Careers in ICT and Digital Technologies Earlston High School

Statistics about the ICT industry

Some Careers in this Sector Hardware Engineer Software Developer IT Support IT Project Manager Data Administrator Games Designer Web Design Network Manager Systems Analyst The online world is expanding and new technology, like mobile platforms and apps, is constantly being developed. ICT is at the heart of every business and new roles are being created all the time from cyber security to games development. Employment in the ICT and digital technologies industry is predicted to grow at nearly nine times the Scottish average leading to many opportunities in the future.

Skills Needed for these Jobs draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information cope with rapid changes in technology interpret, use and evaluate data put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions be effective communicators, capable of team working understand the principles, concepts and techniques associated with the technology of computers and digital communication systems design, program, test and evaluate software systems manage time, learn independently and take on responsibility. Creative Thinking Problem Solving Quick Learner

Different routes into the ICT industry From School From College From University Through Modern Apprenticeships From Other Jobs Through personal route involving a mix of the above

What Can you Do At School To Help Research opportunities (jobs and courses) – develop Careers Management Skills using My World Of Work Arrange relevant work experience (this could include volunteering) Take on Leadership and Wider Achievement opportunities in the school that will help demonstrate and develop the key skills required to be successful in this field Visit relevant establishments – eg businesses, colleges, universities and talk to key people there Carefully consider subject choices (inc blended learning options – see next slide) Ensure that you do all you can to maximise your grades and qualifications (eg study techniques, attending help sessions, motivation for success…) Be AMBITIOUS yet REALISTIC

Blended Learning opportunities Software Development at Borders College – Nat4/5 Creative Academy may be an appropriate option depending on type of career YASS courses include: Design Thinking and My Digital Life Work Experience?

College Opportunities Borders College Borders College Courses Business Administration and Information Technology - An Introduction FT Digital Media Computing - NC FT Interactive Media - HNC FT Edinburgh College Edinburgh College Courses – some of the many are shown below BEng (Hons) Computer Security & Forensics (incorporating HND Networking) HND Computer Games Development HND Interactive Media (Web Development)

University Degrees – some examples Glasgow University - Computing Science at Glasgow is ranked second for excellence in the UK Stirling University - Honours BSc course in Business Computing Edinburgh University – Informatics/Computer Science (ranked best in UK) Abertay University –Games Design - Abertay graduates have gone on to work for leading computer games companies – including Sony, Microsoft, Electronic Arts and Rockstar North. Napier University - MSc Advanced Security and Digital Forensics St Andrews University - Gateway to Computer Science Aberdeen University - Behavioural Studies and Computing Science Go to to look at all optionswww.ucas.com

Modern Apprenticeship Route Watch these video clips for info about MA opportunities Clip 1 Clip 2

An alternative route into ICT Donna Fitzpatrick had a problem with her computer. Rather than take it into a shop, she took matters into her own hands. ‘By nature I’m a problem solver,’ Donna says, ‘so I decided to look into courses to see what I could do about it.’ The then stay-at-home mum began a part-time evening course at Inverness College UHI. Her lecturer spotted her potential and suggested she do a full-time HNC. Donna went on to complete a degree in computing and became a project lead at Fujitsu.

Another different route Read this story about someone who had a change of career – a law graduate who deviated into ICT as her circumstances and interests changed.this story

The Learner Journey - ICT This presentation and all other associated info and links – eg Careers, Higher and Further Education – can be found on the school Guidance website (get the link from the school website)