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Apprenticeships

Prospectus 2016 - 2017

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6 reasons to choose an apprenticeship

What great employers could you be working for?

Did you know you don’t need to go to uni to get a degree?

Find your own employer

QA Programmes

Why choose QA

Results day

Life as a QA apprentice

QA Locations

Thanks for taking a look at our prospectus. You’re about to make a very big and exciting decision in your life and I hope that the information contained in the following pages will help you to get it right first time.

When it comes to deciding what to do after school or college, there is often a sense of pressure on young adults to follow the crowd. However, there are so many different paths on offer to you and so it is important to consider all your options. Start by doing as much research as possible - speaking to your careers advisor, family and teachers for advice - but the most important thing to remember when choosing your next step is to ensure that you follow your interests — it’s all about choosing the right path for you.

The digital industry is a highly competitive one and employers are increasingly looking to recruit young people who have proven themselves capable of applying their skills in a fast-paced workplace environment. I’m extremely proud that QA Apprenticeships has been awarded the Microsoft 2016 Worldwide YouthSpark Citizenship Partner of the Year and is named a finalist for Microsoft Learning Partner of Year. The award recognises QA for its incredible work and impact in the UK – empowering young people, providing them with the opportunity to gain IT experience and training that allows them to pursue fulfilling careers in technology.

As an apprentice you will start with a guaranteed job so you can learn, work and earn money and start your career from the minute you join. You will get the skills that the IT industry needs right now and I believe that this is the key reason why 92% of apprentices who graduate from QA go on to secure permanent employment after completing their programme. I invite you to look through this prospectus, and I sincerely hope that I shall have the pleasure of meeting you in person in the near future.

Ben Pike Director, QA Apprenticeships

6 REASONS TO CHOOSE AN APPRENTICESHIP

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You will be earning while learning

You can look forward to that monthly pay cheque and start to build up your savings! Not only will you not have any university debt (an extra £27,000 in your pocket) you’ll also be earning up to £250 per week.

Be at the cutting edge of it

An apprenticeship offers you the chance to be at the forefront of an industry leading company, you can gain this experience in a global company years before all of those graduates.

Gain qualifications This is the perfect time to add as many relevant qualifications to your CV that will help progress your career from day one. Employers will be impressed that you are driven and this will give you a head start when you look for a full-time job.

Stay ahead of graduates

The main struggle graduates have is that they do not have any practical experience to show off their amazing knowledge. An apprenticeship solves this problem by giving you the chance to learn, receive all the experience you need and help you network with major employers.

Develop your skillset

You can broaden the skills you already have and pick up new ones. Also you will learn first-hand what it is like to be in a workplace and how to develop your practical and interpersonal skills.

Proven career progression Apprenticeships are designed with progression routes built-in. You can progress all the way up to Degree level and build up years of work experience large employers are looking for.

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GET A DEBT-FREEDEGREE

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University of RoehamptonThe BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions Degree is an Apprenticeship Degree, delivered in partnership with the University of Roehampton. Not only was Roehampton ranked as the best modern university in all three major UK league tables in 2016, including the Guardian University Guide, it’s also been ranked in the Research Excellence Framework (2014) as the most research-intensive modern UK university.

The degree programme is delivered through a blended learning model, which means you’ll be able to combine online learning with face-to-face workshops at QA’s city centre training locations. You’ll be studying alongside, and collaborating with fellow QA apprentices who are also working towards their degree, and your work placement will enable you to put theory into practice straight away and use real-life workplace scenarios to underpin your studies.

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Master the world’s most popular technologies.Designed to give school and college leavers a strong technical grounding.

(Degree apprenticeship available with University of Roehampton)

IT Systems & Networking

Harness the power of online media. Understand and influence online customer behaviour to drive a business forward – a great career for creative and analytical minds.

Digital Marketing

QA PROGRAMMES

Shape the future of technology. This programme turns enthusiastic geeks and bedroom hackers into coding masters.

(Degree apprenticeship available with University of Roehampton)

Software & Web Development

Support organisations in a huge variety of roles. This programme is designed to develop an apprentice into an efficient and capable member of a support team.

Business

Shaping the managers of tomorrow. This programme is designed to develop apprentices quickly into confident and capable project leaders.

