IT and Computing
You will learn to design algorithms, use logical reasoning to debug errors, create programmes, and understand the differences between data and information.
The IT and Computing industry is a strong employer in the South East, so you’re well placed for job opportunities, work experience, and career prospects.
Through practical, hands-on exercises using the latest equipment, you will build an understanding of different operating systems and learn to evaluate the quality of various solutions when recommending improvements.
You’ll also have the opportunity to gain industry insights and experience through employer visits and projects set by external mentors. Past students have gained experience in programming VEX robots, inspiring local school children in the use of Raspberry Pi computers, and the use of Lego Mindstorm, as well as enjoying guest lectures and cyber-security curriculum design from IBM.
At Activate Learning colleges, you can progress from Level 1 (Foundation), all the way to a university-level qualification at City of Oxford College (South Central Institute of Technology), based at our Blackbird Leys Technology Campus.
Our Digital T-levels focus on the digital industry and aim to give you the essential knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to any digital occupation. You’ll be able to put everything you have learnt into practice with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days. You’ll be given an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study, gaining invaluable skills that employers are looking for:
Digital Production, Design and Development T Level: combines classroom learning and an extended industry placement where you'll gain invaluable skills that employers are looking for. You could progress to roles such as: web developer, web designer, computer games developer, IT business analyst, software developer, app developer or digital marketeer.
Digital Business Services T Level: covers data and digital systems, how software and businesses interact, security and testing, planning and legal issues. You’ll also develop the knowledge and skills of a Data Technician.
Key growth areas within the IT and computing industry include social and digital media, data protection, cyber security, games design, website development, and cloud/mobile technologies.
The IT and Computing industry is a strong employer in South East England, with 22% more jobs than in
Great Britain overall in 2021. Mid-point hourly wages are also well above average at £21.19/hour, so you’ll will be well placed for job opportunities, work experience and career prospects.
In 2020, there was a 20% increase in job vacancies within this industry. Over the next five years, this is expected to triple!
Industry partnerships
Wayne, Computing Level 3Read my storyThe teachers are supportive. If you go to them with a problem, they’ll help you but they also encourage you to work off your own initiative. It teaches you more responsibility but if you have a problem or a question, the help is there if you need it.
