T Level in Digital – Business Services: Data Technician
Course Overview
The T Level in Digital – Business Services: Data Technician is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic field of data management and analysis within the context of business services. This two-year course integrates classroom learning with real-world industry experience to prepare students for immediate employment or further education in the digital sector.
T Levels follow GCSE studies and are designed by key employers to provide you with the knowledge skills and behaviours over the course of two years to achieve a digital role, for example, as a data statistician or research data analyst. This can be tailored to an industry sector of your choice, for example if you have an interest in construction, engineering, green skills, professional studies, finance, etc.
You will take part in an industry placement which will equate to 45 days over the course of two years, this could be a part time job should you have one in a relevant field. This will encourage you to gain external business industry experience in the pathway you have selected. It will also give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a work place setting.
To study the T Level, you will need GCSE English Language and maths subjects at grad 5 or above plus 3 other GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above.
It is desirable for you to have a GCSE in computing or computer science as one of your 3 other GCSE subjects.
If you do not meet these entry requirements, you can study a level 2 transition programme with us, to allow you to embark on a T Level the following year.
First Year
In your first year, you will gain core knowledge and you will develop an understanding of concepts, theories and contexts within digital industry. This will include looking at digital from a business context of data, digital analysis, security, testing, culture, and digital environments. This will include considerations needed for the legalities of operating in a digital organisation and diversity and inclusion elements too.
You will also gain core knowledge and skills needed to create, develop and project a positive digital identity and how to maintain and manage this digital reputation. This will include adopting professional approaches to using social media and other digital communication platforms. This leads in to developing an awareness of security of data and information and the controls that need to be in place to mitigate security threats to organisations. This will include gaining knowledge and understanding of devices, applications, software and systems required for different tasks will be investigated. It also includes protecting the privacy of sensitive data.
In this core knowledge element, you be required to collate, manage, access and use digital data in a variety of ways through spreadsheets, databases and other formats.
The second element of your first year will involve taking part in an Employer set Project, which is designed by digital leaders so you can gain real-life experience in working practices within the digital context, which will develop your knowledge skills and behaviours for working in a data driven job role. This will include:
- Working with stakeholders to clarify the requirements of the project.
- Communicating information clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Applying a logical approach to solving problems, identifying and resolving faults, recording the progress of solutions, ensuring the solution avoids risks to security.
The third and final element of your first-year studies is your industry placement which equates to 20% of your qualification, and will be in line with the pathway you have chosen for this professional T Level.
Second Year
In your second year, you will specialise as a data technician, this means you will be able to source, organise and format data securely in a relevant way for your stakeholders. This will include blending data from multiple sources. Following this you will be able to analyse a variety of data types to support business outcomes, this will include the interpretation and communication of the data provided. More importantly you should be able to apply legal, ethical and professional principals when manipulating the data for presentation. You will have started your digital sector network; with the foundations of the positive internal and external stakeholder relationships you will develop over the two-year programme. You will also complete your on-the-job placement hours in this academic year.
Year 1
Core Assessment: External Set Test – Paper 1 and Paper 2 (Graded A*-E)
Employer Set Project: Externally assessed (Graded A*-E)
Industry Placement: Evidence log to show completion of on the job hours, this will include evidence of your technical skills and application of knowledge in the work place.
Year 2
A synoptic assessment designed to judge the competence requirements have been met for a business support role. (Graded Distinction, Merit or Pass)
Industry Placement: Evidence log to show completion of on the job hours, this will include evidence of your technical skills and application of knowledge in the work place.
This course is ideal for learners wanting a career in a digital business support function including a range of digital data analysis based job roles, data engineering, business analysis, data science, and cybersecurity analysis, to name a few; in a variety of key industries in the North East.
There is also an opportunity for learners to progress to a level 4 forensic technician apprenticeship standard or the HTQ in Technologies.
Universities will recognise your T level qualification as a Distinction* is the equivalent to 3 A Levels graded at A* in UCAS points.
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