What are we offering

The Technicians' Academy has been operating from September 2003 we have been running a full-time two-year course aimed at students who wish to become IT professionals. The core academic elements are the OCR National Level 3 in ICT and the ICT Academy course which includes Cisco specialist courses. Over the two years students will follow the Cisco IT Essentials I and II courses and the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). The Cisco courses are certified by Cisco and are recognised internationally as valuable qualifications. This combination of subjects provides a fantastic opportunity for students to develop a high level of expertise in IT.

Full details of the OCR National ICT course can be found on the OCR website. Information about the Cisco courses can be found on the Cisco Networking Academy Program website.

A very exciting development for 2008 was the introduction of the ICT Academy which students will follow as part of the Technicians' Academy course, this new course incorporates the Cisco modules that the students were already following with some new and interesting modules. This course will (subject to confirmation with the UOP) make it easier for students to gain a place on Univeristy of Plymouth computing courses.

The Cisco modules give students the opportunity to develop skills in the practical as well as theoretical aspects of standalone and networked computers. Students carry out a range of tasks including building a computer, installing operating systems and networking computers. Students learn about all aspects of networking including wireless networking and router technologies. These aspects of the course proved very popular in our first year and our students have developed a high level of confidence and proficiency in fixing computers.

End destination?
We would hope through placements and the contacts we develop students will embark on careers in the IT industry or proceed to higher education at the end of the course. We have developed links with the University of Plymouth and we hope to work closely with the university this year to encourage students who wish to follow a route into higher education. Several of our students are now at University studying IT or computing courses (ranging from computer games design to networking and security) and the rest are in employment or are running their own business.

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