Digital Application Support Level 2

APPRENTICESHIP

Digital Application Support Level 2

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Diploma in Digital Application Support This framework is for apprentices developing into the role of ‘subject matter expert’ for digital application skills within their workplace. It supports in skill and knowledge development of learners to devise digital solutions, helping colleagues with IT and support the implementation of digital projects in the workplace.

Contents Apprenticeship Framework Level 2 Diploma in Digital Application Support Essential Skills Qualifications Welsh Language Development

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Apprenticeship Framework The aim of the Digital Application Support apprenticeship is to provide learners with the skills and knowledge needed to progress into roles within the IT sector.

The programme prepares learners for roles such as: • Helpdesk support for IT roles • Data support roles • Web development roles • Junior data analyst roles

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This programme is for candidates who will be able to troubleshoot and solve problems using a range of different application software packages as appropriate to the business context in which they are working. They may be supporting a team working digitally, using cloud-based systems and would like to increase their technology awareness. The learner should have responsibilities such as project support, documentation preparation, and data processing using spreadsheet software. There is no formal IT qualification requirement to join at this level.

Overview The course will look at the latest techniques and technological developments within the workplace to drive creativity, productivity and efficiency. Candidates can choose from a range of units, to ensure that they gain the skills needed to make improvements in the workplace.

On completion of this apprenticeship you will achieve the following: • Apprenticeship Level 2 Diploma in Digital Application Support • Level 2 Essential Skills in Application of Number and Communication • Prentis-iaith Welsh Language Development On the following pages, you will find information relating to the main qualification (Level 2 Digital Application Support), as well as other aspects that will make up this apprenticeship programme, including Essential Skills and Welsh Language Development.

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Level 2 Diploma in Digital Application Support This qualification will be completed alongside your work role. You will gather evidence from your work that will be able to be used in your qualification. You will also be required to attend workshops and regular meetings with your assessor.

Length of time to complete We will tailor your learning programmes to suit your needs, so that each learner’s experience is unique. While learner’s needs will be different, the recommended time to complete this programme is 18 months.

Course Delivery This programme will primarily be delivered through 1-to-1 sessions with a member of the ACT delivery team, using remote learning sessions. An ACT assessor will meet with the learner through digital means (for example, Microsoft Teams) once a month for approximately two hours to support progress.

Learners will also be set tasks to complete between each visit, for approximately 4 hours per month (please note – this is just a guide and will vary based on learner needs).

Examples of some of the tasks that might be set by our assessors include: •

‘Provide evidence to demonstrate use of collaborative tools to participate in real-time online meetings’. This may be screenshots of the meeting or the assessor may observe you.

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‘Describe the stages of the project life cycle’. This will be evidenced in the form of a verbal or written answer from the learner.

In addition, there are a series of online workshops that provide practical and applicable support to work-based activities. These workshops are available for all learners to book onto – see below for more details.

The use of Office 365 or related tools will be essential to the course. With participants being set tasks which will allow them to practice and demonstrate their learnt skills in the workplace. All of these workshops can be made bespoke for

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your business needs, at your workplace or ACT’s Head Office, provided there are a sufficient number of learners.

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What you will learn This programme is made up of a mixture of mandatory units (these have to be completed by all learners as part of the qualification) and optional units (we will work with you to decide what units are relevant to your role, and your business).

A brief overview of these units is below.

Mandatory Units •

IT & Telecom System Security

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Data Processing

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Sharing Digital Information

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IT Project Administration

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Preparing Documents and Publications

Optional units* • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Specialist Software Bespoke Software Understanding the Potential of IT Developing Personal and Team Effectiveness using IT Design Develop a Digital Content Solution Improve Effectiveness of Digital Content Delivery Data-Driven Applications IT & Telecom System Security Health & Safety in IT Database Applications Select and Set up Digital Systems Develop Multimedia Products Using Tools for Online Collaboration in Business Provide Digital Application Help and Support Manage an IT Application Manage an IT Application Project Optimise the Performance of Digital Systems

• Provide Application Support Model • Structured Data Macro Programming for IT Applications • Using Mobile Applications in Business Analyse Structured Data • Create Multimedia Content IT Systems Operation Investigating and • Defining Customer Requirements for IT and Telecoms Systems • Remote Support for IT Products and Services IT System Management Software • Design Improving Existing Software • Project Optimise the Performance of Digital System Please see the following link for all unit information on the Agored website. https://bit.ly/3qn7VNz

* Don’t worry! During the first visit/meeting, our assessors’ work with all learners and employers to review which of the optional units are the most appropriate for your programme.

