City College Norwich is launching an innovative new course, the Level 3 BTEC in Information Technology and Computing, which has been designed in close conjunction with information technology employers to provide a pathway for young people into this diverse and exciting sector.
Starting in September 2016, this 1-year course is designed for 16 to 18 year olds who have an interest in developing their digital skills in order to move on to a wide range of tech careers.
There will be a chance for young people to find out more about the course, talk to College staff, as well as some of the employers who have been involved, at the Information Technology and Computing Open Event on Wednesday 11th May, from 5:30pm to 7pm, in the StartUp Lounge at City College Norwich, Ipswich Road, Norwich, NR2 2LJ.
On completing the course, students will have the key knowledge and skills sought by information technology employers and will be extremely well-placed to move on to IT and computing-based Apprenticeships, a second year of Level 3 study, or on to degree courses in areas such as computer science, computer programming and website development.
With technology sector job roles and opportunities changing so rapidly, City College Norwich staff have spent a lot of time talking to local employers to ensure that the course content, and the skills the young people will develop, align with the skills that employers are looking for in their industry.
The course covers key areas of information technology, including programming, website development, mobile app development, IT systems, creating management information systems, and using social media for business. There will also be the opportunity for students to carry out some work experience with the local employers who have helped shape the course.
In developing the course, staff at the College have also spoken to young people in local high schools to find out more about their current digital skills and their knowledge of the career opportunities in the information technology and computing sector.
As City College Norwich’s Principal, Corrienne Peasgood, explains, the course has been designed to take account of the feedback from both groups:
“Rather than simply offer an existing computing qualification, we have tailored this course according to the specific skills that information technology employers have told us they are looking for. At the same time we have been talking to tech-savvy young people to ascertain where their skills and interests lie, so that we can provide an effective bridge between the two. It’s about providing young people with the right skills to go out and secure the huge range of opportunities that exist both within the tech sector, as well as in IT-based job roles across many other industries.”
John Gostling, Operations Director at Norwich-based Breakwater IT, is one of those who has had an input into the new course. Mr Gostling commented:
“Our team of enthusiastic, committed and talented engineers play a central role in our business and I am really pleased to see that City College Norwich has developed this course with a clear focus on the skills that employers are looking for. As a former City College Norwich student myself, it was a privilege to be asked to be involved in the development of this exciting new course.”
For more information about the Level 3 BTEC in Information Technology and Computing, prospective students or their parents can contact the Advice Shop at City College Norwich on (01603) 773773 or email [email protected].