Lesson Update: Tesco, Here we Come!

Today in IT Cambridge technical I got informed when we are going to Tesco and what information we'll be collected while we are there. Basically the reason for the trip is to see how information systems are used in everyday businesses. Tesco is a great local example of how information systems are used. We will be given a free 30 minute tour around Tesco so we can take notes about all the technical jargon and all the technical details about the systems. All the research that we will collect from the trip will be used help us write a report about information systems that'll count towards my coursework. Thanks for reading!

Lesson Update: Assembly complete!

Today my IT Cambridge lesson was cancelled so it isn't really a "lesson update" but rather a "how the assembly went.... Update". The assembly was about advertising IT Cambridge to the year 11s and to get them interested about choosing IT Cambridge as one of their A-level options. It was a success, we gave lots of information to the year 11s without any confusing or illiterate sentences. We kept it quick, clean and we spoke and explain all relevant points. Mrs Bridger (our teacher) has said that she will give us any references when needed, in return for doing the assembly. Thanks for reading!

Lesson Update: Why do IT cambridge?

Today in IT Cambridge, Rufus and I got asked to do a assembly to advertise IT Cambridge to the upcoming year 11s. We will create a short PowerPoint to show what IT Cambridge is and what are the advantages of picking IT Cambridge for one of their A-level options. Will we also stress that there are no exams so this will really appeal for year 11s as they are about to their mock exams.
This assembly will be next Monday to all the year 11s.

Lesson update: The Finishing Touches

Over the last week in IT Cambridge I am finishing off the final touches of unit 1. Most of the tasks I am finishing off are evidence and explanations of previous tasks I have completed. But as the final date where all tasks have to be submit is approaching fast I need to complete submit evidence for task very quickly. There isn't much more to say about my process with IT Cambridge as I just doing the final finishing touches to all the pieces. Thanks for reading

Lesson Update: A guide to the basics

Today in Cambridge technical, I created a questionnaire that we give me the feedback on my beginners guide to Photoshop. It has open and closed questions which we help me find improvements for my guide. I will be giving my questionnaire to other 6th formers with little IT experience that have used my guide. My finished guide contains the very basics of Photoshop, for example cropping and changing the colour. Hopefully they will give lots of constructive feedback and therefore help me improve my guide ever further. Thanks for reading!

Lesson Update: Photos, images and more Photos

Today in IT Cambridge technical, I continued with the creation of a Adobe Photoshop guide which is turning out useful for me as I learn in depth details about the software. This guide is aimed at year 7s though so the guide is only covering the basics of Photoshop but every little counts! I use simple words and don't use jargon therefore the year 7 using it wont get confused. This does mean that when I say basics I mean the absolute basics. For example the guide explains how to change a images colour, crop an image and even how to save and open an image. But the fun animations and transitions on PowerPoint will keep the user interested and keep the year 7s attention. Thanks for reading.

Lesson Update: If only photoshop was that easy!

We started a new criteria today in Cambridge technical, this time we have to use basic tools on Photoshop well enough to create a "how to" guide for young people who have little to no experience using the software. I have decided to create my guide on Microsoft PowerPoint as I believe it is the easiest way to present the information effectively and simply. The guide will also avoid using slang or technical terminology therefore breaking down the barrier of communication. The guide will also include pictures so the user can visually see what they are trying to achieve. This guide should be completed over the next coming weeks. Thanks for reading

Unit 1 Task 3: Interview skills to use while in your apprenticeship interview

Top 5 job interview skills to use while in your apprenticeship interview 

1. Do your research
Fail to plan, and you plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you've done your homework on things like their last year's profits and latest product launches. Also take a look at the latest developments in the industry so you can converse with confidence.
2. Practice your answers
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to some of the most common interview questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job.
3. Look the part
Appearances shouldn't matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you've even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you're applying for shows a desire to succeed.
4. Stay calm
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and they may be nervous too!
5. Ask questions
You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.

All these interview skills can boost your apprenticeship career dramatically only if you practice them and put them to use in real life scenarios.

For further information about interview skills go to : http://www.prospects.ac.uk/interview_tips_how_to_prepare_for_an_interview.htm

Unit 1 Task 3: Why an apprenticeship?

 

What are the benefits of choosing an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship offers you a practical alternative to university and a fast route into a career with good prospects. An Apprenticeship offers tangible benefits you should consider:

• You don’t pay tuition fees.
• No student loan.
• Financial sponsorship of your own training by an engineering construction industry company
• Earn whilst you learn
• You can attain an Vocational Qualification at Level 3, and the Level 4 VQ in Project Control is equivalent to a degree.
• Practical work experience that will put you ahead
• Fast route into a career with good prospects
• Valuable on the job training
• The skills you learn are exactly what is needed for the job
• You will be needed by a wide range of employers for well-paid sought after jobs

These are all advantages to choose an apprenticeship but also at the same time developing transferable skills that can be used in any job across many industry.

