Certificate IV in Programming

Course Structure

This program has been created with a blend of vendor specific, vendor neutral and trainer developed materials.  Vendor training is recognised internationally as an industry benchmark for product specific training.  Upskilled uses an online Learning Management System to manage the delivery, assessment and learning resources. The program is conducted over a 12 month period through a blended learning approach of distance, online and teacher led workshops or webinars.

Pathways into the qualification

Preferred pathways for candidates considering this qualification include:

• After achieving ICA30111 Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology, or other relevant qualifications or units equivalent to the core of ICA30111

OR

• With demonstrated vocational experience in a range of programming-related work environments in software programming, application programming, web development or similar.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Participants often come with experience in one or more ICT competencies, vocationally acquired from a range of sources (both formal and otherwise). Upskilled acknowledges the validity of such experience and encourages candidates to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning where applicable. Upskilled's RPL Calculator is a guide to initial RPL standing, although participants are sometimes entitled to further RPL as enrolment progresses.

Assessment

Assessment is Summative and formative with set assignments, project work and questionnaires.

Inclusions

Upskilled Information Technology courses include detailed learning materials, assessments, online trainer support and certification upon successful completion.

Unit Outline

The Online e-Learning course will address the following units of Competence from the National Business Services Training Package. All of these competencies must be successfully completed to gain The Certificate IV in Programming.

The program is broken into 4 logical clusters of training within the broad category of ICT systems: 1/ Core Infrastructure; 2/ Continuity & Security; 3/Continuous Improvement; and 4/ Service Delivery & Governance.

Core Units

Elective Units

Cluster 1 - Core Infrastructure
Infrastructure implementation is the starting point for business seeking to enable their business through utilising IT systems. The workplace skills provided in this cluster cover a broad range of key systems and services. The cluster has software development at its heart to ensure a holistic knowledge base for developers for Microsoft Windows and non-vendor specific web applications. The depth of knowledge transfer is based on the Microsoft .NET framework and is non-browser web application specific. This cluster delivers outcomes that are broad in application type and function, and is relevant to many use cases for client and web server offerings.

Broad concepts covered

• Basic database functionality
• Testing
• Utilising existing code

Cluster 2 - Continuity & Security
Application developers must have the skills and knowledge to ensure that applications are ready, available and capable for the purpose they were designed. The workplace skills provided in this cluster cover a broad range of concepts for business continuity. Identifying key systems and services is paramount to ensure that business can continue to function effectively. This cluster delivers outcomes that are broad and transferable across systems and are relevant to many different application functions and use cases including non-specific browser and server implementations.

Broad concepts covered

Cluster 3 - Continuous Improvement
This cluster has been developed with business, systems and software improvement in mind. Application developers play a key role in business improvement and must have the skills to offer solutions and alternatives to business managers to address problems and increase productivity and in turn, revenue. The core training involves usage of XML.
This cluster delivers outcomes that are broad in methodology, systems design, and business needs analysis and are transferrable across multiple industries, systems and platforms.

Broad concepts covered

Cluster 4 - Service Delivery & Governance
Successful application developers are generally not successful because of superior technical skills alone. Most have skills and knowledge that ensure they deliver appropriate service through superior communications skills like active listening and situational empathy. Being able to communicate with customers at all levels will ensure positive business support outcomes. The workplace skills provided in this cluster cover a broad range of concepts for systems support and maintenance. At the core of this cluster is ITIL, the "de facto standard", of service management. Included also are soft skills units that prepare the student for client interaction that focus on communication skills through activities and simulations. Many of the skills learned are applicable across many job roles and industry sectors.

This cluster provides the framework and skills set that are platform and systems independent and vital to ensure that website developers and administrators have the procedures, systems and policies in place to support correct, unbiased decision making in times of extreme stress. These will also extend to preventative maintenance and proactive problem management to reduce system incidents.

Broad concepts covered

Career Outcomes

Depending on the choice of electives, graduates could work in a number of 'junior' programming roles. Selecting design or games development oriented electives could equip an individual for digital, multimedia or games programming, while other electives could underpin a systems programmer role.  Possible job titles include:

• Assistant applications programmer
• Assistant programmer
• Assistant software developer
• Assistant web application programmer
• Assistant web developer.

Further Study

Pathways from this qualification include:

Diploma of Software Development (ICA50711), or a range of other Diploma qualifications

Course Fees and Payment Options

The Certificate has a course fee of $3,890, payable in one of two ways:

1. A single upfront payment of the course fees attract a 10% DISCOUNT, making the total fee $3,500
2. An upfront enrolment fee of $495, and 7 x $485 paid per month for seven consecutive months. The total course fee is therefore $3,890

Government Funding and Incentives

At both state and federal level, the Government's commitment to upskilling the Australian workforce has resulted in a comprehensive framework of funding schemes and incentive opportunities. As a result, many Upskilled participants find that their courses are often heavily subsidized*. As part of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program, employers could receive up to $4,000 per $3,890 they outlay for every eligible* employee who enrols.

*Eligibility for traineeships & User Choice will be determined by an Australian Apprenticeship Centre. Further information can be found at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au