INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Level 2 Traineeship

Level 2
Traineeship
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Portadown Campus
OCN NI

Overview

The Level 2 Traineeship is an exciting and dynamic IT course, focused on learning by completing practical tasks. The OCN NI Level 2 qualification takes an in-depth look at IT that’s all around us, providing students with a theoretical background reinforced with skills that transfer into the modern workplace. If you are interested in a career in the IT industry e.g. Software Development, Games Development, Web Development, Hardware or indeed general IT then this is the perfect starting point.

This course is a one-year full-time programme of study. Over the course of the year students complete seven units. A trainee completing a full NI Traineeship will have completed a package of learning that equates to 5 GCSEs Grade A*-C that must include literacy and numeracy at level 2.

Throughout the course, trainees will engage in a variety of IT-related activities, including hardware and software installation, troubleshooting, network configuration, data management, and cybersecurity. They will learn to use common software applications, understand computer systems and networks, and develop problem-solving and technical skills necessary for a career in the IT industry.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 2 traineeship framework.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate at interview that they have a satisfactory level of fluency in English – both written and spoken. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum of a Level 1 qualification defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including Maths and English grades D-F or equivalent. Applicants presenting with a Junior Cert qualification should have attained a majority of higher-level subjects. Applicants presenting with a Junior Cycle must have achieved 4 merits or above to facilitate entry to level 2 courses. Enhanced entry grades for maths and English apply in certain subject areas. These will be discussed with applicants following receipt of their application.
On enrolment the applicant will undertake an initial assessment which will confirm whether they should enter the full Traineeship or the Introductory Phase.
During the Pre-Entry Advice Sessions which may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams), applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they are committed and motivated to the programme.
The College may also use other evidence provided as part of the application process.

Please note that entrance requirements may be increased in some vocational areas.

IT Essentials
Computer Systems
Introduction to Programming
IT Project
Data Modelling using Spreadsheets
Web Development
Emerging Technologies

This programme of study includes additional components to enhance employability, which includes a period of work placement (this may be completed through a simulated exercise).

All units are assessed through assignments that are completed throughout the year. Assignments involve written assignments, group projects and class tests. Practical elements of this course also include regular teambuilding and IT industry-related field trips/guest speakers.

Students will also complete a period of work placement (this may be completed through a simulated exercise).

On completion of this course many of students typically choose to go on to further study in IT including computing, games development, web development or A-Levels.

Join our courses at the level that is relevant to you, to learn the skills and gain the knowledge you need to succeed in the IT industry. After level 2 you could progress to level 3 and then go on to progress to our HND in Computing or our Foundation Degree in Cloud Computing and Security for Industry Higher Level Apprenticeship and finally the Top Up Degree in Computing.

This course will get you ready to kickstart your career in the exciting world of IT, Software Development or Cyber Security!

As students move on to higher qualifications they will be equipped with the technical skills, knowledge and experience of industry-relevant software for a career as an IT professional. Careers pathways include Software Developer, Web Developer, Software Tester, Cyber Security Engineer, Data Analyst, IT Systems Administrator.