Occupational profile - Information Technology

Core occupational standard

Completion of this apprenticeship will enable you to work across a range of jobs in the IT sector.

You will be able to understand and demonstrate the following core knowledge, skills, behaviours and transversal skills.

Core knowledge

Both pathways (software development and networking infrastructure):

• understand the working environment
• follow appropriate health and safety precautions
• use relevant literature regarding work practices
• fault find
• deal with problems and faults
• use appropriate procedures for moving equipment
• assemble IT equipment

Core skills

Software Development:

• help develop systems
• use software for example C#, Java, HTML, JavaScript
• use appropriate software to help develop software solutions
• manage software applications
• use systems testing
• use software testing
• train users of software
• develop guidance documents
• assist with website creation and development
• manage databases

Networking infrastructure:

• log faults - fault find and fix
• provide technical support
• manage networks
• investigate connectivity issues
• configure routers for use
• address security issues
• handle job requests
• provide first line support and advice within a networked environment
• manage software applications
• update software requests
• create user accounts

Core behaviours

Both pathways (software development and networking infrastructure).

All apprentices will:

• be dependable
• have integrity
• be motivated
• be a team player
• display a solid work ethic
• be punctual
• have a good attitude
• respect authority
• correctly follow procedures
• correctly document the classification and priority of any problem
• apply information leaned to resolve issues
• act to escalate problem solutions in timely manner (with managers, if appropriate)
• comply with standards relating to problem management

Transversal skills

During your apprenticeship, you’ll gain transversal skills.

Self-management - intermediate level

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• accept responsibility for your own actions
• plan your time effectively
• know your limitations and know when to ask for assistance
• look for courses to attend that will improve your work effectiveness
• be open minded about new challenges within work
• assess and evaluate your own work
• multitask
• be motivated

Working with others - intermediate level

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• when appropriate, take the lead role in a group situation
• stay with the team until a problem is solved
• treat other team members with respect
• try and see another’s point of view

Citizenship / participating in society - basic level

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• engage with your community (for example as a volunteer)
• be open to working with different types of people

Work professionalism - intermediate level

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• behave appropriately with a professional manner
• be punctual
• show an interest in your work
• clearly understand the role you are being asked to play
• show respect to work colleagues
• speak appropriately and show loyalty to the work group to which you belong

Problem solving and decision making - advanced level

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• approach faults in a logical, methodical way
• learn from previous mistakes
• try and conceive of new solutions to problems
• be proactive regarding hazards

Numeracy - advanced level

Typical performance evidence will show you can

• be able to handle numerical data presented
• manage numerical data to the benefit of the apprentice role

Digital literacy - advanced level

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• use social media in a work environment

• manage information digitally
• use appropriate specialised software (for example data presented in a spreadsheet)

Communication & literacy - intermediate level

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• use verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• be an effective listener, negotiator, persuader and presenter of information
• greet, in appropriate way with respect to, management, colleagues and clients
• listen
• ask questions about unknown issues and give reasons for your own point of view of the solution
• write logically and present digital information in an appropriate manner
• use specialist terms with confidence

Progression

Level 3 apprentices can progress to an appropriate higher level apprenticeship at level 5 or level 6.

In addition, an apprentice may also progress to a relevant full time or part time higher education programme.

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Pathways can be displayed by splitting NOS into core and optional depending on the occupational profile.

Available NOS

• Level 3 apprenticeship framework - Information Technology