FernTECH
Take a look at our dedicated FernTECH website for information on our Digital IT courses and facilites.
Careers in Digital IT
A Growing and In-Demand Digital Sector
Successful digital technology students have skill sets demanded by all sectors in the working world. Aside from the digital sector in its own right (which is amongst the most valuable on the planet), skills and knowledge developed in this area are applicable in all career fields where computers are used.
These diverse pathways provide a range of options depending on a student’s aspiration. The skills and knowledge developed with these pathways can lead to a range of high paid jobs as shown in the table below.
Labour Market Information (LMI)
Out of a recent UK national survey of jobs vacancies (March 2021):
Digital Sector Vacancies were in excess of 150,000 nationwide and digital dependent jobs in excess of 250,000.
Digital sector jobs earn double the national average salary.
Developers and network engineers can earn in excess of £60,000.
Learning Pathways beyond GCSE
Career pathways applicable for digital technology students fit into two main pathways:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
At Ferndown Upper School, we offer a county leading provision in post-16 digital technology courses. Aside from Computer Science A level, from 2022 will be the first centre in Dorset to offer T Levels.
These specialist technical courses are 80% A Level standard learning and 20% Digital Sector work placements. We will be offering three occupational specialisms in our digital T Level offer so students can train and qualify to be Software Developers, Network Engineers and Digital Support Technicians. Upon completing, the course students can go straight into work as junior developers or network engineers or go to university with a wider range of skills and experience.