Does a HND open any more doors

Discussion in 'Other IT certifications' started by ericrollo, Jul 1, 2009.

  1. ericrollo

    ericrollo Megabyte Poster

    524
    11
    64
    Jul 1, 2009 #1
    Remove Advertisement - Premium Membership
    I already have a BTEC National Diploma at grade DDD would a HND actually help me considering its another two years.

    What would be best Apprenticeship in IT or a HND.
     
    Certifications: MOS Master, A+, MCP 271
    WIP: HND, Programming, Another Job
  2. JK2447
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    JK2447 Petabyte Poster Administrator Premium Member

    7,203
    951
    318
    Jul 1, 2009 #2
    Remove Advertisement - Premium Membership
    Hi mate, its a tough one really. I've got two HND's. One in more the technolgy stuff and one in the more development area and neither really count now that I have a degree. It all depends. I think they are a good thing to do as you can earn credits towards a degree.

    I suppose it all depends on what area of IT you want to get into. Support roles I'd say give it a miss, programming I'd say yeah do it.

    Jim
     
    Certifications: VCP4, 5, 6, 6.5, 6.7, 7, 8, VCAP DCV Design, VMConAWS Skill, Google Cloud Digital Leader, BSc (Hons), HND IT, HND Computing, ITIL-F, MBCS CITP, MCP (270,290,291,293,294,298,299,410,411,412) MCTS (401,620,624,652) MCSA:Security, MCSE: Security, Security+, CPTS, CCA (XenApp6.5), MCSA 2012, VSP, VTSP
    WIP: Google Cloud Certs
  3. Qs

    Qs Semi-Honorary Member Gold Member

    3,081
    70
    171
    Jul 1, 2009 #3
    There's no best, it depends what potential employers are looking for in the future. Sounds like you got decent grades for the BTEC so I'd recommend the HND as it shows a higher level of commitment.

    The HND is more a-kin to degree level

    The BTEC is only equivalent to one A-Level

    It's your call.

    Qs
     
    Certifications: MCT, MCSE: Private Cloud, MCSA (2008), MCITP: EA, MCITP: SA, MCSE: 2003, MCSA: 2003, MCITP: EDA7, MCITP: EDST7, MCITP: EST Vista, MCTS: Exh 2010, MCTS:ServerVirt, MCTS: SCCM07 & SCCM2012, MCTS: SCOM07, MCTS: Win7Conf, MCTS: VistaConf, MCDST, MCP, MBCS, HND: Applied IT, ITIL v3: Foundation, CCA
  4. Sco0t

    Sco0t Byte Poster

    136
    2
    27
    Jul 1, 2009 #4
    My HND I felt open doors for me after I had my degree, after it showed progression. Would you be wanting to get that then apply for jobs? I've seen a few first line support jobs saying, hnd or equivelant.
     
    Certifications: Bsc Net/Sys Support, HND Tech Support
    WIP: Network+
  5. MLP

    MLP Kilobyte Poster

    305
    19
    59
    Jul 1, 2009 #5
    Hi

    Just based on my own experience, an A+ or an MCDST would have allowed me to get a foot in the door, so to speak, much quicker than my HND. However, when I did get given a chance, it seemed that I was able to progress a bit quicker.

    Just remember that an HND is a big step up from BTEC, and you will still have to work your way up after completion.

    If an IT apprenticeship is on offer, I would take it, and look at getting an HND or degree through the Open University or part time, so you can get that all important experience, show a willingness to learn, and maybe even get your employer to sponsor you.

    Best of luck, whichever path you take.

    Maria
     
    Certifications: HND Computing
  6. Len

    Len Byte Poster

    189
    4
    37
    Jul 1, 2009 #6
    BTEC National Award = 1 A-Level

    BTEC National Certificate = 2 A-levels

    BTEC National Diploma = 3 A-levels

    Thats how it is on the NQF.

    He has the equivalent of 3 A's.

    I'd go for the apprenticeship if its available, otherwise a HNC/HND
     
    Certifications: BND IT Practitioners
    WIP: Comptia A+
  7. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

    11,143
    559
    383
    Jul 1, 2009 #7
    I would say yes in the long term it will help you, even if you didn't do the full HND and did the part-time HNC instead. Added to that, both can be used to top up to a full BSc/BA.

    To be honest, both would be better :)

    The way I see it:

    Are you currently working in IT? If you are then the apprenticeship would be the better choice.

    Not working in IT: Then the HNC/HND/fdSc route would be better (as you actually have to be in the job already for the apprenticeship).

    If you want to gain your degree level (regardless of it being a BSc/BA or NVQ) qualification faster, then I would say go the HNC/HND->BSc route. Most NVQ/Apprenticeships only go up to level 3. Level 4 (this is HNC to BSc/BA level) are very hard to find, plus you will have to be IT operations management. Level 5 (which is MSc/MA) is practically non-existant.

    Anotehr thing to consider, while the NVQ program is accepted europe wide, you may need to get the qualification assessed if you go to a country outside the EU in order for them to accept it.

    -Ken
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security
  8. Qs

    Qs Semi-Honorary Member Gold Member

    3,081
    70
    171
    Jul 1, 2009 #8
    My bad. When i did the hnd i already had the grades to jump straight on to the course.
     
    Certifications: MCT, MCSE: Private Cloud, MCSA (2008), MCITP: EA, MCITP: SA, MCSE: 2003, MCSA: 2003, MCITP: EDA7, MCITP: EDST7, MCITP: EST Vista, MCTS: Exh 2010, MCTS:ServerVirt, MCTS: SCCM07 & SCCM2012, MCTS: SCOM07, MCTS: Win7Conf, MCTS: VistaConf, MCDST, MCP, MBCS, HND: Applied IT, ITIL v3: Foundation, CCA

Share This Page

Loading...
Remove Advertisement - Premium Membership
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...