CASE STUDY: Andy Sparke

Andy Sparke graduated in September 2010 with a Foundation degree in Computing from Abingdon & Witney College and has already found a job within IT support, as a 'Geek Squad Agent' working at the Carphone Warehouse.

 

Andy speaks very highly of the Foundation degree taught at Abingdon & Witney College, saying "I loved my time there". He credits finding his current job as a direct result of completing the programme. Andy's job is not just limited to IT support - as part of the 'walk out working' service, he offers advice so that people leave the shop with fully functioning and loaded mobile phones, as well as full lap-top set up. Once this contact is made people tend to come back to Andy for help with virus removal, and converting software systems.

Andy found out about the Foundation degree through his eldest son, who was looking to do a Computing course on-line. Together they researched alternative options. At that point Andy was cleaning cars and thought the part-time Foundation degree in Computing might be a good option as he had not studied IT at school and had no knowledge of programming and web design. After one year of part-time study Andy was enjoying the programme so much he switched to full-time study mode, completing a year and half's work in one year. While this was challenging, especially within the web design module where the assumption was in year 2 that students had some knowledge of html, the tutorial support Andy received at the college helped him immensely.

Andy explains his attitude now towards higher education: "I wish I had done it years before. I went in determined I would enjoy the course". Andy says he would still consider going on to the 3rd year of an honours programme, (the progression route available for learners who have completed a Foundation degree) but would like to get some more experience first.

Andy described his contact with Oxford Brookes University (who quality assure and franchise the Foundation degree programme) as having been positive and complimented the on-line library resources. He was also the class representative involved with reviews of modules on the programme.

Andy feels the Foundation degree programme has enhanced his chances of getting employment in the future and hopes in time to run his own IT business, supporting businesses just starting up with buying new hardware, software and databases.

We spoke to Andy in November 2010