Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship

What knowledge and skills are covered?

The Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship will consist of:

There are 5 technical modules within this programme, covering the following:

• Networking and Architecture – understand the nature of wired and wireless networks, basic configuration and architecture of computer systems and the security requirements
• Mobiles and Operating Systems – understand the benefits of different operating systems and the remote deployment, operation and secure integration of mobile devices.
• Cloud Services – understand the different cloud and cloud services as well as disaster recovery
• Coding and Logic – understand the features and application of coding and logic as required fir someone in a support role
• Business Processes – understand the business processes and security requirements that apply to IT support and the common IT skills and services that are required to support business operations.

Completing the above modules will enable the learner to sit for the CompTIA A+ exam although that is not a requirement for completion of the apprenticeship.

Additionally, a range of core behaviours such as team working, effective communication, time management, workplace productivity, professionalism and safety, will be developed.

What are the entry requirements?

Individual employers may set their own selection criteria, but is likely to include 5 GCSEs (A” -C) with English, Maths and a Science or Technology subject. Alternatively, a relevant Level 2 apprenticeship and experience; or an aptitude test with a focus on IT skills.

How often do I have to attend college?

The modules will be delivered through a mix of on the job and off the job training. Off the job training can be via classroom sessions or web based remote learning.

Attendance at college will be required for the class room based sessions but these will be a maximum of a one day a week and for a duration of 38 weeks.

How will I be assessed?

Apprentices will have their knowledge and skills formally assessed at relevant times during their apprenticeship by a range of tests and practical exercises. This will ensure they are ready to progress through a “Gateway” for the final assessment which is carried out by an end-point assessor who is independent of the employer and Colchester Institute

. This assessment will include

• a portfolio, “showcasing” all the knowledge and skills covered in the 5 modules
• a pre-defined project undertaken in controlled environment to cover a selected set of skills and knowledge
• a Reference from the employer covering how the employer has viewed the apprenticeship in terms of behaviour and performance.
• A final Interview with the Independent End Point Assessor to gather further evidence of learning and to complement the previous three methods. The concluding assessment will then lead to an overall grading decision – pass, merit or distinction.

This readiness to progress to the endpoint assessment will be decided by the employer and Colchester Institute.

What can I do next?

Successful candidates may progress onto a higher apprenticeship or gain full-time employment.

How is my business going to benefit from an Apprentice?

How can I fit this apprentice into my business?

Regardless of whether you are large or small employer, an Infrastructure Technician Apprentice will benefit your business in several ways:

They will have been trained and assessed against a wide range of specially targeted technical skills that can help you set up and maintain an effective and secure IT infrastructure for your business; and be able to deal a wide range of routine and non-routine problems.

Employer groups, representing a wide range of UK businesses, have collectively identified the skills required for this apprenticeship and therefore you can be assured the skills learnt represent industry best practice. They also reflect technology development and practice, both now and in the immediate future.

The above, coupled with our highly experienced apprenticeship delivery team, will ensure that your apprentice will be able to help your business use communications technology more effectively.

Attention will have been also paid to developing their behavioural, thinking, team working and communication skills to ensure that the apprentice is able to contribute effectively in the modern workplace.

The final assessment process which is both independent and broad based will ensure that only apprentices that have shown genuine learning and competence across all areas, both technical and behavioural, will have been successful. They will also be graded on their performance adding to the motivation level and will encourage the apprentices to strive for excellence.

What will this cost my business?

Does the apprentice have to attend college?

The modules will be delivered through a mix of on the job and off the job training. Off the job training can be via classroom sessions or web based remote learning.

Attendance at college will be required for the class room based sessions but these will be a maximum of a one day a week and for a duration of 38 weeks

How is the apprentice assessed?

Apprentices will have their knowledge and skills formally assessed at relevant times during their apprenticeship by a range of tests and practical exercises. This will ensure they are ready to progress through a “Gateway” for the final assessment which is carried out by an end-point assessor who is independent of the employer and Colchester Institute.

This assessment will include

• a portfolio, “showcasing” all the knowledge and skills covered in the 5 modules
• a pre-defined project undertaken in controlled environment to cover a selected set of skills and knowledge
• a Reference from the employer covering how the employer has viewed the apprenticeship in terms of behaviour and performance.
• A final Interview with the Independent End Point Assessor to gather further evidence of learning and to complement the previous three methods. The concluding assessment will then lead to an overall grading decision – pass, merit or distinction.

This readiness to progress to the endpoint assessment will be decided by the employer and Colchester Institute.

What about support in the workplace?

Once they have started their programme, the apprentice will require mentoring and help in satisfying the requirements for endpoint assessment. This will involve: assisting the apprentice in assembling the portfolio to ensure that it meets the entire standard and is to a good quality; working with CI to choose a suitable project that will demonstrate the learning and allow the learner to carry out the project outside day-to-day work; provide a reference letter setting out your view on the quality of the apprentice’s work.

Why should I choose Colchester Institute to support my recruitment and retention?