For further information about apprenticeships: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

Unit 1 Task 3: New apprenticeship opportunity in the IT industry

 New apprenticeship opportunity available

Salary: £180 per week

Location: South West,          

Scheme start date: ASAP

Application close date: On-going

Grades Required: GCSEs or Equivalent

Start your career working as an IT Support Apprentice for a Gloucestershire based Software Consultancy. As part of an IT Apprenticeship, gain hands-on experience, industry recognised Microsoft & CompTIA qualifications all whilst earning.

Who will I work for, and what will I do?

This is an exciting opportunity for an eager individual to develop their career within a software consultancy that specialises in supporting SMEs, education and charity customers with cloud-based solutions.

For further information go to: http://www.future-talent.com/scheme/tier-1-it-support-apprentice-app83-66121

This could be your future so apply now!

Unit 1 Task 3: New available apprenticeship- in vodaphone!

New apprenticeship opportunity available!

Salary: Competitive

Scheme type: Apprenticeship

Location: South East       

You’ll also have a choice of career pathways – we offer Apprenticeships in almost every area from quality through security to analytics and operations. Wherever you join us, you’ll be playing your part in significant projects, helping to develop market-leading products and changing how the world communicates.

Whether you’ve got GCSEs or A levels or both, we’ll give you structured support in building real-world experience, skills and knowledge at the forefront of evolving telecommunications.

So over the next 1-2 years, you’ll study and work towards a Diploma, Advanced Apprenticeship or Level 4 Apprenticeship which can lead to a Foundation Degree. 

For further information go to:  http://www.future-talent.com/scheme/an-apprenticeship-with-vodafone-power-to-the-ambitious-67951

An Apprenticeship with Vodafone: Power to The Ambitious

Unit 1 Task 3: Ever thought about a future in a apprenticeship?

Are you a school leaver who is still undecided about your future? 

Have you ever considered a future as a apprentice?

Even if you are certain or just want to see what apprenticeships can offer, come along to this amazing open information day!

At the business design centre in London 

16 October 2014 

Link to website for further information: http://www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk/events/80/the-school-leavers-apprenticeship-diversity-careers-show

The School-Leavers & Apprenticeship Diversity Careers Show informs and educates young people about apprenticeships and school leavers’ programmes.

Opening times:

Thursday 16th October 2014
11am - 5pm

Ticket Prices: FREE

Hope to see you there!     

Interviews: The good and the outrageous!

Last lesson in IT Cambridge technical we got given the task to create a video showing what techniques should be used in a interview to make it successful. This video should also include a example of everything you shouldn't do or say while being interviewed for a job. We are filming next lesson. I am the interviewer and will be asking the questions to the candidates about why they should get the job. Jake corpus, who is in my group will be acting as the good example and Rufus Redwood Rowe will be acting as the candidate which does everything incorrectly. It should be very humorous! Thanks for reading!  

IT technical adverts!

Today in Cambridge technical we learnt about the most effective way to advertise a IT apprenticeship to the sixth form. We decided that augmented reality in an advert would be the most effective way to inform masses of people about IT apprenticeship. This advert would have to humorous as those advert are normally remembered the most and can be shared across the internet easily. This is why we decided to show this advert in breaks between popular shows that young people watch like gadget show and before YouTube videos. Of course this is all theoretical, we are just discussing the best and most effective methods. We have to make a short 5 min radio show to express are ideas.
Thanks for reading.

Creating a Résumé for future use

Today in Cambridge Technical, I was required to create a effective résumé that catches the employers eye and stands out from the crowd of the other job applicants. Lucky for me I had a pretty good résumé already prepared at home and I took the best bits of that and updated it to suit the purpose. The purpose was to create a Résumé that can be used to apply for a IT related job. In this lesson we concentrated on the layout and design as if you catch the employers attention, it can be the different between getting the interview or not. Hopefully by Friday I will finalise the finishing touches and make I résumé that will make me proud to say it is mine.

Unit 1 Task

Today in Cambridge technical I finished off my effective communication PowerPoint which was a great success. The PowerPoint explained in detail what the benefits and disadvantages of each different type of communication. Later on in the PowerPoint the PowerPoint explains how to overcome those communication barriers. Finally in this lesson I finished off the infographic that I had started in my spare time. This inforgraphic tells the reader information about IT jobs and what the employer values.


Thanks for reading

Today in IT Cambridge technical we learnt about how effective communication can be in the work place and how important it is to be able to communicate to your employees in a way in which they can understand. We had to research about the four methods of communication: verbal, Non-verbal, writing and using technology. While researching we had to identify the advantages of the method, the disadvantages of the method and how to overcome those disadvantages. The final product was a word document with a table filled with the ideas we had thought about and how they relate to those four methods.


Thanks for reading, I will be blogging once every week.