For college I will..

[mrapoc]

I'm about to go to college after my exams next year and I'm really interested in a course called " BTEC National Award for IT Practitioners - Level 3" Has anyone taken it? It involves basically all aspects of computing - leads onto a foundation degree/ or a degree if i go to uni for a year. Sounds really interesting to me, 3 and a half days working, half a day study and 3 free days I also learn how to program and it often leads onto good jobs and apprenticeships

[FarFarAway]

Go for it mate, sounds like a nice little course

[Dav0s]

you cant beat A levels for employability/future prospects imo, but at least that course will be alot more interesting

[mrapoc]

http://www.hct.ac.uk/computingpractitioners.asp

I was told it is the equivalent of 4 a levels and will be enough to get me into uni and other high end computer jobs such as network technician, any programming jobs (games any1?) and is well worth it. I dont wanna do much else tbh on the a levels side.

[browney]

I am on BTEC National Diploma in Systems Support it also comes with CISCO CCNA

The aims of this course are to:-

Provide a specialist work related programme of study. It prepares learners for employment in the technical IT sector and is suitable for 16-18 and 19+ year olds, who have decided that they wish to enter this area of work or progress onto Higher Education.

What will I study on this course:-

You will study a wide range of units covering hardware and network related topics as well as personal skills, business knowledge, and programming.

Language and Communications, Computer Systems, Business Information Systems, Introduction to Software Development, Communications Technology, Networking Project, End User Support, Network Design and Administration, Data Communications and Networks, Application Software Development, Website Management, Human Computer Interface, Computer Hardware, PC Specification and Maintenance, Operating Systems, Wide Area Networks, Network Operating Systems and Systems Analysis and Design.

Who is this course for?

Anyone intending to work as a computer technician or those who wish to progress onto Higher Education.

What do I need to get on the course?

A minimum of four GCSE's at grade C, one of which must be in Mathematics, or a BTEC First Diploma in IT Practitioners and Level 2 Numeracy.

How is the course assessed:-

Assessment is based on a combination of externally and internally set portfolio work which is moderated externally to ensure consistent standards.

During the course you will experience a combination of teaching and learning styles as follows:-

Lecture / Classroom Teaching / Library and Learning Resource Centre Work (timetabled / drop-in) / Information Technology Activity (timetabled / drop-in) / Tutorials / Directed Work with Other Students / Directed Private Study / Directed Study in Learning Centre.

What qualification could I achieve?

A BTEC National Diploma in ICT System Support equivalent to 3 A-levels.

What can I do after the course?

You can progress onto a higher education course or into employment requiring specialist IT skills.

[Ham]

This is exactly what me and llwyd are doing mate. Its a easy as so far. We've done nothing but noob stuff so far but we've got a few intereesting bits to come. Year 2 you do programing.

And its beats the **** out of A levels imo.

[Jim]

I did a BTEC too in programming. Got a job out of the work experience I did too.

[mrapoc]

wow sounds great to me...i cant be messed doing more maths *yawn* and it leads onto exactly what kind of job i want

[Ham]

Originally Posted by name='mrapoc'

wow sounds great to me...i cant be messed doing more maths *yawn* and it leads onto exactly what kind of job i want

A/S level maths was the biggest POS ive ever done.

[macgamesrule]

Computer engineering here, hardware design is my goal