Here’s how a higher technical qualification could help your career in computing flourish
TAKING A HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION-APPROVED COURSE COULD HELP YOU TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR COMPUTING CAREER
Manchester’s digital sector has flourished in recent years, and more businesses than ever are looking to employ people to help protect their online security.
The everyday threats associated with cyber security are becoming increasingly prominent, and Trafford College has launched their Higher National Diploma Level 5 in Computing (Security) to help meet the needs of local businesses looking to boost the number of skilled workers in this sector.
This course has recently been given the HTQ Government kitemark stamp of approval, and aims to help boost the skills of those already in employment, or offer an alternative route into employment for those who don’t want to do a traditional degree. As their course now has an HTQ approval on it, students will be taught industry-approved modules that prepares them for employment.
Students who complete an HTQ approved course will have an Government-approved stamp of quality that recognises their skills and knowledge in the sector, allowing them to move straight into employment.
WHAT IS AN HTQ?
An HTQ is not a qualification in its own right, but instead is a stamp of approval added to new or existing Level Four and Level Five qualifications, such as Higher
National Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, and Higher Education Diplomas, that have been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. For a course to be approved, they must meet the occupational standards for that sector.
Each HTQ approved qualification has been developed by employers, businesses and awarding bodies to ensure students get the right training, skillset and knowledge required to enter into a career in that sector. The first HTQ course will be taught in September 2022.
Students apply for an HTQ approved course through UCAS, and can receive funding through the student loans system if they’re eligible. They’re open to anyone aged 18 and over that lives in England, and are available at many colleges and universities around the country. Each course and educational provider will have their own entry requirements, and these will depend on the type of course you’re applying for.
WORKING IN THE DIGITAL SECTOR
One sector that has received plenty of attention in recent years is the digital sector. With more emphasis being placed on digitally-run businesses, ensuring the safety and security of this sector is more important than ever. This is one of the reasons the Government has increased funding for training and qualifications for courses such as Trafford College’s Higher Technical Qualification in Computing (Security).
Their Computing Security course is useful for those who are already have a career in computing, and want to upskill their existing qualifications, or for those who are looking to break into the industry but want to avoid a traditional degree-based career path.
For those already in a career they love, this HTQapproved course can provide advanced training, expand the scope of your existing knowledge, and fill in any gaps in your existing skills. By choosing to develop your skills and qualifications, it allows you to access new avenues within your career, as well as putting you in a better stead for new positions and career development.
Trafford College’s HTQ Computing Security course covers everything from programming and data analysis, to forensics and business intelligence. As well as giving their students the option of either continuing on to a degree or entering straight into employment in computing, it also gives students the opportunity to work towards getting a membership for the British Computer Society.
FINDING AN HTQ
Although HTQs aren’t available in every industry at the moment, the Government is looking to expand and provide additional funding to new sectors. With digital and computing being so essential to the world around us, they have been two industries that have seen an increase in courses being offered.
You can find an HTQ at plenty of universities and colleges around the country, or use the Government website to look for specific courses. One course available here in Manchester is Trafford College’s HTQ in Computing (Security), which is a level 5 higher national diploma.
The course features modules that reflect the industry’s input, and will cover a range of topics related to computer safety, including how to protect computer operating systems, networks, and data from cyber attacks.
WHY CHOOSE TRAFFORD COLLEGE
Trafford College puts a lot of emphasis on ensuring its students have the right support and guidance.
With small class sizes - their HTQ computing course has a maximum of 12 students per class - there’s a fantastic student to tutor ratio.
Each tutor is industry trained and come from their respective sectors, and ensure they keep up with industry standards and trends so students are always given the most up to date training. As part of their commitment to making sure their students get the best possible education and training, the college has recently invested in a brand new suite of IT equipment, including both hardware and software. This new equipment will be available for learners starting in September.
The campus itself is also fully accessible, and easy to get to. It can be found just off Talbot Road near Old Trafford stadium, and students can access free parking on site.
To find out more about Trafford College and their HTQ in Computing Security, visit their website here https://trafford.ac.uk/htq/