Upskilling the IT crowd at Barry College

Upskilling the IT crowd with Barry College

Barry College is helping local computer technicians progress in their careers in collaboration with the Vale of Glamorgan Council. By coming to Barry, IT professionals can get University qualifications and improve their prospects for promotion.

Many people who work in IT may have years of experience, but lack formal qualifications which can make it difficult to move up the career ladder. The College, as part of its ongoing links with industry, offers an HNC Computing course providing learners with a chance to gain higher level computing qualifications.

Awarded by the University of Glamorgan as a route to a degree, IT professionals who graduate from Barry College’s HNC in Computing can then “top up” to an HND or an Honours Degree course – opening up their horizons to a wide range of work in the IT industry.

“It’s about craft credibility, continuing professional development and educational progress that has relevance within the workplace,” course co-ordinator Stan Konkol says. “Better qualifications can be linked to moving up a pay scale. This is a relevant qualification that can enable learners to progress within their chosen career.

(1/3)

“The good thing about this course is that people do progress in their own careers – it can change lives and expectations. It’s about providing what employers want, and the Vale and Cardiff are massive IT users, creating huge employment opportunities in the area.”

Barry College has four Vale of Glamorgan Council employees on the course, which is coming to the end of its first year. Having the College on their doorstep makes it easier for them to learn in terms of time and money savings.

One learner, Aaron Shepherd, achieved the BTEC National Diploma for IT Technicians at the College last year – a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels. Now an apprentice at the Council, he is working and furthering his study with this HE course.

“I’ve always been interested in computers so it’s great to have a career in something I’m interested in, and further my qualifications,” he says. “This qualification should help me progress in a career in IT and be up to date with the most recent developments.”

Gavin Roberts studied Aerospace Engineering at Barry College but has been working at the Vale as an IT technician for around five years. He says studying for an HNC at the College is good as he lives nearby and it will help him qualify for higher-level work in information technology.

(2/3)

“I haven’t got any qualifications in IT and looking around at jobs more employers in the public sector like councils seem to prefer this type of qualification,” Gavin explains. “I need some kind of professional qualification – I’ve got the experience, I just don’t have any qualifications.”

If you would like further information on this course, call Barry College Student Services on 01446 725000.

Notes for editors

• For more information contact Chris Baker at Barry College on 01446 725015 or via email on [email protected]