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Workshops We run a series of workshops that will help develop the knowledge and skills needed for your programme. These workshops are delivered using a mix of face-to-face workshops and online programmes such as Microsoft Teams.

Each workshop runs for half a day and are run frequently. We have provided an overview of these workshops below.

Managing Tools for Online Collaboration In this workshop, learners will look at different ways to collaborate with other IT users using online methods such as Teams, OneDrive and OneNote. Learners will undertake a group task which will bring together the skills they have learnt over the previous workshops in order to achieve an overall goal.

As part of the workshop, learners will utilise IT tools to communicate and collaborate effectively. Learners will also look at using digital means to send a message both to individuals and groups, add attachments and manage contacts using tools such as Teams, Skype, Outlook Online and Yammer.

In addition, learners will discover more about keeping data safe while protecting your data safe from hackers, malware and other threats.

Spreadsheets (Data Processing) Spreadsheets are an essential way to gather, store, sort, and analyse data. At work they have multiple uses when completing administration tasks. This workshop will guide you through the basics of using spreadsheets from the ground up.

Candidates will learn how to use basic formula and functions to manipulate and analyse data as well as creating professional looking graphs and charts. By the end of the session, learners will be able to confidently design and create their own spreadsheets.

IT Project Administration IT Project administration involves the competencies required to plan, execute and deliver, monitor and control all the activities and tasks required during a project to meet its stated objectives. This workshop covers the role and functions of a project in an office using Digital applications. Candidates will develop and understanding of the process of project management and practical administrative skills in supporting project planning and completion.

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Have any questions about our Level 2 Diploma in Digital Application Support?

We are here to help. If you have any further questions or enquiries about the main qualification element of the programme, please contact our Route Manager: Lucy Wilkinson Route Manager for Digital Services lucywilkinson@acttraining.org.uk

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Essential Skills Qualifications When you agree to undertake an apprenticeship, you may be required to complete Essential Skills as part of your apprenticeship framework.

What are Essential Skills?

The Essential Skills Wales (ESW) will be initially assessed via an online Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) Assessment. If a Learner already holds an ESW certificate or equivalent qualification this can provide a proxy and learners will not need to complete that ESW element of the programme. Where a Learner is not exempt an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) will be generated from the initial WEST assessment. The modules delivery will include independent learning via WEST, prior to guided learning sessions preparing the Learner for their assessment. ESWs are assessed via controlled tasks and confirmatory tests for Communication and Application of Number, Digital Literacy is assessed via a controlled task and structured discussion.

Proxy If you already hold qualifications, these may be used as ‘proxy’ towards your apprenticeship framework. As a result, you will be exempt from achieving that particular Essential Skill, if you wish. This will be discussed with you before you sign up. Below are some examples, although this list is not exhaustive.

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Essential Skill

Proxy

Communication Level 1

GCSE G or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Communication Level 2

GCSE C or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Communication Level 3

AS/A Level E or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 1

GCSE G or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 2

GCSE C or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

Application of Number Level 3

AS/A Level E or above, Key Skills or Essential Skills Wales

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Welsh Language Development As part of your Welsh Government funded framework, you will be supported to develop and maintain your Welsh language skills for the workplace.

What is Welsh Language Development?

ACT are committed to playing their part in the Welsh Government Million Speakers strategy. All learners will complete the Prentis-iaith Welsh Language Development course as part of your framework with us.

Don’t panic – this is as a means of development and is aimed to support you with the development of your Welsh Language skills. This course is specially designed to give apprentices a basic knowledge of Welsh for the workplace and consists of 6 interactive modules to complete online. The course will be completed throughout your framework, with support from your assessor.

Already bilingual?

If you are Welsh speaking you will undertake your learning bilingually. In practice this means that you can choose the elements of your learning that you would like to complete through the medium of Welsh. You will be able to discuss your particular preferences with your assessor.

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