Free Level 3 IT Course in Walsall. Classes run full-time at Aldridge School over two years. The Course covers IT in a practical, work-related way, building skills you can apply across a wide range of careers. You'll study topics such as digital systems, software development, data management, and IT project work. Entry requires GCSE grades in Maths and English Language, with specific grade combinations depending on your overall profile. An initial assessment will help confirm the right pathway for you.
Who this course is for
In the 21st Century IT is becoming as important as
being able to read and write so no matter what career
path you are going to choose, the Cambridge Technicals
in IT will offer you skills and experience that you can
use in any walk of life.
Cambridge Technicals are aimed at young people aged
16 to 19 who have completed Key Stage 4 of their
education and want to study in a more practical, workrelated
way.
These qualifications are particularly attractive because
of their real-world relevance and close alignment with
industrial practice - allowing you to achieve a real
understanding of the subject that’s a true fit with the
needs of the workplace.
Entry requirements
Pathway 1 APS: - 6.0 or higher (A*/A and B grades) Choice: - 3 A Levels over 2 years Maths and English Language: - Maths or English Language obtained at B grade or higher with at least a C grade in the other. Pathway 2 APS: - 5.9 - 5.0 (B and C grades) Choice: - Mixture of A Levels and Vocational Qualifications over 2 Years. Maths and English Language: - C grade or above in one and at least a D in the other. You must retake GCSE English Language or Maths where a grade C or above is not achieved. Pathway 3 APS: - 4.9 - 4.0 (C and D grades) Choice: - A choice of three Level 2 qualifications over 1 year. Maths and English Language: - At least a D grade in both English Language and Maths. You must retake GCSE English Language and Maths.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical IT skills applied to real work contexts.
You'll study digital systems and how they support organisations.
You'll learn to manage and analyse data effectively.
You'll explore software development principles and tools.
You'll work on IT projects, planning and delivering solutions.
You'll build an understanding of cybersecurity and network fundamentals.
You'll communicate technical information clearly to different audiences.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Aldridge School, combining taught lessons with hands-on project work. Assessment is through a mix of coursework assignments and externally assessed units set by OCR. Your work is assessed against set criteria throughout the two years, so there is no single final exam - your portfolio of completed units builds toward the full Diploma.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Aldridge School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
IT support technician - troubleshoot hardware and software for organisations
Junior software developer - write and test code for applications
Data entry and systems administrator - manage databases and digital records
IT helpdesk analyst - first-line technical support for users
Digital content assistant - create and manage online content
Network support assistant - help maintain IT infrastructure
What you could study next
Level 3 A Levels in Computer Science or Maths - strengthen your route into university computing degrees.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing - a Level 4 qualification for those moving into specialist IT roles.
Degree-level study in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Software Engineering - the Cambridge Technical is recognised for UCAS points and supports university applications.
Vendor certifications such as CompTIA or Microsoft - short professional qualifications valued by IT employers.
