Train towards employment and career development
IDEA offers:
- high quality skills development supported by world class delivery partners
- high value awards and qualifications
- innovative delivery methods which support individual professional and career development and achievement
IDEA offers a unique skills escalator from Apprenticeships, through Foundation Degree and Undergraduate and Post Graduate provision. Qualificatory outcomes are underpinned by world class providers, whether universities, colleges or private sector providers, and give individuals the tools to succeed in the economy of the future.
To see what some of our existing apprentices have been up to look at their newsletter.
Newsletter 11
Newsletter 10
Newsletter 9
Newsletter 8
Newsletter 7
Newsletter 6
Newsletter 5
Newsletter 4
Newsletter 3
Newsletter 2
Newsletter 1
For details on the courses available within the skills escalator please click on one of the links below:
Apprenticeship Scheme | Undergraduate Scheme | Post Graduate Scheme |
The IDEA Apprenticeship Scheme
The IDEA Apprenticeship Scheme (IAS) is an exciting new opportunity to complete an IT Professionals Apprenticeship whilst being employed in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Unlike many other apprenticeship schemes, IDEA apprentices work and study with other trainees while benefiting from the input of IT professional staff and expert tutors from Suffolk New College.
As an apprentice, you will be required to be working in an IT related role to complete the apprenticeship. For those applicants not currently working, IDEA will help find a suitable placement.
Entry Requirements
Typically you will need 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths and English, or a First Diploma for IT Practitioners with a pass profile as well as Key/Functional Skills Communications & Numeracy at Level 2.
You will need to have a desire to work in IT and previous experience (paid, voluntary or through personal interest) will be advantageous in helping secure a work-placement.
Outcome
Upon completion of your apprenticeship you will have successfully completed:
- A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3;
- A Level 3 Technical Certificate (equivalent to two ‘A’ Levels);
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Communication & Numeracy (if necessary).
This will mean you are ideally placed to progress onto Foundation Degree programmes and IDEA will support successful apprentices consider university progression opportunities if you so choose.
Course Content
You will start your apprenticeship at Adastral Park (BT’s main site located in Martlesham). As part of the induction, you will have the opportunity to network with other apprentices and to meet the staff involved in the programme while spending time studying the basics in areas such as employability skills and information systems.
Upon completion of the induction, you will begin studying your Technical Certificate on a day-release basis. The course is unit based and you will study twelve units covering computer systems, information systems, software development, systems analysis, database management, software applications and website management. There is also the opportunity to study the CISCO Certified Network Associate 1 – Networking Basics qualification.
You will spend most of your time (approximately four days per week) in your workplace. Through your work placement you will develop a broad portfolio of skills gaining experience in the organisation which will help you achieve your NVQ. Your assessor will be able to guide you through the NVQ process.
How will I be assessed?
The Technical Certificates uses a variety of ways to complete assessment including coursework, presentations and group work. There are several assignments during each year and an organised approach is needed to ensure that you maintain the standard required. All coursework is assessed by your tutors and the continuous feedback will enable you to improve during the programme.
For the NVQ, you will build a portfolio of evidence to show your performance and knowledge. You will be observed and assessed in the work place by a qualified assessor who as well as assessing will advise and guide you through the qualification. This process will be audited by internal and external verifiers.
Those required to complete functional skills will work with their NVQ assessor on an individual basis.
Cost & Rewards
Apprenticeships are government sponsored programmes so if you are aged between 16 and 25 you will have no fees to pay if you meet the criteria.
Employers are local businesses who will support you through your apprenticeship allowing you time to achieve your NVQ and releasing you to complete your Technical Certificate. In return for your hard work and commitment they will pay you no less than £95 per week.
You will be required to purchase textbooks to study. These are typically in the region of £25 and may be available second hand. There will also be the opportunity to attend various events which you may be required to fund.
Applying to the Scheme
We are currently looking for apprentices to fill a number of exciting roles. To see some of the vacancies we currently have please click here. If you are interested in applying to the scheme you will need to complete an application form available by clicking here.”
This will be a semi-formal interview where you will be asked why you would like to be on the scheme and what area(s) of IT you wish to develop your career.
IDEA will then begin matching your application with employers to secure your work-placement. This could be before, during or after your induction to the scheme. If you already employed and would like to join the scheme with your current employer please call 01473 382 456.
Timescale
The apprenticeship will normally take between eighteen months and two years to complete and you will progress at a speed appropriate to you.
Applicants joining the scheme who already have an appropriate Level 3 Technical Certificate are normally able to complete their NVQ within twelve months.
The IDEA Undergraduate Scheme
Further details coming soon, please email undergraduate@ideawebsite.co.uk to register your interest
IDEA Post Graduate Scheme
Further details coming soon, please email postgraduate@ideawebsite.co.uk to register your interest