems.

Technical Advice and Guidance 3

This unit develops the apprentice’s ability to provide technical advice and guidance:

• Understand the context for providing technical advice and guidance. • Provide reactive technical advice and guidance to customers. • Provide proactive technical advice and guidance to customers. • Control the provision of technical advice and guidance.

Working with IT and Telecoms Hardware and Equipment 3 A unit helping apprentices get to grips with the vast array of hardware and equipment used in the modern IT environment:

• Understand how to work with IT and Telecoms hardware and equipment. • Control work activities on IT and Telecoms hardware and equipment.

IT and Telecoms Fault Diagnosis 3 This unit develops the apprentice’s technical fault finding and troubleshooting skills:

• Understand the technical fault diagnosis process. • Maintain and develop the organisational fault diagnosis environment. • Manage the technical aspects of fault diagnosis and remedy.

In the second half of the programme apprentices continue to build their industry-relevant technical knowledge and experience by studying further vendor qualifications from Microsoft and Cisco. The learning outcomes will be covered as part of their classroom training, and they will be prepared to take the exams if they wish. This training is the only learning taking place in the classroom during the second half of the programme.

Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012(Exam optional cost)

This unit gives apprentices hands-on instruction and practice installing and configuring Windows Server 2012:

• Deploy and manage Windows Server 2012. • Describe Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), manage AD DS objects and automate AD DS Administration. • Implement IPv4 and IPv6. • Implement Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS). • Implement local storage, file and print services, and Group Policy. • Secure Windows servers by using Group Policy Objects (GPOs).

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices ICND2


Provides apprentices with the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise network:

• Operate a medium-sized LAN with multiple switches, supporting VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree. • Troubleshoot IP connectivity. • Configure and troubleshoot EIGRP in an IPv4 environment, and configure EIGRP for IPv6. • Configure and troubleshoot OSPF in an IPv4 environment, and configure OSPF for IPv6. • Define characteristics, functions, and components of a WAN. • Describe SNMP, syslog, and NetFlow, and manage Cisco device configurations, Cisco IOS images, and licenses.

Server Virtualization with Windows Server Hyper-V and System Center


This unit provides apprentices with the knowledge and skills required to design and implement Microsoft Server Virtualization solutions using Hyper-V and System Center:

• Evaluate an organisation’s virtualization requirements and plan for server virtualization. • Install and configure the Hyper-V server role. • Create virtual machines, create and manage virtual hard disks and work with snapshots. • Create and configure virtual machine networks in a Hyper-V environment. • Implement virtual machine movement and Hyper-V Replica. • Provide high availability for Hyper-V environment by implementing failover clustering. • Manage virtual environment by using System Center 2012 R2 Virtual Machine Manager. • Manage networking and storage infrastructure in Virtual Machine Manager. • Configure and manage Virtual Machine Manager library and library objects. • Create and manage virtual machines by using Virtual Machine Manager. • Create and manage clouds by using System Center 2012 R2 Virtual Machine Manager. • Create and manage services in System Center 2012 R2 Virtual Machine Manager. • Protect virtualization infrastructure by using Windows Server Backup and Data Protection Manager.

VENDORQUALIFICATIONS

QA delivers 80% of all Microsoft partner

apprenticeship courses, and serves over

80% of the FTSE 250

PROGRAMMEADD-ONS

Something missing? No problem. Claim your free QA course.

Upon completion of the IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern Apprenticeship, your apprentice can choose an additional course from QA Learning’s industry-leading selection. This additional, free course gives you the opportunity to further tailor your apprentice’s training to the specific needs of your business and its IT environment.

Examples of suitable complementary courses include:

• Installing and configuring Windows 10 • Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Services • PRINCE2 Foundation/Practitioner

QA is the UK’s largest provider of IT training and has dozens of courses to meet the specific technical requirements of your business. Contact your QA Apprenticeships Account Manager to discuss the options available to ensure you get maximum value from your investment.

*Terms and conditions apply. Ask your QA Apprenticeships Account Manager for more details.

What’s next?

Once they have completed the IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Technical Modern Apprenticeship, your apprentice will be a highly competent and valuable member of your team.

With the skills and experience they’ve gained on the programme — both in training and in your business — they will have a strong technical grounding and become a skilled IT engineer, ready to take on higher-level responsibility.

Take the next step in building the IT team your business needs by contacting your QA Apprenticeships Account Manager today on 0345 074 7825. Or email us at [email protected]

or contact your QA Apprenticeships Account Manager

V 1.0 MARCH 2016

Find out more about our range of IT, Tech and Digital apprenticeships

0345 074 7825 apprenticeships.qa.com [email protected]

Awards 2014EducationInvestor

em_it sys & networking higher_scotland_160421 (1)

Documents