Project Management


You should consider a career in IT Systems and Networking if…

You have an interest in IT coding and/or business or perhaps you simply enjoy searching for new technology or the latest gadgets.

Overview

Our IT Systems and Networking Advanced to Higher apprenticeship combines high-quality classroom training with on-the-job experience, to develop your real world skills using the most popular IT technologies.

This is the ‘pre-degree’ programme on our degree track — progression routes are available at the end of the Advanced to Higher apprenticeship, allowing apprentices to study to degree level.

The programme teaches you:

• How to install, configure and upgrade software• Networking principles• Testing, maintaining and working with ICT hardware, equipment and systems• Providing customer support in an IT environment• ICT systems and data security• Technical fault diagnosis

Programme duration

England• 30-36 months

(with the opportunity to step off after 12-15 months if continuing study isn’t right for you)

Scotland• 16-24 months

IT Systems and Networking


Qualifications gained

England• Advanced Apprenticeship Infrastructure Technician Level 3

(Equivalent to A-level educational level)• MTA Networking Fundamentals• MTA Mobility and Devices Fundamentals• MTA Cloud Fundamentals• Choice of two Microsoft MOC on Demand courses (one in part 1 and one in part 2)• Higher Apprenticeship Network Engineer Level 4

(Equivalent to first year of degree study)• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) – Administering and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2

Scotland• SQA SCQF 6 Diploma in ICT and Telecommunication Professional

(Equivalent to working at Advanced Higher\HNC level)• SQA SCQF 8 Diploma in ICT and Telecommunication Professional

(Equivalent to second year of degree study)• Vendor qualifications including Microsoft and Cisco

Entry requirements

England• Enthusiasm for a career in IT!• Ideally 5 GCSEs (C and above) or equivalent – including Maths and English

Scotland• 5 Standard Grades (Level 1 - 3) or 5 National Level 5 Grades - both including Maths and English

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You can progress from GCSE to degree

QA’s apprenticeship programmes are designed with progression routes, from GCSE level right up to attaining a full degree, giving you the option to progress your career as far as you want. After completing our Advanced to Higher apprenticeship, you can progress straight onto our Degree apprenticeship. On completing the Degree apprenticeship you will get a BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital & Technology Solutions from the University of Roehampton.

You should consider a career in Software and Web Development if...You see yourself as an analytical thinker who has an interest in IT or perhaps you enjoy coding in your spare time.

OverviewOur Software and Web Development Advanced to Higher apprenticeship programme gives you the qualifications, skills and technical grounding in the most popular technologies and programming languages, relevant to the wide range of activities involved with Software and Web Development. This is the ‘pre-degree’ programme on our degree track – progression routes are available at the end of the Advanced to Higher apprenticeship, allowing you to study to degree level.


• C#/Java fundamentals• Software and systems development• Database modelling• Programming• How to test systems• How to provide technical advice and guidance• Web development

Programme duration




Software and Web Development



England• Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles

(Equivalent to A-level educational level)• Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence

(Equivalent to A-level educational level)• Level 4 Diploma for ICT Professionals – Systems and Principles

(Equivalent to first year of degree study)• Level 4 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence

(Equivalent to first year of degree study)• Microsoft vendor qualification in software development fundamentals (C# track only)

Scotland• SQA SCQF 6 Diploma in ICT and Telecommunication Professional

(Equivalent to working at Advanced Higher\HNC level)• SQA SCQF 8 Diploma in ICT and Telecommunication Professional

(Equivalent to second year of degree study)• Vendor qualifications in Microsoft, Java or Open Source dependent on the chosen track

Entry requirements

England • Enthusiasm for a career in IT! • 7 GCSEs (C and above) or equivalent – including Maths and English

Scotland • 5 Standard Grades (Level 1 - 3) or 5 National Level 5 grades - both including Maths and English

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You can progress from GCSE to degree QA’s apprenticeship programmes are designed with progression routes, from GCSE level right up to attaining a full degree, giving you the option to progress your career as far as you want. After completing our Advanced to Higher apprenticeship, you can progress straight onto our Degree apprenticeship. On completing the Degree apprenticeship you will get a BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital & Technology Solutions from the University of Roehampton.

You should consider a career in Digital Marketing if…

Your favourite school subjects include Media, IT, English or Creative Writing or perhaps you enjoy blogging, browsing through social media or surfing the web on a daily basis absorbing fun content from companies such as Buzzfeed or Snapchat.

