Undergraduate IS Apprentice

The University    
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community.  We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.    
   
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.    
   
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion.  It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.     
   
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here
    

The Role and Department     
The Computing and Information Services (CIS) has an annual operational budget in excess of £12m, multi-million pound programmes of change within year, and approximately 185 staff. The Senior Leadership Team report directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with the following portfolios: Strategy and Change; Technical Services; Information Services (IS), and Cyber Security. CIS work with departments across the university to provide academic, teaching and administrative services that underpin the day-to-day activities of the whole organisation. Details of the Digital Strategy and ongoing work can be found at Digital Strategy - Durham University

CIS is a friendly, but demanding department, where much is expected and can be achieved by competent, self-motivated individuals who are demonstrable in their team work ability. The department works in a hybrid capacity depending on the job role and individual personal requirements.

As an Undergraduate Information Services Apprentice you will be sponsored to undertake a Digital and technology solutions professional BSc specialising in the Software Engineer pathway. When undertaking your apprenticeship role, you will assist with activities to maintain the day to day operation and on-going development of Computing and Information Services (CIS). Assigned to one of the Information Services (IS) teams, during the course of the apprenticeship you will maintain a high level of IT services throughout the University, assisting students, staff, visitors in their use of Durham University IT systems.

You will undertake activities relating to, and work with increasing independence in relation to:

·       Software design

·       Software development

·       Software testing

·       Software integration

·       Software configuration

·       Software support and troubleshooting

·       Data and analytics

·       User experience analysis, design, and evaluation

·       Content authoring and publishing

·       Security operations

·       Incident ownership and management   

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.  

Working at Durham    
   
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:     
  
•    27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days.
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.   
•    Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.    
•    On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.    
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.   
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)    
•    If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues  from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.   
•    Generous pension schemes.    

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

   
To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1.     Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.

2.     Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.

3.     Must have completed, or be online to achieve:

a.     Level 3 digital related apprenticeship at grade Merit or above,

 or;

b.     3 A-Level passes at grade BBB or above, with one subject being a STEM subject, e.g. Maths, Chemistry, Physics or Computer Science

 or;

c.     BTEC Digital/ICT related Level 3 at grade DDM or above,

 or;

d.     T-Level in an Engineering or Digital pathway at grade Merit, or above

  Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

5.     Good spoken and written communication skills.

6.     Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps.

7.     Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.

8.     Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.

9.   Basic level of software coding gained either within an educational setting, or from a previous employment, or through a hobby related interest

10.    Ability to follow instructions, written or oral, accurately.

Desirable Criteria

11.  Knowledge of health and safety issues

How to Apply     
    

Submitting your application
  
We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.  
    
What you need to submit 

• An up-to-date CV
• A cover letter explaining what interests you about the role
• A supporting statement which clearly outlines how you meet each individual Essential criteria within the Person Specification (above); when submitting evidence of each essential criteria, please ensure you use the essential criteria wording as the section heading.
• Interviews are expected to be scheduled to take place late May or early June – please provide details of dates when you would NOT be free to attend an interview, should you pass shortlisting.

   
Who to contact for more information   
    
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, [email protected]  would be happy to speak to you.    
  
Specific role requirements

• In order to fulfil the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship, the post-holder will be required to: complete assigned apprenticeship  training on a 20% of allocated work time basis; undertake all study requirements as specified by the apprenticeship training provider, (for example, submit assignments timely and pass all BSc assessments) so that they remain on track,  within the fixed term of the apprenticeship, to be awarded a  Digital and technology solutions professional BSc   .
•   Whilst working within Information Services the hours of service are currently 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday but a flexible approach to work will be required to ensure that all duties are covered, especially at times of a major incident or software upgrade. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
• Whilst working within Information Services there is a four-week annual leave ban in place at the start of the academic year Sept/Oct to support staff and students over that known busy period.

Typical Role Requirements   

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery 

• Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided [e.g. safety shoes], being aware of any hazards and risks and reporting any incidents.
• Log, record and pass on information for use by others.
• Carry out some tasks that may require specialist skills.
• Follow established procedures when carrying out your role and vary or refer to more senior colleagues when necessary.
• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others. 
• When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards for example those that relate to, data protection, appropriate computer use, ITIL standards.
•  Operate a range of IT tools. 
•    Operate everyday software tools and computer equipment 
•   Carry out stock and inventory checks.   

Teamwork/Liaison 

• Help to move, set-up and maintain any IT tools.
• Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service [for example].
•  Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.
•  Liaise with staff in other CIS areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
•  Help carry out annual safety and maintenance checks.
•  Help team members review and update risk assessments. ·      
•  Learn new skills and practices from more experienced colleagues.
•  Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.    

Communication/Personal 

•  Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
•  Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experience team members.
•    Log and record helpdesk queries and apply the correct escalation procedures where necessary.
•  Learn the skills needed to deliver services in a CIS environment. 
•  Respond to routine requests for information. 
•   Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.     

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.