Computing - Vocational Academy
Opportunities in the North West
The computing industry is expanding and we are here to support this growth and all the jobs it will create. The computer games industry is becoming an increasingly important sector and is very strong in the North West. Technological advancements in the Internet have also created a need for web designers, web developers and multimedia specialists. However, more traditional roles such as database administrators, network technicians and software programmers are still in big demand. We have links with many small and medium-size businesses throughout the North West as well as with larger organisations such as Microsoft. Through working closely with these employers we know the skills they are looking for and we adapt our courses to pass these skills on to you.
What Course Should You Do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
Level 2
If you have 2 GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent)
- Software Development and Game Design
Level 3
If you have our Level 2 qualification
- IT Professionals Advanced Diploma – Hardware or Software
- Game Design
- Advanced Diploma for IT Professionals
If you have 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language and Maths or a merit grade at First Diploma
- IT Practitioners National Diploma
- ICT National Extended Diploma
Career Low-Down
| Job title | What they do | How much they earn | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Games Designer/ Programmer | Devise and design new games, working from their own original ideas, or using existing concepts. | From around £19,000 up to £60,000 a year. | There are no set entry requirements for this job, but most people are degree graduates. |
| Software Developer/Programmer | Design, develop, test and implement software to improve business efficiency and productivity. | From £25,000 to more than £50,000 a year for some senior jobs. | BTEC qualifications and degrees provide a good grounding in IT. |
| IT Support Person | Ensure an organisation’s computer systems and networks run smoothly, and that data is properly backed up. | From £16,000 to £35,000 a year or more. | As well as a BTEC qualification or a degree, employers look for numeracy skills and good communications skills. |
| Database Administrator | Plan, manage and maintain the databases that organisations use to help them organise their work. | From around £18,000 to £60,000 a year or more. | A degree. Entry as a database assistant may be possible with a BTEC qualification. |
| Network Manager | Responsible for an organisation’s computer network system. | From around £24,000 to more than £60,000 a year. | Most network managers have a degree, BTEC Higher National qualification or equivalent. |
| Web Designer/Developer | Responsible for the design, layout and coding of a website. Involved with howthe site works and looks. | From around £20,000 to £45,000 a year or more. | BTEC qualifications and degrees provide a good grounding in web design. |
Meet the Learner
Name: Sarah Clow
Age: 17
High School: Palatine
Course: Level 2 IT Practitioner and Game Design
Why College?
I had family who had been to College before and done well so I knew there were good prospects. I didn’t always want to do game design but when I came the course sounded really interesting.
My course:
I really enjoy the creative parts of the course – the graphic design and game design modules. It’s good learning something completely new.
What’s best?
The teachers are great, I’ve met loads of new people and the lessons are fun too.
What’s next?
I’m staying on at College for another two years to complete Level 3. I want to go into media or design when I finish.
To find out more about Vocational study at Blackpool and The Fylde College, please visit our Vocational Academy Section