Overview

Our Digital Marketing Advanced apprenticeship programme combines classroom training and on-the-job work experience to transform you into a skilled digital marketing professional. We will equip you with the real-world skills you need to tackle a varied and fast-paced role.


• How to build and promote a website• Email marketing • Social media strategy• How to use industry-leading graphics and video editing tools from Adobe• Data, metrics and analysis using tools including Google Analytics• Search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising

Digital Marketing


Programme duration

• 12-14 months


England• Level 3 Diploma in Digital Marketing

(Equivalent to A-level educational level)• Adobe ACA qualification in one of the following software: Photoshop, Premier Pro, • Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Flash Professional, InDesign

Scotland• SCQF6 Diploma in Digital Marketing

(Equivalent to working at Advanced Higher/HNC level)

Entry requirements

England • Enthusiasm for a career in marketing!• Ideally 5 GCSEs (C and above) or equivalent – including Maths and English

Scotland• 5 Standard Grades (Level 1 - 3) or 5 National Qualifications (Grades A to C)

– both including Maths and English

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You should consider a career in Business Administration if…

If you have an interest in Business, Economics and Critical Thinking and have a professional, positive and proactive in approach.

Overview

Our Business Advanced to Higher programme gives you the qualifications, skills and practical experience to take on a range of administration-based roles. These skills are further developed to prepare you to take on more responsibility as you gain a higher level of management and business understanding.


• Effective communication skills• Data input, presentation and analysis• Basic finance and budget management skills• Key principles of business and administration

Programme duration




Business Administration



England• Level 3 Diploma in Business and Administration

(Equivalent to A-Level education level)• Level 4 Diploma in Business and Professional Administration

(Equivalent to first year of degree study)• Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Business Administration

Scotland• SQA Level 3 Diploma in Business and Administration

(Equivalent to working at Advanced Higher/HNC level)

Entry requirements

England • Enthusiasm for a career in Business • Ideally 5 GCSEs (C and above) or equivalent – including Maths and English

Scotland • 5 Standard Grades (Level 1 - 3) or 5 National Level 5 Grades – including Maths and English

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You should consider a career in Project Management if…

You have an interest in Business, Economics or Critical Thinking or simply enjoy organising and planning projects and events.

Overview

Our Project Management Higher apprenticeship programme, accredited by the Association of Project Managers (APM), combines high-quality classroom training with on-the-job experience to transform you into a skilled project manager.

The Higher programme prepares you to plan and order internal or customer-facing projects on time and on budget.


• The principles behind successful project management• Effective communication• Stakeholder management• How to work with people and resources to complete projects on time

and on budget• Leadership skills

Project Management


Programme duration

England• 18 months (Equivalent to first year of degree study)

Scotland• 18 months

Our Higher apprenticeship programme lasts approximately 2 years, during which you’ll gain a • Level 4 qualification


England• Level 4 Diploma in Project Management

(Equivalent to first year of degree study)

Scotland• SCQF8 Diploma in Project Management

(Equivalent to second year of degree study)

Entry requirements

England• A level or Level 3 qualification in a similar subject or an existing

project management award e.g. PRINCE2®

Scotland• 5 Standard grades (Level 1 - 3) OR 5 National Qualifications (Grades A to C) –

both qualifications must include Maths and English and 2 Highers (Grades A to C)

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PROGRAMMEDETAILS

Programme QualificationDegree

available?Duration(months)

Entryrequirements

IT Systems &Network


ProjectManagement

Digital Marketing

Business

Advancedto Higher

Advancedto Higher

Higher

Advanced

Higher

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

30-36(48-54 for degree)

30-36(48-54 for degree)

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12-14

30-36

5 GCSEs(C and above)


A levels(Level 3 qualification)



England

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Programme QualificationDegree

available?Duration(months)

Entryrequirements

IT Systems &Network


ProjectManagement

Digital Marketing

Business

Advancedto Higher

Advancedto Higher

Higher

Advanced

Higher

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

16-24

16-24

18

12-14

9-12

5 Standards (Level 1-3) or 5 National 5 grades





Scotland


Becoming an apprentice doesn’t have to mean turning down the opportunity to study towards a degree. Our partnership with the University of Roehampton simply means that you’ll be able to work towards that degree whilst earning money, gaining the practical skills that are so keenly sought by employers, and being supported all the way by the UK’s leading IT and professional training provider.

