This programme incorporates classroom-based study with work-based learning to prepare you for entry to the workplace or full-time Further or Higher Education. The course is funded by Skills Development Scotland.
Scotland is highly dependent on its IT & Telecoms workforce – it underpins the economy and is integral to information, business and consumer services, health and leisure and modern day social networking. Across all industries in Scotland, the combination of its highly skilled IT & Telecoms professionals, technology-savvy business leaders and competent IT users enable the organisations’ effective participation in the global digital economy.
Find out more about this course from Skills Development Scotland
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Information Technology (Hardware and System Support) is for pupils in S5 and S6. You will complete a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 6 in Professional Computer Fundamentals and you will also complete an extended work placement to achieve the Diploma for IT & Telecommunications Professionals
The NPA includes units in:
You will also undertake work-based learning during which you will attend an extended work experience with an industry partner equivalent to a day a week. During that time you will develop essential skills for the workplace and be assessed on your performance in each of the following areas:
Pupils will be expected to undertake both coursework and work-based learning elements within the same year, generally spending equivalent of a day a week in a College class, and a day a week (or 2 half-days) on placement. Please note, you will need to have time in your timetable to accommodate your placement.
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
You will need a keen interest in IT and be capable of working at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to Highers). This course is suited to pupils who are on track to achieve a minimum of 2 B passes in related National 5 awards in S4. Related areas would include Computing, Physics, Maths or Design and Technology.
This course involves a work based learning experience and will require one full day or two half days per week allocated to this in their timetable.
Pupils would benefit from studying subjects such as Higher Computing, Higher Maths and NPA Digital Media alongside the Foundation Apprenticeship.
Students will need access to a computer with internet access to allow them to study outwith class time.
A selection process will be applied to all applicants.
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Upon successful completion of this course, you may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
Foundation Apprenticeships are accepted as equivalent to at least one Higher by all Scottish Universities. Further qualifications may be required for University entry — applicants should check individual course entry requirements for further information.
Those who wish to progress directly to employment will find a range of entry–level jobs available in areas such as IT Technical Support, Cybersecurity, Database Administration, Telecoms Engineerings and Network Planning & Control. Upon completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship, you may gain advanced entry onto an associated Modern Apprenticeship.
“I loved that the course covered a broad range of topics, from animation and graphic design to programming”
“I’ve had a passion for computing from a very young age. I decided when my son was starting school that it was the best time to go back and follow a dream I had put on hold.”
“I really enjoyed the course and the hands on nature of the learning. Being able to build websites was great and I got a real sense of achievement from the work we were asked to produce.”
“I feel the course has prepared me well for my new role and I’m excited to put my new skills into practice and have the opportunity to do something I love every day! “
“I really have so much to thank NESCol for. I’m sure it is an experience that will have a positive impact throughout my life.”
Shay’s HND has given him knowledge and skills that are vital for running a business today including cyber resilience, e-commerce solutions and social media and knows the course has given him a solid grounding in business operations, technology and project management which will serve him well for the continued success of their family business.
“I would definitely recommend NESCol to everyone who wants to study computing. No matter what age, or if this is their first course, or – if like me – you want to change your career. It’s a very friendly environment, well quipped when it comes to computing facilities and – most importantly – with very, very supportive and highly knowledgeable lecturers.”
“I enjoy Computing because it’s such a broad field. There’s a variety of skills to learn and you can easily develop a niche. No two projects will be the same and since it’s such a fast-paced field, there are always new developments to keep abreast of.
“The computing courses give you lots of practical skills and a strong foundation to expand upon.”
“By sharing my experience I hope I can inspire anyone with autism.”
“I would say to anyone thinking of returning to learning after time away – just do it.”
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
Please note that courses are subject to minimum viability levels. In the event of insufficient numbers of applications, courses may be withdrawn from the programme. Certain courses are arranged with schools working in a consortium arrangement – in such cases, pupils from consortium schools will be given priority in the allocation of places.
Here are some courses you may also be interested in.
