Spark IT
These are exciting times for North Kent. The expansion of businesses, especially office-based, brings opportunities for all, and we are here to help you to take advantage.
Specialist ICT courses are available now from the Spark IT centre in Swanscombe. The courses are free and can be designed to fit around your lifestyle. The centre is located near the High Street and is only a short walk from the railway station, bus stops and a large,free car park.
We are offering you the chance to become qualified, for free, with the skills that employers are looking for.
If you are already an ICT professional or are just thinking about a career in ICT we have a course for you. We’ll also help you to prepare for work and promote you to our network of employers.
Courses Available
- IC3 Internet Computing and Core Qualification
- HP IT Essentials 1
- CompTIA Network+TM Certification
- PNIE (Panduit Network Infrastructure Essentials)
- CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
- CompTIA Security+TM Certification
The opportunity to take up this training is available to residents living or working in most areas of the Urban wards. The map shown here identifies those wards. If you think you qualify, contact us for an informal chat.
Course Information
IC3 Internet Computing and Core Qualification
This course gives learners the knowledge and skills required for basic use of computer hardware, software, networks, and the internet.
What experience/qualifications do I need to start this course?None
How will my employment prospects improve on completion of this course?On successful completion of this course you will have an understanding of both hardware and software, including those from the Microsoft Office suite. This will provide you with the necessary skills to apply for jobs across the commercial and public sectors which require an understanding of ICT.
HP IT Essentials 1
This course gives learners the information and skills needed to pursue a career in ICT as a PC technician or a network administrator. The course starts with learning the basics of the technology and progresses through to the assembly and maintenance of a computer system. It provides hands on experience and an industry standard qualification.
What experience/qualifications do I need to start this course?A basic understanding of hardware. The knowledge needed could be gained through personal experience or by taking a qualification such as IC3.
How will my employment prospects improve on completion of this course?On successful completion of this course you will have the necessary skills to apply for jobs across the commercial and public sectors in organisations which have a need for the maintenance of computer systems and basic networks.Your skills will also be particularly relevant to ICT retail businesses.
CompTIA Network+TM Certification
CompTIA Network+ validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals. It is an international, certification that recognizes a technician’s ability to describe the features and functions of networking components and to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services.
What experience/qualifications do I need to start this course?Relevant experience – please check with course tutors.
How will my employment prospects improve on completion of this course?On successful completion of this course you will have the skills necessary to apply for posts such as network administrator, network builder or network analyst.
PNIE (Panduit Network Infrastructure Essentials)
This course is designed for students interested in the physical aspects of voice and data network cabling and installation.
What experience/qualifications do I need to start this course?Relevant experience – please check with course tutors.
How will my employment prospects improve on completion of this course?On successful completion of this course you will have the necessary skills to find employment within the telecommunications industry specifically working in installation of cables used for the transfer of data.
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
The CCNA certification indicates knowledge of networking.A CCNA certified individual can:
- Install and configure Cisco switches and routers in using LAN and WAN interfaces.
- Provide Level 1 troubleshooting service.
- Improve network performance and security.
- Perform entry-level tasks in the planning, design, installation, operation and troubleshooting of Ethernet,TCP/IP Networks.
The course is taught in four parts; CCNA1 through to CCNA4.
What experience/qualifications do I need to start this course?A+ and Network+ and/or relevant experience of CISCO systems – please check with course tutors.
How will my employment prospects improve on completion of this course?On successful completion of this course you will have the skills necessary to apply for higher level posts as a network administrator, network builder or network analyst.
CompTIA Security+TM Certification
CompTIA Security+ validates knowledge of communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, operational security, and general security concepts.
What experience/qualifications do I need to start this course?A+, Network+ and /or relevant experience – please check with course tutors.
How will my employment prospects improve on completion of this course?On successful completion of this course you will have the skills necessary to become a security specialist.
Other courses we offer
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Courses
- Red Hat Linux Computing Essentials
- Red Hat Linux System Administration
- Apple Final Cut
The full list of courses that we offer is available by contacting the centre.
How it fits together – The path to your new career
Contact us
Spark IT
The Old Fire Station Church Road,
Swanscombe
Kent DA10 0HF
Tel: 01322 427080
Email: stephen.dutton@dartford.gov.uk
A Dartford Borough Council and The Leigh City Technology College Project on the Urban European Programme.