In five years’ time, while your friends are all counting their debt and wondering how to kick-start their careers, you will be looking ahead with confidence and certainty; debt-free and with a career pathway already clearly mapped out in front of you.

DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS

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Cisco is one of the world’s leading technology companies and their apprentices are at the cutting edge of their exciting technology; working alongside a talented team to design, test, and deploy solutions for their clients.

Microsoft is the leading producer of computer systems and one of the most established and recognised brands globally. Microsoft’s apprenticeship programme turns IT enthusiasts into world class IT professionals.

GREAT EMPLOYERS YOU COULD WORK FORIt’s not just you that benefits from a QA apprenticeship; many of the UK’s most forward-thinking employers now view apprentices as the lifeblood of their organisation. QA has a network of over 1,500 employers, from fun and funky local agencies to huge multinational corporations. Our employer partners look to energise their workforce with apprentices who have a real appetite for work.

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HPE has created two new apprenticeship programmes; Technical IT and IT Sales. These are incredible opportunities for talented young people with a passion for technology to develop into qualified IT professionals who can support businesses across the globe.

Atos is a global leader in digital services, with revenue of circa €12bn and over 100,000 employees in 72 countries. Apprentices form a crucial part of Atos’s Systems Integration and Managed Services teams who provide mission-critical support to their clients.

QA apprentices are currently honing their skills at companies up and down the country at business giants like Oracle and British Gas; as well as some of the UK’s most entrepreneurial businesses. Our vast employer client base ensures that we help you to find the job that suits your talent, personality and passion!


FIND YOUROWN EMPLOYER

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The friendly QA placement team will work with our vast employer network to match you up with the right company for you.

However we know that many of you will have local business connections yourselves and we encourage you to approach these businesses to see if they want to take you on as an apprentice. Maybe a family friend is an IT director at a small local business near you or the summer internship you were interested in might want to take you on as full time staff...? QA will train you if they employ you.

How does it work?

It really is as simple as it sounds…

• Do you know someone who is considering taking on an apprenticeship? • Do you have a relative or family friend whose company could benefit from an apprentice? • Does your school or college have an IT department or office role? • Have you come across an ideal digital job that’s not advertised on QA Apprenticeships?

If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, then we can help you secure an apprenticeship opportunity with them.

What can I do next?

All you need to do is let us know. We will speak with the employer to help get you started on your apprenticeship journey.

After you’ve applied...


WHYCHOOSEQA

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We are the first IT apprenticeships business to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in all 3 of the following categories: Outcomes for Learners; Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment; Leadership and Management.

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

We’re award winners and so are our apprentices

Proven career progression

We have twice won the coveted Apprenticeship Programme of the Year award and have been awarded the Microsoft 2016 Youth Spark Citizenship Award.Our apprentices have also won the Microsoft Apprentice of the Year award three times.

92% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing their programme. This is 20% higher than the national average.

92%


Our unique learning styleOur programme is delivered via a blended approach – giving apprentices time in the classroom alongside online resources to support their development. QA apprentices haveaccess to an online learning portal where they get:

• Pre-reading material before they start a module, so they come to the classroom prepared and can make the most of their face-to-face training. • Daily tests and mock exams to help embed their learning and gain confidence for their assessments. • Post-reading content if they need to recap anything they have learnt.

Support from day one

A dedicated resourcer will be your point of contact when you first apply. They will give you all the information you need to know and will spend time getting to know you and your interests to make sure they match you up with the right role.

Once you have started, a QA Technical Skills Coach will visit you every 6-8 weeks to guide you through your apprenticeship journey plan, helping you with your workplace units, teaching you about the workplace environment and providing feedback for planning each unit. They will also be there as your point of contact for any questions or help you need— such as adjusting to the world of work, or help balancing your studies with work activity.

You will also meet a number of QA Tutors who are experts in their subject areas and will be delivering the learning side of your programme in our QA training centres. Your tutors have outstanding insight to pass onto you about your units and they will teach you all there is to know about the theoretical/competency side of your apprenticeship programme. They are also on-hand to prepare you for assessments, mark your assignments and provide you with feedback. Additionally they will also support you for the end point of your apprenticeship which may be a project or an interview (depending on your programme).

