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Solent Unviersity Southampton logo

ApprenticeshipDigital and Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship

Starting in: 2024

Course overview

As a Digital Technology Solutions apprentice you will be guided by a curriculum that has been developed in association with BT, HP, IBM and GSM to develop the skills relevant to your specific job role. Depending on which route you and your employer choose, you will have the opportunity to learn valuable industry knowledge which will prepare you for accreditations from CISCO, the EC-Council and Oracle.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you'll gain core technical knowledge that encompasses project management, business strategy, developing and delivering technology and software solutions, computer networking, and data management.

The apprenticeship offers a number of pathways, depending on where you wish to specialise:

Software engineer - A software engineer needs to be able to design, develop, build and test high-quality software solutions. This role requires apprentices to apply engineering principles at all levels of the software development process. This includes requirement gathering, analysis and design, development and data requirements, while ensuring security robustness is built in. Software engineers typically work as part of a larger collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software projects.

Network engineer - The primary role of a network engineer is to design, install, maintain and support communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. They need to maintain high levels of network performance and availability for users. They must also understand network configuration, cloud, network administration, and monitoring tools, and be able to give technical advice and guidance. Network engineers must be proficient in technology solutions to be able to analyse system requirements to ensure the network and its services operate to desired levels. Network engineers also understand data traffic and transmission across the network and have a major role to play in ensuring network security.

Data analyst - The role of a data analyst is to collect, organise and study data that can provide new business insight. This data is then compiled and used to inform decision making at all levels of the business. A data analyst is involved with managing, cleansing, abstracting and aggregate data across the network infrastructure. They also have a good understanding of data structures, software development procedures and the tools used to undertake standard and custom analytical studies, providing data solutions to a range of business issues.

Cyber security specialist - A cyber security specialist is responsible for the implementation, maintenance and support of the security controls that protect an organisation’s systems and data assets, ensuring security technologies and practices are operating in accordance with the organisation's policies and standards to provide continued protection. They are responsible for performing vulnerability assessments to evaluate an organisation's ongoing security and provide visibility to management of the main risks and control status on an ongoing basis. They also respond to security incidents and implement resolution activities across an organisation. Cyber security specialists require a broad understanding of network infrastructure, software and data to identify where threat and hazard can occur.

We currently offer the digital and technology solutions professional pathway aligned to the Institute for Apprenticeships standard.

This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology, a collaboration of further education colleges and universities offering courses that can lead to a wide range of exciting and dynamic career pathways, boosting employability, filling skills gaps, and supporting the economic growth of the South Coast.

Hear from our students

Read about current student, Ryan Gaudion's experience on this apprenticeship.

Funded by:

Education and Skills Funding Agency logo

Part of:

South Coast Institute of Technology logo

Any questions?

Contact the apprenticeships team

Email: apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

For employers

Apprenticeships can add value at all levels of your business:

  • Upskill your staff with industry relevant qualifications.
  • Drive an increase in productivity.
  • Promote long-term loyalty and reduce staff turnover.
  • Reduce the cost of qualifications and training.
  • Develop staff with a minimum of interruption to day-to-day operations.
  • Offer genuine opportunities for personal development to both full-and part-time staff.
  • Offer genuine opportunities for personal development to both full-and part-time staff.

For apprentices

Here's what a higher or degree apprenticeship can offer you:

  • A combination of on-the-job and academic study which is relevant and applied.
  • A continued wage and contract of employment which includes all the same benefits as any employee.
  • A higher or degree qualification which is recognised, transferrable and the same level as if achieved through traditional study routes.
  • A debt free future with zero tuition fees. (Please note, as apprenticeships are funded by employers, apprentices are not eligible to apply for Student Loans Company loans)
  • An opportunity to develop new skills and progress within your industry.

What does this course lead to?

Graduates will leave the apprenticeship programme with two industry-recognised qualifications: a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions degree and a degree apprenticeship qualification. This will put you in an excellent position to progress within your current organisation or pursue master’s level study.

Typical job titles:

  • Software developer
  • Software engineer
  • Software tester
  • Application specialist
  • Business analyst
  • IT project manager
  • IT consultant
  • Network engineer
  • Cyber security analyst
  • Database specialist
  • Digital marketing executive
  • SEO and web analytics analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Digital media technology practitioner
  • Systems designer

Who is this course for?

This degree apprenticeship gives you (or your staff) the opportunity to earn a recognised university qualification while making an essential contribution within the workplace. Apprentices are full-time employees at their sponsoring organisation and spend one day each week completing assignments or attending lectures. A full-time degree apprenticeship lasts just over three years.

Facilities

As an apprenticeship student here at Solent, you’ll have access to our full range of technology labs and software packages. These include our CISCO certified networking and security labs, the E-C Council lab, media technology labs, development centres and usability testing environments.

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.


Come to an open day

Fancy a sneak peek? Take a look around!

    Meet the team

    The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

    • Business

      Contact our apprenticeships team to discuss your needs

      Contact us
    • Apprentice

      Contact our admissions team for any questions about the course

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