Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (integrated degree)

This occupation is found in organisations where digital technologies can be used to solve problems that exist across a range of functions. Whether looking for ways to reduce waste, increase productivity, ensure resilient and responsive customer service, or create a secure transactional environment, organisations turn to digital and technological solutions to achieve these aims. Wherever these activities take place Digital and Technology Solutions Professionals (DTSPs) are influencing outcomes and making things happen.

DTSPs are found in small, medium and large organisations across all industries such as banking and finance, digital and technology, communications, construction, education, utilities, engineering, law, manufacturing, health, government and public services pharmaceutical, retail and transport.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to evaluate, initiate, create and support business solutions using digital technology. DTSPs use data to evaluate the commercial and security risks and benefits of potential digital and technology solutions before making recommendations for strategies that may have far reaching consequences.

DTSPs are influencers in their organisations with a clear focus on delivering business improvements through digital and technological solutions. They have a passion for digital technology; keeping in touch with emerging trends and developments .

DTSPs have a broad set of skills and knowledge across the main areas of the digital and technology landscape. This enables them to understand the complexity of information systems, systems development, data, cyber security, business organisation, IT project management and computer and network infrastructures . They view all of this with a rigorous approach to commerciality and budget to deliver quality solutions.

In addition to this broad set of skills and knowledge they specialise in one of the following areas:

Option 1: Software Engineer

Option 2: Network Engineer

For example:

In a manufacturing company DTSP Software Engineers could be developing solutions to support the construction of physical products. In a utility company DTSP IT Consultants could be on a remote site to implement a solution for improving energy usage or reducing outages through the application of new technologies. In an engineering company DTSP Business Analysts could be reviewing a change to an engineering process to In a communications company DTSP Network Engineers could be involved in developing additions to an existing national network.

In their daily work DTSPs are excellent communicators and may interact with internal and external customers, team members and senior leaders. They can work independently and within multi-disciplinary teams . They may interact with decision-makers, strategists, and policymakers, often in senior roles in private or public sector organisations as well as with individuals and groups (internal and external) with a stake in the defined system, currently or in the future.

An employee in this occupation is likely to have some responsibility for budgets and/or resources, teams, and projects. In some organisations they may hold leadership positions. Work may typically be conducted in a desk-based environment, but that desk may be in an office or on a site depending on the solution being worked upon.

For example. a DTSP Software Engineer could be working on a client’s site during the development and implementation of a new client system.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working with little or no supervision and may be accountable for the supervision of others if the position requires it.

DTSPs are at the heart of problem solving, bringing an innovative, multi-disciplined approach to bear where there are unpredictable and variable influencing factors. They may have a remit to commission work from others and hold them accountable for outputs of a technical nature. Their professional position within a business means they fulfil a leadership role within their technical specialism demonstrating a strong ethical awareness of technological trends.

A description of each specialism follows:

Option 1) Software Engineer The primary role of the Software Engineer is to undertake all requirements during the solution development life-cycle from gathering requirements to analysis, design, code, build, test, implementation and support. They may also be required to supervise the work of junior software developers and others who may be working on elements of the solution and work with product managers and UX designers in implementing solutions. They will apply software engineering principles to all stages of the solution life-cycle, from gathering requirements, undertaking analysis and design, development of code and data requirements whilst also ensuring security feature are addressed. As well as creating new code, they can support existing code by troubleshooting, reverse engineering and conducting root cause analysis. They typically work as part of a large collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software solutions.

Option 2) Network Engineer The primary role of a network engineer is to lead in the planning, design , installation, maintenance and support of communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. They take a proactive and agile approach to maintain high levels of network performance and availability for their users, such as staff, clients, customers and suppliers. They understand network configuration, cloud, network administration and monitoring tools , and give technical advice and guidance to their users . As part of their role they analyse system requirements to ensure the network and its services operate to desired levels with security at the heart of everything they do . They understand data traffic and transmission across the network and have a major role to play in ensuring network security and resilience . They are the key problem solver when networks fail and respond with resilience under pressure

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include three ‘A’ levels, including maths, or other relevant qualifications or experience.

BSc (Hons) in Digital & Technology Solutions

Module title: Fundamentals of Software Development
Module code: UFCFQM-30-1
Overview: This module aims to provide students with a foundational understanding
of software development principles and practices, including topics such as
programming paradigms, software design principles, algorithms, and data structures,
and testing methodologies.

Module title: Computer Networks and Protocols
Module code: UFCE4N-15-1
Overview: This module introduces the basic features of networks and their
administration. Students will complete a range of practical networking tasks to
reflect the requirements of a networking technician and compile accurate technical
laboratory reports.

Module title: Business Security
Module code: UFCFSM-15-1
Overview: This module provides students with an introduction to the fundamental
principles of Information Technology Security and Risk Management at the
organisational level.

Module title: Database Development
Module code: UFC4EP-15-1
Overview: This module covers the basics of database theory, design and
development and allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of
database design and development, as well as how databases are used practically.

Module title: Professional Practice I
Module code: UFC4EQ-30-1
Overview: This module has been designed as part of a series of three that follow
and document your progress through your professional and in-workplace
development over the course of the programme.
You will be required to research your career path, industry trends and develop a
professional development plan to aid you through this programme and future career.
You will assess your current skills to develop your own informed, Professional
Development Plan. You will be able to communicate your position within the
company hierarchy, and identify key legal responsibilities, legislation and company
polices that may impact your workplace.
This module should be delivered in close collaboration with employers, and may
utilise appraisals, career planning and influence workplace CPD.

For the duration of the apprenticeship, technical competencies will be assessed in the workplace.

A professional development plan will be established with the apprentice, the employer and the assessor to ensure all the required components are completed and demonstrated in a final portfolio of work based projects.

Apprentices will be visited by an assessor throughout the degree in order to review progress and assess competencies.

A training coordinator will visit every quarter to formally review progress with the line manager and the apprentice.

The employer and the assessor will judge when the apprentice is ready for the end point assessment.

Off the job training should be recorded in Smart Assessor.

Types of training that count towards the off the job training. OTJ

The apprentice handbook, available in the Wellbeing tab on Smart Assessor, contains the following useful information:

• Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
• What we expect of you as an apprentice
• What you should expect of us as a training provider
• College Values
• Procedures for college life
• Resources you can access
• Off The Job training and tracking
• Assessment processes including the appeals procedure
• NUS Apprenticeship Membership