A level vs BTEC

[Jack Guinea]

Im really worried as ive applied for a level 3 diploma in IT as i would like to do something in IT after college or sixth form but im worried that i would be better of doing A level IT. What one would help me with either jobs or apprentiships?
Also i would be doing A level CCNA and either A level English or Geography.

 

[Bsrz]

well I decided to go to college as you get treated more like an adult than 6th forum, but ultimately its up to you, I suggest going round the open evenings, check out what both courses offer and have a look at the resources both places offer, and choose your best option, I think you will also find college has more contacts to get into the pc industry, I myself plan to switch my college course to a 2 year nation diploma in coding and software development as well as games development -either way best of luck

 

[tom_gr7]

I think it depends what you want to do after the 2 years?

-Which is closer? Nothing worse than a early morning and long bus journey 5 days a weeks.
-Travel paid for? refunded? allowance?
-Bursary? some colleges offer bursaries cause the govt chinned off EMA.
- I cant offer any advice which would be better for your course though. As that's not my remit.

 

[EvilMonkeySlayer]

Not to sound as contemptuous towards certain qualifications.. But try and focus on industry certifications over college qualifications if you want to be hired.

They are shorter term in that you'll need to renew them, but honestly nobody is interested in things like say GNVQ's etc. Their only use is if you are wanting to go into further education like University.

Stuff like CCNA, CCNP, MCSE, MCP, RHCSA, RCHE etc are what make you employable alongside experience.

Hell, I've just gotten a very good job with a major wage bump even though I hadn't renewed my certs in nine years.

 

[Wozza63]

Ive got a few friends doing AS/A2 IT and they have all said it is horrible, I do computing, which is more advanced, programming hardware etc, and I enjoy it a lot

I dont know anyone doing a BTEC in IT though

 

[Jack Guinea]

Thanks for your awnsers and opinions guys, the plus for sixth form is that it is a 10 minute walk from where i live, its the school i go to already and after talking to my mates uncle who is head of IT in HSBC he said that most employers he knows will take A level over BTEC anyday. My main concern was job wise as i dont plan on further education after college or sixth form. Im going to ask around a bit more and look at all my decisions till i really decide

 

[EvilMonkeySlayer]

Thanks for your awnsers and opinions guys, the plus for sixth form is that it is a 10 minute walk from where i live, its the school i go to already and after talking to my mates uncle who is head of IT in HSBC he said that most employers he knows will take A level over BTEC anyday. My main concern was job wise as i dont plan on further education after college or sixth form. Im going to ask around a bit more and look at all my decisions till i really decide

Have you any ideas on what specifically you want to go for in IT?

It's such a wide field, since you're not wanting to go for further education like university then I strongly recommend deciding on the field you want to focus on and get some industry certifications/qualifications as well as a down and dirty IT job. (think first line support, junior network admin etc) Essentially a few years of that should get you experience enough to go for the higher paying jobs. Also, don't jump around from job to job.. if you can stick at a place at least three years. It shows commitment. Conversely, don't hang around in a dead end IT job for ages (I did this), it paid pretty well but below industry rates. On the plus side, because the company I was working at went belly up it forced me to start looking for the first time in ages and I ended up getting a job at a multi-billion pound company ten minutes from my house with a major wage increase. (okay, now I'm just gloating)

 

[Jack Guinea]

Have you any ideas on what specifically you want to go for in IT?

It's such a wide field, since you're not wanting to go for further education like university then I strongly recommend deciding on the field you want to focus on and get some industry certifications/qualifications as well as a down and dirty IT job. (think first line support, junior network admin etc) Essentially a few years of that should get you experience enough to go for the higher paying jobs. Also, don't jump around from job to job.. if you can stick at a place at least three years. It shows commitment. Conversely, don't hang around in a dead end IT job for ages (I did this), it paid pretty well but below industry rates. On the plus side, because the company I was working at went belly up it forced me to start looking for the first time in ages and I ended up getting a job at a multi-billion pound company ten minutes from my house with a major wage increase. (okay, now I'm just gloating)

Well ive been looking at this apprenticeships with BT as an IT technician and both the A levels and BTEC allow me into it and its a starting wage of £30,000 with all training and certificates thrown in but if not that then ive got 2 try outs for HSBC and Barclay's in London working as IT technician. The main sort of thing im looking for is a job where i can progress through the levels so start low and hopefully end high rather than stay at the same thing the whole time.