Computing and Digital Technology

Vocational

Computing and DigITal Technology

With employment in the computing and digital industries set to grow at five times the national average over the next decade, computing and digital technology is fast becoming one of the UK’s most highly paid careers. The computing industry is growing faster than the rest of the UK economy, creating highly-paid job opportunities and accounting for over 1.58m jobs across the UK.

Top employment sectors include application and software development, data management, cyber security, data analytics, hardware, devices, and open source hardware. All our full-time courses are aimed at students who want to gain nationally recognised qualifications in computing and digital technology. We will help you to meet your personal, career and employment goals whether you are leaving school, are in work or simply want to improve your computing skills.

Past students are now working as software developers, dynamic CRM developers, data analysts, IT support and operations technicians, web and eCommerce developers, data warehouse analysts, and systems analysts.

Our dedicated lecturers have sector experience backed up with subject-specific knowledge. Lessons unfold in creative ways illustrated with real-life case studies and examples. Students can take on industry work experience.

The department uses modern hardware and software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Visual Studio Community, Visual Studio Code, Java, Audacity and Game Maker, Unity, Maya, React Native, VM Ware, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Ocuslus Quest 2. All our courses are delivered in bespoke IT laboratories with a specialised suite for the delivery of PC construction and network developments.

Achievement on our programmes currently stands at 99%, and 100% of BSc students find employment in computingrelated careers within three months of graduating.

What will I do?

You will explore how computing and digital technology is used in industry by developing sector specific knowledge, technical and practical skills, along with how to apply these skills in a work-related environment.

Career opportunities

The majority of students on computing and digital technology courses progress on to higher education and within NPTC Group of Colleges, we can offer our students degrees on their doorsteps. We have an ideal progression route where, following the successful completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma or A Level programme in a related discipline, students can progress on to the HND Computing (two years) followed by the BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (third year).

To go on to higher education or secure employment in a range of business and technology focused organisations, many students study computer related courses. Some of the organisations that employ past students and graduates include Fujitsu, NPTCBC, The Good IT Company, BVG Group, Tech-Wales Ltd, Box UK, DVLA, CGI, Arvato CRM Solutions and Virgin Media.

Please note that if you are considering teaching as a career, universities require GCSEs at grade B or above for Maths, English and Science. For Computer Science courses some universities ask for a minimum of grade B at Maths GCSE.

Potential Career Opportunities: Software/Apps Design and Development, Cyber Forensics, Games Design and Development, Web Design / Development, Systems Analysis, Database Development / Administration, Technical Support, Network and Security.

CoursES

A Levels

Computer Science

Digital Technology

Level Entry Requirements 3 6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics (grade B or above) and English Language (grade C or above). 2 Years Neath

3 6 GCSEs at C or above to include Maths and English.

Duration Location

2 Years Neath

Career-Focused Courses

Diploma in IT

Diploma in Esports

Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology Diploma in Digital Technology (Networking and Cyber Security)

Extended National Diploma in IT with Digital Interactive Media

Extended National Diploma in Esports

Access to HE Diploma - Computing and Digital Technology

Level Entry Requirements

1 2 GCSEs (grades E or F).

2 2 GCSEs (grades E or F).

2 3 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics or English Language, or Level 1 Diploma in a relevant subject (Merit or Distinction). 1 Year Neath/ Brecon

Duration Location

1 Year

1 year

Neath/ Brecon/ Afan Neath/ Newtown/ Brecon

2 3 GCSEs at grade C or above, or success ful completion of Level 1 Diploma in IT. 1 Year Neath/ Brecon

3 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language. Applicants via Level 2 Extended Certificate / Diploma in a relevant subject (Merit or Distinction). 2 Years Neath

3 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language. 1 Years

Neath/ Newtown/ Brecon

3 Applications can be made from learners who have been out of compulsory education for 3 years or more and/or do not hold any formal qualifications. 1 Year Neath/ Brecon

Be creative wITh a cAReer IN computing, web and app DEsign

Vocational

Juned Miah

Student Success

Seven incredibly talented Computing and IT Students took Skills Competition Wales by storm recently, taking nearly half of all the top spots in the Cyber Security, Coding Skills and Web Design categories.

Skills Competition Wales, delivered by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project on behalf of the Skills Ambassador Network, is designed to raise the profile of skills in Wales. Focusing on growth areas and the needs of the economy, the competition helps boost the skillsets of the future workforce.

Skills Competition Wales is aligned to WorldSkills, with many competitors going on to compete in WorldSkills UK competitions.  Web Design Gold: Juned Miah  Web Design Silver: Oliver Smith  Coding Bronze: Rhys Watkins  Inclusive Skills ICT Silver: Holly Davies

“I’m incredibly proud of all the students who competed. It’s a fantastic achievement demonstrating the talent that is here at NPTC Group of Colleges and also a testament to the expertise and support provided by our teaching staff.’’ Eira Williams, Director of Studies

Average annual earnings

Computer Programmer 30k IT Technician £30k Business Analyst £49k Software Engineer £32k Cyber Security Analyst £31k Systems Architect £50k Computer / Network Support Technician £19k Computer Operator £23k System Administrator, Computer / Network £26k Technical Support Specialist £24k Cyber Security Analyst £31k Network Security Engineer £36k

NPTC Group of Colleges welcomed Welsh gaming stars John Jackson AKA Slayer and Lois Samuel AKA Kitsch to formally open the brand new Esports suite at Neath College. Esports is competitive video gaming and has been around for a few years now. It can be as an individual or playing in a team and the teams work together like they would in traditional sport and play against other players from around the world.

The culture of Esports is not just about playing games, it can help individuals boost strategic thinking, teamwork, communication, leadership, performance skills and confidence building. Lois Samuel, who is the Female Ambassador for Esports Wales and a former NPTC Group of Colleges student, had this message to any girls who want to get involved in Esports:

“Go for it, it doesn’t matter that you’re a girl. Just go and do it, because I sat down and thought I can’t do anything in Esports because I’m a girl and now I’m an ambassador, a coach and I play League of Legends every day. If you genuinely love gaming, then don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it because you absolutely can.” The college teams took part in their first Esports matches on the 26th of January 2022, with the NPTC Crimson Ravens team playing Overwatch and the NPTC Magic Missiles playing Rocket league.