Diploma in IT Technical Support

Whitecliffe, formerly known as Computer Power Plus, is one of New Zealand’s leading providers of IT and professional skills training.

• Focused on our students' success, Whitecliffe consistently strives to see our students and graduates excel in the IT industry by applying modern teaching/adult learning techniques and industry-relevant courses.
• Students work towards seven NZQA approved IT qualifications in our blended learning environment.
• Dedicated, highly-qualified, and experienced tutors offer support through both campus-based and online teaching.
• Whitecliffe has a proven track record of working with industry and a multitude of NZ companies and industry professionals.
• Aligned to industry vendor certifications recognised worldwide.

At Whitecliffe we offer a blended learning environment where students learn both face-to-face and through online learning experiences.

The blended model includes compulsory face-to-face tutor-led learning sessions focused on specific concepts, skills, or learning problems; workshops, labs, and demonstrations; and online study.

All of the learning materials are delivered through a digital platform which is accessible from desktop PC's, laptops, and tablets both on and off-campus. This enables students to work independently and have direct access to one-on-one tutor support. Other benefits of the blended approach include learning skills such as digital fluency, confidence using online technologies, and self-motivation. Online learning activities and channels also offer opportunities for project work and collaboration, skills students will need in their professional IT career. It also allows you to develop valuable time-management, self-management, and problem-solving skills that IT employers are looking for in graduates.

All of our programmes of study are structured in a manner that enables students to progress through each course following a detailed study plan. Some resources that students require to complete their learning, including course learning resources and access to software and hardware, are supplied and are covered in their course fees.

The Programme Structure and Learning Process

Each of our programmes is made up of a number of courses. The majority of courses are offered over a nine-week quarter requiring a total of approximately 16.5 hours per week, per course. In each course, there are modules containing learning activities, resources, and assessments. These learning activities and experiences may include:

• Tutor-led learning sessions
• Tutor-led group-based workshops
• Group-based assessment projects
• Industry speakers and visits
• Supervised labs
• A range of online learning activities including quizzes and videos
• Industry project placement (Level 7 degree programme)

The NZ Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (level 5) is a 120 credit programme, consisting of eight x 15 credit courses. A full time student is expected to complete the programme in up to 1 year (36 weeks excluding study breaks).

Each of our programmes is made up of a number of courses, which are 9 weeks in duration. Weekly, each course requires up to ten hours of learning with your tutor and other students, along with six and a half hours of self directed learning.

This programme has full-time and part-time study options available. If you are interested in studying this programme part-time, please speak to our admissions team via email for further information: admissions@whitecliffe.ac.nz

• Apply the fundamentals of information systems concepts and practice to support and enhance organisational processes and systems.
• Apply the fundamentals of IT technical support concepts and practice to manage hardware and software resources to meet organisational requirements.
• Apply the fundamentals of interaction design concept and practice to enhance interface design.
• Use problem-solving and decision-making techniques to provide innovative and timely information technology outcomes.
• Apply a broad operational knowledge of networking, and associated services and technologies to meet typical organisational requirements.
• Configure and administer systems and applications to meet typical organisational IT support requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve a range of common system problems using appropriate tools and procedures.
• Identify common issues related to IT security and apply a range of solutions.
• Demonstrate operational knowledge and understanding of IT service management to meet typical organisational customer service requirements.
• Apply professional, legal, and ethical principles and practices in a socially responsible manner as an emerging IT professional.

This qualification offers training towards the following globally recognised vendor certifications:

• CompTIA A+ (220-901 / 220-902)
• CompTIA Network+ N10-006

NZ Government key information link for students, that provides more information to support your decision making for this programme

The Level 5 Diploma in IT Technical Support is offered fees-free to all Domestic Students as part of the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF).

The Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) is a Government initiative making all sub-degree vocational and apprenticeship programmes free for learners. It is targeted towards industry skill needs where demand from employers for these skills will continue to be strong or is expected to grow, during New Zealand’s recovery period from the impacts of Covid-19.

The TTAF fund will cover fees from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2022.

To find out more, check out the FAQs on the Tertiary Education Commission website here.

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Minimum Age: Students must turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
• 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 including:
  • 14 credits in Digital Technologies or Computing AND
    
  • 10 credits in Maths AND
  • 10 credits in English at NCEA Level 2 or above
• If you do not have the above, you must have one of the following:
  • 50% pass in online assessment
  • Certificate in IT Essentials
  • Certificate in Information Technology
  • Other appropriate NCEA Level 3 or higher qualification or experience as determined by academic staff

International Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Passport copy
• Academic and work experience documentation - e.g. academic transcripts, employer referrals etc.
• Minimum Age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
• IELTS Academic overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent
• Statement of purpose
• NCEA Level 3 Certificate in Computing, or equivalent knowledge, skills, or experience. If you do not have a Level 3 Certificate in Computing or equivalent, you can take our skills and knowledge assessment