Louth Meath Regional TC FIT Pre-Tech Apprenticeship Local Training Initiative

Course Aim

This Programme aims to provide a hands-on and supported foundational learning environment, encouraging learners to study further and seek relevant employment opportunities confidently.
Specifically, learners will be able to determine their level of interest and suitability for an ICT support role. They will be able to make informed choices and decide whether the role of Network Engineer, Software Developer, or Cybersecurity is their preferred employment area of specialism/interest or whether they should pursue a Pre-Tech Apprenticeship option.
Learners will gain valuable ‘in-demand’ IT certification by completing this LTI initiative. Learners who complete the programme successfully would be eligible to apply to work in an entry role of first support in an ICT enterprise setting and will be equipped with knowledge of the appropriate working environment.
Learners on FIT Pre-Tech Apprenticeship will be able to avail of:
• Full and part-time employment in relevant work occupations locally,
• Opportunities in the local tech industry, business support, and services sectors,
• Progress to a Pre-Tech Apprenticeships and thereafter employer sponsorship on the Tech Apprenticeship Programme for which FIT is the national coordinating provider.
• Progress onto other apprenticeship programmes, traineeships, or other employer-based training initiatives (on the job training),
• Access other FET vocational programmes, specific skills training, or labour activation mechanisms.

 

Career Planning (Community) Career Planning (4N1109) QQI
Customer Support Provision Customer Support Provision 2 (7267-402) City & Guilds
Personal Effectiveness(4N1132) Personal Effectiveness (4N1132) QQI
C&G – Creating an Event Driven Computer Program Using Java Creating Event Driven Computer Program using Java (7540-007) City & Guilds
C&G – Networking Principles Networking Principles 2 (L2) (7540-002) City & Guilds
C&G – Testing ICT Systems Testing ICT Systems (4520-313) City & Guilds

Progression

Pre Tech Apprenticeship learners will gain: • Appreciation of broad ICT roles, • Understanding of the ICT work environment, • Introduction to ICT networking skills, • Fundamentals of software development and web technologies, • Overview of Cybersecurity techniques and practice, • Professional Development, • Problem Solving & Resilience • Effective Communication and Teamwork Skills, • Awareness of active and responsible citizenship, • Credible ICT qualification attainment, which is internationally recognised, • ICT work experience (with a live employer), • Peer networking skills, • CV Preparation skills, • Interview skills and work readiness preparation. Learners who complete stream 1 are eligible for entry into a Pre-Tech Apprenticeship (NFQ Level 5) programme and furthermore, on completion of same, are then eligible for admission to a Tech Apprenticeship programme (NFQ Level 6). Crucially, this learning journey can bring a learner from a ICT novice with a Level 3 Award or Junior Certificate via the LTI programme to attain an Advanced Certificate (NFQ Level 6). This is the leading qualification associated with the Tech Apprenticeships (Network Engineering, Software Development, and Cybersecurity) and in growing demand amongst tech employers. The Pre-Tech Apprenticeship programme will incorporate a composite of industry recognised City & Guilds modules (equivalence at NFQ Level 4). This programme content will include technical skills training, incorporating practical assignments combined with professional development, project management, and employability skills. The four critical technical components will be assessed and fully accredited by C&G at NFQ Level 4 with a joint FIT/LMETB certificate

Requirements

Education: Applicants should have a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 3 when accessing a Level 4 programme. Applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education although no formal qualifications are required.
Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work under direction with some ability to work on their own initiative.

Additional Information:

FIT Tech Pre-Apprenticeship - Learners will gain valuable ‘in-demand’ IT certification by completing this LTI initiative. Learners who complete the programme successfully would be eligible to apply to work in an entry role of first support in an ICT enterprise setting and will be equipped with knowledge of the appropriate working environment. Additional training also offered on the programme includes; CompTIA A+ Essentials, Software Testing, Principles of ICT Systems & Data Security, Appreciation of Project Management and Career Guidance and Assessment.