Career Area
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ICT (Information and Communications Technology) is a growth area and there are lot of different jobs on offer for those who are qualified. IT is sometimes known as ICT (Information and Communications Technology). IT specialists work in most sectors such as Engineering, Construction, Business and Manufacturing. Many organisations rely heavily on their computer installations for their day to day work.
Jobs in the IT sector may be very technical - such as software developer or technical support. Some require high levels of creativity, and nearly all need good organisational and problem solving skills and commercial awareness.(Source: jobs4u)
This section suggests different career routes for just four examples of jobs:
Click above to go to the Diplomas
You can get your qualifications by taking vocational courses or studying while in employment as well as by the more traditional full time education route. The important thing is to choose a route that suits you.
Remember these are career pathways, and you usually take a break from study and get on or off the pathway at any point!
Mature students are advised to talk to their local nextstep provider, and to contact local colleges and universities to discuss their entry requirements.
Additional sources of information
The Sector Skills Council for IT, Telecoms and Contact Centres is e-skills UK www.e-skills.com
For specific information on Apprenticeships in ICT
www.e-skills.com/apprenticeships
www.e-skills.com/apprenticeships
Once in your job there are lots of opportunities for Continuing Professional Development, including developing higher level management skills or studying for a professional qualification such as Marketing. Many of these opportunities are through the British Computer Society www.bcs.org.uk
ISEB professional qualifications www.iseb.org.uk cover all major areas including Management, Development, Service Delivery and Quality
The e-skills Passport www.e-skillspassport.com helps you look at your work-based IT and technology skills, and build a personal development plan with relevant qualifications
Several private organisations offer short courses by distance learning which can be taken while working.
What else should I be doing?
There's a lot you can do to help you with your ICT career:
- join a computer club or society
- get part time work/holiday jobs involving ICT
- organise your work experience/placement in a graphic design company
- look for work experience that involves customer service
- take part in Aimhigher activities such as summer schools
- consider volunteering - such as helping to write local newsletters
- improve your keyboard skills
- improve your teamwork and personal (key) skills
- develop your problem solving skills
- take part in enterprise activities to develop your commercial skills
- keep up to date by reading industry magazines such as Computer Weekly www.computerweekly.com
- consider student membership of the British Computer Society
- try some distance learning IT courses through learndirect www.learndirect.co.uk