Computing & IT
Computing & IT
We have been preparing students to work in the IT industry for nearly a quarter of a century. Nescot offers a wide range of courses and pathways, including degrees and higher education and our renowned Cisco Academy, puts your learning at the leading edge of professional development. IT is a fast moving industry and our job is to help you to become a computing professional and we do this in three main ways:
• Our courses give you the most relevant skills, while broadening your employment options
• Our excellent industry contacts give you the chance to use that knowledge in real work situations
• Our expectations of you will teach you what is expected in a professional workplace.
Our Staff: We know that computing is one of the most exciting sectors to work in because we’ve been there. One of the best things about our staff is the breadth of industry experience we bring to our teaching. Our sector expertise ranges from programming systems analysts for international futures trading houses, to electrical engineering, satellite communications and website design.
Our Facilities: You will train on our two floors of modern computer suites, equipped with the latest software. The department can also boast its own specialist electrical circuit design software, multisims and satellite tracking equipment.
Working with Other Organisations: Every single student in this department will research, apply for and carry out work experience in an area that interests them. This is made possible by our fantastic links with businesses and organisations such as Toyota and London Transport. You will also benefit from activities with cutting edge companies like Atkins and specialist industry speakers.
Your Future: Computing extends to every area of the economy and no other skill is so uniquely placed to allow you to map your own future. Whether you long to be part of a large international company, or the key person in a small organisation, computing skills can take you wherever you want to go. All our courses give you the option of pursuing your education or entering employment. Previous students have found positions in many well known companies or taken their education to the highest levels.
- Name:
- Alan Merchant
- Course:
- IT: Level 2 BTEC Diploma
What made you decide to study Computing at Nescot College?
When I was 14, my friend started the L2 course here. He used to talk to me about the things he was learning and it was so interesting I knew I wanted to do the same. Although I was already getting quite knowledgeable about computing, I realised that I needed to get some decent qualifications if I wanted a job I enjoyed – it’s not what you know, it’s what you can prove you know!
How has the college lived up to your expectations?
The atmosphere at the college is very friendly and inclusive. You are treated as an adult who is here by choice and it motivates you to learn independently and take responsibility. This place has channelled my education in a useful direction, there are extra things availably here, like the chance to do Cisco, CCNA and Microsoft qualifications, which is clearly an advantage. There’s a lot going on around the college too. Since being here I’ve got involved in the WorldSkills competitions and am currently training for the regional heats. My tutor really wanted me to do it and thought I could do well. Honestly, I wish I’d started here earlier and not wasted time on other things.
And your course?
Some of the tutors here are excellent and really make the course for me. It’s a different relationship from teacher and pupil and you can have fun with your tutors here - although they are good at getting serious when they need to. One of my tutors in particular is so enthusiastic and interested he does get you inspired. You can be talking to him about Dragon Age one minute and the next discussing your assignment or future options in the same tone. The tutors are keen to help us get apprenticeships. I had a good discussion with them and they advised me to wait a year and get this qualification at college before seeking a higher level apprenticeship. They have more time for you as a person here.
How have you changed in your time at Nescot?
The college is very open to letting students develop and the computing department administrator lets us do a lot of extra things on the system. One of the best things here is the way you are encouraged to explore and learn for yourself and the freedom you get to do it. I’ve learned a lot from my peers here, from just being allowed to mess about with the equipment. I’ve found something I’m good at and I’ve learned so much. For the first time other people ask for my opinion and help. Before, I was the one having to ask my classmates. It’s a good feeling and has made me determined to be better.
What advice would you have for someone thinking of taking your course?
Only come if you actually want to do this course and do IT. Do a bit of prep before you get here. There’s so much available now, online tutorials and in forums. It’s worth familiarising yourself with the basics before you start so the class can move on to the interesting stuff and you can start to develop for yourself.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m starting the Cisco Course here, which is cheaper for Nescot students. I’m thinking about moving to the US to use my Cisco skills there. I’d like to work for a large company which needs IT solutions in various environments, not just office based. I want something which is challenging and offers a lot of technical variety.
