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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

When does the programme start? 

The 12-week programmes start on Saturday 10th June.

The 6-week programmes start on Saturday 10th June or Saturday 22nd July.

What is the programme duration? 

12 weeks or 6 weeks

What are the programme costs? 

There is no cost to enrol on the programme, and accommodation and catering at the residential weekend is provided free of charge. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses. 

Is there a bursary available? 

Bursaries are available on request from Catch22 to help with travel costs and tech equipment.  Ask your Career Coach for more information.

How much face-to-face time is there during the course? 

The majority of the content is delivered online through live online tutor sessions, but the welcome event and celebration weekend are face to face in person events held in Durham. 

How is the online content presented? 

The online content is presented through live online tutor session via Zoom and via our online learning platform TechUPOnline. You will require no specialist software to access these platforms. 

What is the programme content?  

The curriculum will give you a strong foundation in general IT and IT support, plus workplace readiness skills with the aim of equipping you with the skills you need for a level 3 or 4 apprenticeship. 

There are 3 main types of content:  

  • Technical (Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Computer Systems, The IT Support Role, Accessibility, Inclusion & Diversity, Introduction to Coding, Software Development, Data Analysis and USer Research/Design). 
  • Professional (Teamwork, Tech Career Pathways, Technical CVs and Digital Badges, Responsive Cover Letters, Elevator Pitches and Selling Yourself, Mentoring, Job Search Skills, Interview Skills, Tresentations Skills, Group Interviews and Assessment Days and Preparation for Work) 

The final curriculum will be confirmed as part of your learer agreement if you are offered a place on the programme 

What is the time commitment?  

12-week programme – We ask all learners to commit to seven hours per week, made up of four hours of live online teaching with your tutor, one hour of industry guest speaker and two hours of self-study and assignments. There will be a choice of days for your live online teaching and all sessions will be recorded for catch-up via our online learning portal TechUPOnline. 

There are also two weekend in person events in Durham. 

6-week programme – We ask all learners to commit to 13 hours per week, made up of eight hours of live online teaching with your tutor, one hour of industry guest speaker and four hours of self-study and assignments. There will be a choice of days for your live online teaching and all sessions will be recorded for catch-up via our online learning portal TechUPOnline. 

There are also up to two weekend in person events in Durham. 

Do I need to be able to attend all the in-person events?  There is one I cannot attend. 

No, however it is strongly recommended that participants try to attend to benefit from the opportunities available – networking, peer to peer support and meeting potential employers. Some programme content is also delivered at the in person events so you may risk missing content if you do not attend. All sessions will be recorded for catch-up via our online learning portal TechUPOnline. 

I have caring responsibilities.  What provision do you make for these? 

Parents with breastfeeding children are able to bring their baby and an additional adult to care for them during sessions.  We are unable to accommodate older children or others you may be caring for. If you have other concerns regarding your caring responsibilities please talk with your career coach who will be able to advise further. 

Is there an age limit? 

Applicants must be aged 18yrs+, and priority will be given to those aged 18-24yrs. 

Do I need to reside in the North or North East of England to apply?  

Yes, applicants must live in one of the following postcodes: 

  • BD – Bradford 
  • BB – Blackburn 
  • CA – Carlisle  
  • DH – Durham 
  • DL – Darlington 
  • FY – Blackpool 
  • HG – Harrogate 
  • L – Liverpool 
  • LA – Lancaster 
  • LS – Leeds 
  • NE – Newcastle 
  • PR – Preston 
  • SR – Sunderland 
  • TS – Teesside/Cleveland 
  • WF – Wakefield 
  • WN – Wigan 
  • YO – Yorkshire 
Do I have to work with a Catch22 career coach to complete my application? 

Yes, you do need to have contact with a Catch22 career coach to complete your application, however the level of support they provide is flexible, so those needing less support will be able to complete the application form and submit the required documentation quite quickly. Those needing more support will have access to that.

Can I do the training and not the interview? I only want to top up my skills. 

Yes, attending an interview is not mandatory. 

Is the programme only for people who are unemployed? 

No, anyone in employment can be eligible for the programme as long as you meet the pre-requisites, including the personal income cap of £25,000 per annum.

Am I eligible if I am not originally from the UK? 

Yes, if you are currently eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship and have a permanent address within the North and North East of England you are eligible to apply for the programme. 

Is it open to women and non– binary people at any stage of their career? 

Yes, as long as you meet the pre-requisites and are looking to train in entry level IT skills you can apply at any stage in your career.

Am I eligible if I have a PhD? 

Yes, as long as you meet the pre-requisites and are looking to train in entry level IT skills you can apply.

Are there any similar opportunities in other areas in the country that you can signpost me to? 

Similar Institute of Coding courses can be found on their website.

I am on holiday for a month during the programme. Can I still participate? 

If you feel you can keep with the course programme you can participate. 

What does the application process involve? 

The application process is a three stage process: 

  • Completing the initial contact form. 
  • Engaging with a Catch22 career coach. 
  • Completing a fuller application form, writing a personal statement and submitting a selfie video. 
What is the difference between a career coach, a mentor and a tutor?

A career coach (provided by Catch22) talks to you, providing guidance for your development, often focused on soft skills rather than technical skills. They will work with you from the point of showing interest in the programme.

A mentor (provided by TechUP) will meet with your for an average of 30 minutes per week to discuss any queries you have about working in the tech sector. You will be matched with a mentor part way through the programme and continue beyond the end date of the teaching programme.

The TechUP tutor will deliver all your weekly live technical teaching sessions and will be your first point of contact for any queries in relation to technical course materials. Your tutor is available via email and slack or can arrange a one-to-one for any technical teaching support you may need. Your tutor will work closely with your career coach to ensure any support needs are met.