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From the moment you choose to become a QA apprentice you’ll be welcomed into the QA family and be given all the support you need to ensure that you enjoy the experience, make the right decisions, and realise your full potential. Our Learner Services team will support you with:

Safeguarding

We want you to enjoy a safe, positive working and learning environment throughout your time with us. Our safeguarding team will be on-hand to support you at all times; whether you’re studying with us, at work, or even at home.

Finance

Being responsible for your own finances is going to be a steep learning curve. We can help by assessing your finances, providing clear guidance on your next steps, and even providing financial support in certain instances.

Additional support for all our apprentices


Careers advice From helping you to fine-tune your CV, creating action plans, and negotiating job offers, Learner Services will be on-hand to ensure you know what to do in order to progress in your chosen career path

Home life

As you strike out into the wider world you’ll be grappling with all kinds of things for the first time. From applying for council housing, rents and mortgages, through to completing tax forms and dealing with relationship problems, we’ll be here to support you all the way.

Aftercare

When you complete your apprenticeship we’ll still be here to ensure you get the most from your career. We can provide further training, references, and confirmation of work history, or you can enhance your CV by becoming a QA Ambassador.

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RESULTSDAY

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Applying to become a QA apprentice is really straightforward, plus we have apprenticeship jobs starting all year round so there’s absolutely no need to wait. Before you apply, you just need to ensure you meet the following criteria:

• You’re passionate about your chosen programme area

• You’re between 16 and 24 years old

• You have (or are projected to achieve) 5 A-C GCSEs / 5 Standards (Level 1-3) or National Level 5 grades

Do you tick all those boxes? If yes, you are ready to secure your conditional offer with QA Apprenticeships.

How to prepare for upcoming results


Steps to secure your conditional offer1. Apply online: Simply visit www.apprenticeships.qa.com/apprentices

2. Screening: Our expert advisors will get in touch with you to talk through your CV, offer their advice, and help you find the best apprenticeship for you.

3. Job Interview: Don’t worry if it’s your first interview; our team will help you prepare and guide you through the process so that you smash it!

4. Start your dream career.

“QA has helped me completely restructure my life plans, finding a job was so much quicker

than I had expected the process to take”

QA apprentice

Are you worried that by becoming a QA apprentice you’ll miss out on the university lifestyle? Or is the prospect of working in a fast-paced business environment daunting? Here’s a snapshot of everyday life from our apprentices to put your mind at ease.

LIFE AS A QA APPRENTICE


Getting started

“QA helped me secure a great job with excellent benefits. I am on a good starting wage already, have no debt and am on track to getting a pay rise.”

Kate Tunstall, QA Apprentice

A fun, dynamic learning environment

“I had a brilliant time at the QA training centre and I’m still friends with a lot of my class mates. The tutors had a great teaching style and the labs were exciting to work in.”

Richard Harding, QA Apprentice

Financial independence

“The best thing about my apprenticeship so far is the amount of money I have saved up. I bought my first car and now I live with my friends in an apartment near my work. How many other 20 year olds can say they have all that. Its definitely a proud moment for me”

Pav Dhillon, QA Apprentice

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Getting stuck in at work…

“Being surrounded by a supportive group of industry professionals made me more ambitious, improved my work ethic, and now I’m always striving to achieve new goals and reach new career heights.”

Steven Jeeves, QA Apprentice

Being supported every step of the way…

“I absolutely love coming in to work every day. The people I work with have been fantastic mentors… they are always on hand to answer any questions I’ve got, and they are always willing to assist in my studies in any way possible.”

Helen Kerr, QA Apprentice

Work-life balance

Since starting my apprenticeship I am able to socialise more on the weekends with my own money! It’s made me so much more independent and allowed me to make new friends and become more confident in my work environment.

Chloe Jones, Business Administration apprentice


Our offices can be found throughout the UK so no matter where you are, you can start your IT, Tech & digital career right now near you. Our local expert advisers can help find the best apprenticeship for you!

LOCATIONS

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Edinburgh

Leeds

Manchester

Birmingham

Bristol Reading

Slough

London

Brighton

Cambridge

Glasgow

Newcastle upon Tyne

Aberdeen


0345 074 7825 apprenticeships.qa.com [email protected]

Apprenticeships

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