Kickstart IT

Candidates Course Guidance

Guidance for Course Applicants

Kickstart IT

‘Testing Times Means Developing New Skills’

‘Kickstart IT’ is a tailored, industry-led IT course developed in partnership with the North West Regional College (NWRC), Derry City and Strabane District Council(DCSDC) and participating companies who are located in the Derry and/or Strabane areas.

The aim of the Kickstart IT course is to provide training for people with an interest in a career in IT who require specialist training to upskill to the necessary level in order to apply for positions in the IT Sector.

The Kickstart IT course duration will be approximately 12 weeks including:

  • 32.5 hours daytime class attendance per week
  • 4 weeks (minimum) in-company work placement with participating companies

The course will consist of the following modules:

  • ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing
  • Develop designs and test software components
  • Develop software using Java
  • Requirements analysis and system specification
  • Develop software using SQL
  • UX Fundamentals
  • Test Automation Tools

Kickstart employability sessions will be integrated throughout the duration of the course to enhance the candidate’s personal development these will include:

  • Assistance with application form completion
  • Interview skills & preparation for interview
  • Mock Interview with feedback
  • Employability Skills
  • Presenting with Confidence

Accreditation

On successful completion of the course participants will have the following qualifications recognised by potential employers in the IT sector:

  • ISTQB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing
  • City & Guilds Advanced Diploma for Software Developers (Level 3)
  • City & Guilds Certificate of unit credit in relation to SQL module

Guaranteed job interview

Having achieved the necessary qualifications,participants will have the opportunity to attend a job interview with participating companies.

Course Entry Criteria:

Essential

To be eligible to be considered, applicants must:

  • Be resident in Derry City and Strabane District Council area
  • Possess an HND or equivalent level of qualification in any discipline
  • Be available for 12 weeks study for 32.5 hours attendance in class per week

Desirable

  • Experience of computer programming

Selection Process

Stage 1

Following the completion of an application form, applicants will be assessed against the above criteria. If shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete an aptitude test which will assess logical and mathematical skills.

Stage 2

Candidates who have successfully passed the aptitude testwill be invited to attend an interview with representatives from NWRC and DCSDC.

Next steps

If you are interested in participating in the above Kickstart IT programme and meet the criteria set out please contact the Kickstart Office on 02871308466 for an application pack.

Completed applications must be returned to:

Mena Kearney

Kickstart to Work

Derry City and Strabane District Council Offices

98 Strand Road

Derry-Londonderry-Doire

BT48 7NN

By 4.00pm Friday 16th December 2016