Program Overview

Level 4 Digital Accessibility Specialist

Overview

This L4 apprenticeship will equip emerging professionals in the tech industry to understand the accessibility challenges they are likely to encounter in the digital world and begin to embed strategies within the workplace to ensure the accessibility challenges are considered before personnel begin the role and very personalised adjustments only may need to be considered. These adaptations may be related to the environment, CPD of others, and flexibility as just a few examples. This apprenticeship will be designed to complement the digital skills being developed and practised in the workplace by offering the dimension of the sociology of technology, pedagogy, theories of inclusion, and awareness of sociological impacts.

Content will be delivered jointly by Social Scientists and Special Education Needs and Disability specialists. Apprentices will support their employers by addressing accessibility issues on a case-by-case basis, and upon completion of the apprenticeship may continue on a number of pathways, among them: further apprenticeships in digital technology, further study in the field of digital societies (a new UG course which we plan to develop in tandem with this apprenticeship), or continue employed in roles such as service desk management and client support.

Despite the apprenticeship being listed as 24 months on the Institute of Apprenticeship’s Standard, within UEL’s delivery modes we believe it can be effectively delivered in 18 months, especially as delivery will be face to face offering a close level of engagement. We are mapping this against two years of part-time delivery of a L4 course, which would typically be 24 months with an extended summer break or 18 months with tuition over the summer months.

Delivery

• Two 20-credit modules for this apprenticeship will be delivered on the standard academic calendar (1 modules in T1 and 1 module in T2). These are L4 Mental Wealth and Introduction to Digital Society.
• The other 80 credits will be delivered as follows:
  • New 20-credit module to run part-time across T1 and T2 entitled: The Inclusive Workplace
  • New 20-credit module in T3 entitled: Digital Accessibility Guidelines, Standards and Best Practices
  • New 20-credit module in T3 entitled: Mainstreaming technology
• New 20-credit module in T1 of second year entitled: Final Project and EPA Preparation

Entry Requirements

• UCAS: Passes at A2 in at least 2 subjects OR BTEC Diploma OR International Baccalaureate Diploma with 25 points (including minimum 15 at Higher Level)
• English Language: Level 3 English or equivalence
• Other Accepted Qualifications: British Sign Language (BSL) qualification as an alternative to English Language
• Mature Learners: Applicable professional experience

End-Point Assessment (EPA)

• EPAO will be selected later in consultation with the employer. All End Point Assessments will be carried out by the EPAO.

Progression

• Most apprentices will complete this course and continue on as specialists in social and disability accessibility needs and solutions within tech roles, in fields including software and hardware development, sales, and customer service. They may work in sectors including commerce, education, financial services, professional services, health services, media, public services, Information Technology (IT) services, energy, or charities.
• This apprenticeship can also serve as a pathway into the BSc (Hons) Digital Societies course or the level 3 Social Sciences foundation course.