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Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (integrated degree) start date to be advised
The standard governing this apprenticeship is currently under review
Asa consequence the apprenticeship cannot be offered unit the revised standard is issued
This apprenticeship has a duration of 48 months
A Digital & Technology Solutions Professional provides technology enabled solutions to internal and/or external customers, in a range of areas including software, business and systems analysis, cyber security, data analysis and network infrastructure. They implement technology solutions that enable businesses to develop new products and services and to increase an organisations productivity using digital technologies. They are confident, competent and capable independent Technology Solutions Professionals able to operate in a range of related roles. The occupation is based upon a core set of outcomes that will be supplemented by one, and only one, of the specialism areas detailed below that cover the roles identified by employers.
Job roles for this offering include:
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Software Tester
- Application Specialist
- IT project Manager
- IT Consultant
- Network Engineer
- Systems Designer
Core outcomes
Information Systems
Ability to critically analyse a business domain in order to identify the role of information systems, highlight issues and identify opportunities for improvement through evaluating information systems in relation to their intended purpose and effectiveness.
Systems Development
Analyses business and technical requirements to select and specify appropriate technology solutions. Designs, implements, tests, and debugs software to meet requirements using contemporary methods including agile development. Manages the development and assurance of software artefacts applying secure development practises to ensure system resilience. Configures and deploys solutions to end users.
Data management
Identifies organisational information requirements and can model data solutions using conceptual data modelling techniques. Is able to implement a database solution using an industry standard database management system (DBMS). Can perform database administration tasks and is cognisant of the key concepts of data quality and data security. Is able to manage data effectively and undertake data analysis. Cyber Security: can undertake a security risk assessment for a simple IT system and propose resolution advice. Can identify, analyse and evaluate security threats and hazards to planned and installed information systems or services (e.g. Cloud services).
Business Organisation
Applies organisational theory, change management, marketing, strategic practice, human resource management and IT service management to technology solutions development. Develops well- reasoned investment proposals and provides business insights.
IT Project Management
Follows a systematic methodology for initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing technology solutions projects. Applies industry standard processes, methods, techniques and tools to execute projects. Is able to manage a project (typically less than six months, no inter-dependency with other projects and no strategic impact) including identifying and resolving deviations and the management of problems and escalation processes.
Computer and Network Infrastructure
Can plan, design and manage computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context. Identifies network security risks and their resolution.
Specialism Outcomes
Each of the specialisms is set out below. All apprentices will require the core skills and knowledge to be combined with the specialist skills and knowledge to be able to operate effectively in the defined role. The employer will select one, and only one, of the specialisms for the apprentice which is specific to the role the apprentice will be performing.
Software Engineer from 2021
The primary role of a software engineer is to be able to design, build and test high-quality software solutions. The software engineer role is broader and with higher levels of responsibility than a software developer as they need to apply engineering principles to all stages of the software development process, from requirements, analysis and design, development and data requirements whilst ensuring security robustness is built in. They will typically be working as part of a larger collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software projects.
Network Engineer from 2022
The primary role of a network engineer is to design, install, maintain and support communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. They need to maintain high levels of network performance performance and availability for their users, such as staff, clients, customers and suppliers. They will understand network configuration, cloud, network administration and monitoring tools, and be able to give technical advice and guidance. As part of their role they need to be proficient in technology solutions as they will analyse system requirements to ensure the network and its services operate to desired levels. They will need to understand the data traffic and transmission across the network and they have a major role to play in ensuring network security.
Entry Requirements
Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include three ‘A’ levels, including maths, or other relevant qualifications or experience.
Modules - software engineer
| Year | Level | Credits | Module | Specialism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 15 | Business Organisations | |
| 1 | 4 | 30 | Business Information Systems | |
| 1 | 4 | 30 | Fundamentals of Software Development | |
| 1 | 4 | 15 | Academic and Professional Skills | |
| 2 | 4 | 15 | Business Security | |
| 2 | 4 | 15 | Webapp Development | |
| 2 | 5 | 15 | Object Oriented Software Design and Development I | |
| 2 | 5 | 15 | Networking and Security I | |
| 2 | 5 | 15 | Object Oriented Software Design and Development II | Software Engineer |
| 2 | 5 | 15 | Work based experience Project | |
| 3 | 5 | 30 | Data Management | |
| 3 | 5 | 30 | Introduction to Project Management | |
| 3 | 6 | 15 | Professional Project Experience | |
| 3 | 6 | 15 | Technical Writing and Editing | |
| 4 | 6 | 30 | Collaborative Software Development | Software Engineer |
| 4 | 6 | 15 | Advanced Topics in Web Development I | Software Engineer |
| 4 | 6 | 15 | Advanced Topics in Web Development II | Software Engineer |
| 4 | 6 | 30 | Synoptic Project Presentation |
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) in Digital & Technology Solutions
