T Level - Digital Business Services - Industry Excellence Academy

Overview
As a result of exponential growth in data, and the systems surrounding it, there has never been more demand for data scientists, and more opportunity for those who make it their career. Modern digital businesses have a strong capability to generate information and insights out of data. This is done by data scientists and analysts. They model the data with advanced analytics. Data time series and streams are modelled to predict future events. The possibilities expand further when this data is applied to techniques such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. Incredibly complex calculations or tasks can be carried out in a fraction of the time it would take a human.
These data insights can then be turned into actions for an organisation. Insights are visualised to support business decisions using industry standard software and platforms such as Tableu and Power BI.
The core part of the qualification will cover a range of areas, giving you a vital underpinning knowledge of concepts and the skills that you will need in this industry.
The core elements of digital will cover a host of themes including the following:
• The Business Context
• Culture
• Digital Analysis
• Digital Environments
• Diversity and inclusion
• Learning
• Legislation
• Planning
• Security
• Testing
• Tools

At least five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above all from the core subjects including Maths and English. Computer Science or a computing related subject is desirable for this course.

The T Level is made up of three components: Core, Occupational Specialism and Industry Placement.
Core is made up of two written papers and a practical called the Employer Set Project (ESP). Core papers are sat at the end of first year and are 2-2.5 hours long. The ESP is broken down into several tasks and is assessed over two weeks in the first year. Core makes up 50% of your final grade and focuses on assessing your Knowledge and some Skills from the course.
Occupational Specialism is assessed via an Occupational Specialism Project (OS). This is a large practical project lasting 29 hours broken down into several assessment tasks and sat over the second half of the second year. The Occupational Specialism makes up 50% of your final grade and focuses on assessing your Skills and some Knowledge from the course such as: how to source and manipulate data for analysis, techniques to blend and join data, statistical methodologies, predictive analytics, machine learning fundamentals.
Industry Placement
The work placement will be over 45 days. You will have the opportunity to work with one of our sponsored employers within in the IT industry over 45 days. Your work placement could be one or two days a week, or over a number of weeks. We have partnerships with many digital organisations and placements are offered based on the success of a series of interviews conducted by the college and the employer.

Upon successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress onto a Higher Education course with our partner UCEN Manchester and complete a Foundation Degree in Software Development, Cyber Security (Defensive Threat Detection), Computing Networking, Automation and Management or with an optional top-up year to earn a BSc (Hons) degree.
Alternatively, you may progress on to an apprenticeship, degree apprenticeship or entry-level job in the digital business services sector.

• Career opportunities include:
• Data analyst
• Data technician
• Digital Solutions technician#
• Information Systems Business Analyst
• Database engineer
• Database administrator
• Digital marketing

If you need help with affording college, there are a number of different finance and funding options available to you. You might be eligible for special bursary support or extra help from the government. Have a look at our fees, finance & funding page to find out all the information you need.

Do you have a burning question about this course, or would you like to know more about the qualification you'll receive and how it will help your career?
Our course enquiries team is on hand to help you understand any details and answer any questions – whether it's about applying for the course or finding out about finance. Just get in touch here!