K15: Current and Emerging Digital Technologies and the Possible Implications for Work on a Support Desk Including the Impacts of Digital Technologies for Climate Change, Sustainability and Moving to Net Carbon Zero

Assessment Method: Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio

Plain-English Explanation

K15 is about understanding the latest and upcoming digital technologies (like cloud computing, AI, automation, and collaboration tools) and how they affect your role on a support desk. It also includes knowing how these technologies impact sustainability and help organizations move toward net zero carbon emissions.

Examples of How Apprentices Demonstrate This at Work

• Explaining how cloud services reduce the need for physical servers and energy use

• Using Power Automate to streamline workflows and reduce paper-based processes

• Supporting colleagues in adopting new tools like Microsoft Teams or SharePoint

• Researching and sharing information on emerging tech like AI chatbots for customer support

• Suggesting digital solutions that reduce travel and printing, supporting sustainability goals

Common Gaps and Misconceptions

• Thinking emerging tech is only relevant to IT specialists—support roles must adapt too

• Believing sustainability is separate from digital work, when tech choices impact energy use

• Ignoring the need to keep learning as technologies evolve

• Assuming automation replaces jobs rather than changes how we work

Links to Resources and Tools

• Microsoft Sustainability Initiatives

• Future of Digital Support: AI and Automation

• Podcast: Digital Tech and Net Zero (Insert your podcast link here)

Why It Matters

• Keeps your skills relevant as technology evolves

• Helps organizations meet sustainability and climate goals

• Improves efficiency and reduces environmental impact

Portfolio Evidence Ideas

• Screenshots of:

  • A Power Automate flow that reduces manual or paper-based processes

  • A report or presentation on emerging technologies and their benefits

• A short write-up explaining how a new technology improved efficiency or sustainability

• Evidence of supporting colleagues in adopting new digital tools

EPA-Style Questions

• What emerging digital technologies do you think will impact support roles the most?

• How can digital technologies help organizations achieve sustainability goals?

• Can you give an example of how you used technology to reduce environmental impact?

Embedded Topics

• Equality & Diversity: Ensuring new technologies are accessible to all users

• Sustainability: Reducing energy use and waste through digital solutions

• British Values: Promoting responsibility and innovation in adopting new technologies