Maintenance & Technical Support Course
Introduction
There is a growing need for qualified personnel to build and maintain PCs. A graduate with CompTIA certification possesses the knowledge and skills required to install, configure and troubleshoot computer systems, basic networking hardware, protocols and services. CompTIA certification is the recognised industry standard for entry-level information technology (IT) technicians.
Course Structure
The aim of this course is to equip the learners with the basic skills required to build and maintain PC networks and the equipment they support. Successful participants will be competent in installing and maintaining a range of hardware, software and peripheral devices found in domestic and business environments.
Knowledge and skills are gained in dynamic and exciting ways: making best use of instructor-led tuition, practical skills sessions, project work and up-to-date on-line learning (eLearning).
Senior College is an E2C (Education-to-Career) partner of the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Those who successfully complete the course will have obtained the CompTIA certification: A+ and Network+. CompTIA certification validates the latest skills needed by today's computer support professionals. The A+ examinations cover essential skills required for a career in a support role in the IT industry. In addition the course offers FETAC certification which is designed to provide graduates with the additional skills they will need to support PC users in the work place.
Core Elements
CompTIA
- Fundamentals of IT
- A+
- Network+
FETAC
- Computer Architecture & Systems
- Hardware Essentials
- Systems Software
- Network Essentials
- Web Authoring
- Database Methods
- Communications
- Work Experience
Work experience is a mandatory part of the course. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 days work experience which offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills and gain an understanding of the workplace.
| Course Code | PCM |
| Duration | 1 year – full time September to May |
| Number of places | 48 |
| Number of contact hours per week | 20 |
| Timetable contact | 5 Days |
Support Elements
- Study Skills
- Career Advice and CV Preparation
- Enterprise Workshop
Assessment and Certification
- Technical certification is provided by CompTIA
- Students are prepared for a FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Computer Networks and Maintenance (CCNMX).
- Assessment is based on a combination of work submitted during the year and exams.
Progression
Education/Training
Successful participants may apply for progression to the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) at Senior College Dun Laoghaire.
Career
Graduates will have necessary skills to secure employment in supporting small to medium office computer networks or to work in PC manufacturing, repair and maintenance. A wide choice of IT careers in technical support, network design and administration are available.
Entry Requirements
No formal qualifications in computing are required for entry to the course. However applicants should display an interest in configuring and repairing PCs and networks.
Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)
Applicants without formal qualifications will be considered on the basis of experience and overall demonstrable ability.
The course is also suitable for persons who wish to retrain or change their career path.
Applicants will have a personal advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Applicants will also be advised on course costs and registration details.
Fees
There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a College registration fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.