HSC Information and Digital Technology (VET) study plan

Map the structure of the digital technologies industry, listing at least six job roles and the skills each requires

Describe how a typical IT workplace is organised, including escalation paths and reporting lines

Identify the legislation and codes of practice that affect IT workers, such as privacy, copyright and anti-discrimination law

Explain the difference between an employee, contractor and apprentice in an IT setting

Outline the stages of a typical IT project from client brief to handover

Compare three IT career pathways and the qualifications each demands

Explain the principles of professional ethics in IT, including confidentiality and conflict of interest

Describe how intellectual property applies to software and digital media created at work

Identify workplace hazards common in IT environments and rate each by risk

Apply the hierarchy of risk control to at least four IT scenarios

Describe correct manual handling and workstation ergonomics for a technician

Explain environmental sustainability practices such as e-waste recycling and energy management

Outline emergency and incident reporting procedures for an IT workplace

Identify internal and external hardware components and state the function of each

Compare at least four operating systems by purpose, licensing and typical deployment

Describe the boot process and how to install or image an operating system

Explain file systems, permissions and directory structures across two operating systems

Diagnose three common hardware faults from described symptoms

Describe the OSI and TCP/IP models and place common protocols at the correct layer

Configure a small network with addressing, subnetting and basic routing

Explain wireless standards, cabling types and common connectivity faults

Identify at least six security threats and match each to a mitigation

Outline authentication, access control and backup strategies for a small business

Apply a structured troubleshooting method to a simulated network outage and document each step

Explain how to communicate technical information to a non-technical client without jargon

Demonstrate active listening and questioning techniques in a recorded client scenario

Describe how to handle a difficult or dissatisfied customer and when to escalate

Explain how teamwork and role allocation improve service desk outcomes

Compare file formats for images, audio and video and select appropriate formats for given tasks

Explain data integrity, validation and backup practices for stored records

Describe privacy obligations when handling customer data

Apply a systematic troubleshooting methodology to three mixed hardware, software and network faults

Distinguish between data, information and knowledge with workplace examples

Revise all eight domains using a spaced-repetition schedule weighted to the heaviest domains

Complete a timed practice paper under exam conditions and mark it against the syllabus

Re-teach the three weakest topics in writing to confirm understanding

Consolidate employability skills evidence into a short portfolio statement