Digital & Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship - Level 6

A digital and technology solutions professional is responsible for developing and maintaining digital and technology strategies and processes within an organisation.

This occupation is found in organisations where digital technologies can be used to solve problems that exist across a range of functions. This could be to reduce waste, increase productivity, ensure resilient and responsive customer service, or create a secure transactional environment.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to evaluate, initiate, create and support business solutions using digital technology.

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.

Who is it for?

IT professionals working in one of the specialist routes across all sectors. Specific job roles may include Software Engineer; IT Consultant; Business Analyst; Cyber Security Analyst; Data Analyst; Network Engineer.

Location: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration: 3 years plus 6 months for the Apprenticeship Assessment
Start date(s): September / October

Enquire now

Course content

This apprenticeship will cover core computing fundamentals such as digital technologies, network concepts, cyber security, programming, software development and cloud computing. Enabling apprentices to be competent IT professionals and confident in designing and building technology solutions.

We cater for 6 specialist routes relating to the apprentice's job role. We offer Cyber Security Analyst, Business Analyst, Data Analyst, IT Consultant, Network Engineer and Software Engineer.

Our facilities also include the latest industry-standard equipment, and we have industry expert academics and regular guest lecturers. All teaching is done so from a real-world perspective, taking into consideration apprentice's knowledge and work place experience to make learning relevant and applicatory.

Modules

Year 1:

Data and Business Analysis
Networks and Hardware
Software Fundamentals
Cyber Fundamentals
Introduction to AI & ML
Mathematics, Statistics and Collaborative Research

Year 2:

Cloud Architecture
Low Code Software Development
Work Based Project and Professional Development

Year 3:

Digital and Technology Solutions Specialism Learning by Negotiation
Technology Strategy, Management & Leadership
Project Proposal

Specialism modules allocated in year 2 and 3 dependent on chosen route

Entry requirements

To be eligible, apprentices will need to provide evidence of the following:

Achievement of Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent) OR demonstrate ability at Level 2 in both Maths and English, this would be determined by an initial assessment conducted by University of Staffordshire.
Level 3 or above qualification equivalent to 112 UCAS points or relevant work experience

Where an organisation has prospective apprentices with workplace experience who do not meet the above level 3 qualifications, these will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £27,000 per apprentice.

For non-levy paying organisations there may be a financial contribution of 5% which equates to £1,350 per apprentice.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

This programme is delivered as a block release model including block face-to-face delivery on campus each semester, complimented by online webinars weekly.

Assessment

Throughout the apprenticeship a variety of assessment methods could be used, these include:

Written assignments
Examinations
Reflective activities
Group assessments
Presentations
Professional discussions
Academic assignments
Critical analysis

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support provided by the course teaching team, our central Academic Skills Team provide resources, group and one-to-one help to support learning in a number of areas. These include:

study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
academic writing (including how to reference)
research skills
critical thinking and understanding arguments
revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

The Student Life Team offer support, advice and guidance to apprentices with inclusion requirements. The team can arrange reasonable adjustments to support with learning needs, long term health condition, mental health condition or disabilities

Feedback

Progress feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, written feedback will be made available to all apprentices who take written examinations or assessments.

Responsibilities

Employers must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning.
Ensure apprentices spend at least 6 hours per week of their time on off-the-job training.
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire.
Participate in reviews with the apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones.
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice.
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning.
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Recognise that apprentices must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours.
Support the apprentice to gain new skills.

If they are a citizen of the UK or a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area with Pre-settled or Settled status, they must have been an ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
If they are a non UK national or EEA National without pre-settled or settled status, they must hold a visa (not for educational purposes) for the full duration of the apprenticeship at the start of the programme and been an ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours.
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning.
Be in a job role relevant for the apprenticeship where significant new knowledge and skills are required.
Be in full-time employment for typically 30 hours a week.
Has the right to work in England.
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs.
Not enrolled on another apprenticeship or accessing other government funding at the same time.
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones.

Administer the funding and running of the Apprenticeship Standard to an acceptable level of quality and in compliance with the DfE’s requirements.
Agree jointly between the University, the Employer and Apprentice, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard.
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the Apprentice.
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP.
Provide support on selection of the apprenticeship assessor, if applicable. The apprenticeship assessment will be completed by University of Staffordshire for all integrated degrees.

Careers

Upon completion of this apprenticeship, apprentices will be fully competent in their chosen field and ready to continue their work as a digital and technology solutions professional. They may wish to consider further postgraduate study within their chosen field.

Apprentices will also have access to career support, our dedicated careers team can support with professional branding, career mapping and accessing potential.

Facilities

Networking Labs

The networking labs consist of three fully equipped Cisco labs with around 340 devices, plus a Juniper set-up which can be incorporated into courses. Read more

Find out more about our networking facilities.

Watch video

Software Development Tools

You'll have access to development environments for desktop, mobile and enterprise applications as well as access to common IDE’s Visual Studio, Visual Code and Rider, with the ability to test and deploy to a range of devices and configurations.

Cyber/Biometrics Lab

Our Cyber Lab contains dual screen PCs bound within a dedicated isolated network. Our in-house developed virtual machines and environment enables several types of cyber protection to be developed, and ethical hacking investigations to take place. Read more

Find out more: Networks and Cyber Security.

Watch video

Enquire

To join a higher degree apprenticeship programme or recruit an apprentice for your business, enquire with us today.

Enquire now