Programme Overview
What you will learn
Course 1: Technical Support Fundamentals
1. Hardware Essentials
- Internal components: CPU architecture, RAM types (DDR4/DDR5), storage (HDD vs SSD vs NVMe), PSU basics.
- Motherboard components: chipset, BIOS/UEFI, expansion slots.
- Peripheral devices: input/output hardware and drivers.
- Hands-on: Disassembling and assembling a desktop system.
- Troubleshooting: POST errors, overheating, boot failures.
Outcome: Identify, install, and troubleshoot common hardware components.
2. Operating Systems Fundamentals
- Installing Windows and Linux (partitioning, file systems).
- GUI navigation and system settings.
- Software installation and package management.
- System updates and patching basics.
Outcome: Install and configure a basic workstation environment.
3. The Internet & Networking Basics
- History of the Internet.
- IP addressing concepts (public vs private).
- DNS resolution basics.
- Web architecture and browsers.
Outcome: Explain how data travels across the internet.
Binary & Logical Thinking
- Binary representation of data.
- Logic gates and Boolean operations.
- How computers process instructions.
Outcome: Understand how digital systems interpret and process data.
5. IT Customer Service
- Active listening and empathy.
- Ticket documentation best practices.
- De-escalation techniques.
- SLA awareness.
Outcome: Deliver professional help desk support.
6. Introduction to AI in IT
- Using generative AI tools for documentation.
- Drafting troubleshooting guides.
- Ethical considerations of AI in support.
Outcome: Apply AI tools to increase support efficiency.
Course 2: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
1. The 5-Layer Network Model
- Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Application layers.
- Data encapsulation process.
- Mapping protocols to layers.
Outcome: Analyse network traffic using the layered model.
2. Core Networking Protocols
- TCP vs UDP.
- DNS, DHCP workflows.
- HTTP/HTTPS fundamentals.
- NAT and routing basics.
Outcome: Explain and troubleshoot common networking issues.
3. Cloud Computing Foundations
- Virtualisation concepts (hypervisors).
- SaaS, PaaS, IaaS models.
- Public vs private cloud.
Outcome: Understand cloud service delivery models.
4. Troubleshooting Tools
- ping, traceroute, dig.
- Windows: test-netconnection.
- Packet flow analysis basics.
Outcome: Diagnose connectivity problems using CLI tools.
5. IPv4 vs IPv6
- Address structure.
- Subnetting fundamentals.
- CIDR notation.
- Basic routing principles.
Outcome: Perform simple subnet calculations.
Course 3: Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power
User
1. Command Line Mastery
- Bash fundamentals.
- PowerShell scripting basics.
- File navigation and redirection.
Outcome: Perform administrative tasks via CLI.
2. File Systems & Permissions
- NTFS vs EXT4 structure.
- File permissions (chmod, chown).
- Access Control Lists (ACLs).
Outcome: Manage secure file access.
3. User & Process Management
- Creating/modifying/deleting users.
- Monitoring CPU, RAM usage.
- Killing processes.
Outcome: Administer system resources effectively.
4. Remote Administration
- SSH configuration.
- RDP usage.
- Secure remote access best practices.
Outcome: Manage systems remotely and securely.
Course 4: System Administration IT Infrastructure
Services
1. Directory Services
- Active Directory structure.
- OpenLDAP fundamentals.
- Group Policy basics.
Outcome: Configure and manage identity services.
2. Server Roles & Services
- DHCP server setup.
- DNS server configuration.
- Print services management.
Outcome: Deploy and manage core network services.
3. Cloud & Infrastructure as Code
- Provisioning virtual machines.
- IaC principles (declarative vs imperative).
- Basic automation workflows.
Outcome: Deploy scalable infrastructure.
4. Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
- Backup strategies (full, incremental).
- RPO & RTO definitions.
- Basic recovery testing.
Outcome: Design a simple DR strategy.
5. AI for Productivity
- Automated ticket routing.
- Monitoring alerts with AI.
- Ethical AI usage in infrastructure.
Outcome: Improve operational efficiency with AI tools.
Course 5: IT Security – Defence Against the Digital Dark Arts
1. Cryptography Fundamentals
- Symmetric vs asymmetric encryption.
- Hashing algorithms.
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
Outcome: Explain encryption mechanisms.
2. Threat Landscape
- Malware types.
- Phishing detection.
- Social engineering tactics.
Outcome: Identify common cyber threats.
3. Network Security Controls
- Host-based vs network firewalls.
- VPN configuration basics.
- Secure authentication methods.
Outcome: Configure baseline security protections.
4. Vulnerability & Incident Response
- AI-driven vulnerability scanning.
- Incident response lifecycle.
- Basic digital forensics concepts.
Outcome: Respond effectively to security incidents.
| Suitable for Ages | 14+ |
|---|---|
| Location | Broughton, Milton Keynes |
| Max Class Size | 5 students / instructor |
| Lesson Duration | 2 hours per session |
| Full Programme Length | 2 Years (approx. 80+ sessions) |
Book a Trial Session
Parents are welcome to book a trial session so their child can experience the programme before enrolling. Please use the request form.
