T Level - Digital Support Services - Industry Excellence Academy

Both private and public organisations depend heavily on information technology systems and networks for communication and data exchange. Therefore, it is important to understand how these systems work and what to do if they fail. Cyber threats and technical issues can cause major disruptions, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and damage to reputations. Working in digital security can be both thrilling and rewarding, as you'll master the latest techniques to stay ahead in this dynamic field. This course will provide you with the skills to identify and prevent cyber threats, monitor them in real-time, and develop innovative solutions to counteract them.
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'll 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 roughly 30 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: Setting up and managing virtual machines and digital environments; writing appraisals and risk assessments and communicating with technical and non-technical users.
Industry Placement
The work placement will be over 45 days. You will have the opportunity to work with one or two employers within in the IT industry over 45 days. Your work placement could be one or two days a week, or over several 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 IT support and networking sector.
Career opportunities include:
- Infrastructure technician / admin
- IT Support technician / admin
- Desktop Support Analyst
- Systems Security Analyst
- Helpline Support Advisor
- Network Administrator
- Data Communications Analyst
- Cabling Engineer / technician

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 and 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!