Job Description

An IT Support Technician will monitor and maintain the computer systems and networks of an organisation. They will support employees using IT equipment and will help find and correct software and hardware problems for computer users.

Entry Requirements

There are various ways you can get into this job role and the entry requirements can vary depending on what you choose to do:

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in IT support, or an infrastructure technician advanced apprenticeship.

Your will usually need English and maths GCSE or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

College

You could take a college course in computing or IT support such as:

Level 2 Certificate in ICT Systems Support
Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence

Entry requirements can vary depending on the college you are applying to but you will normally need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Information Technology and Computing:

Work based route

You could start as a trainee technician and take qualifications while you work. To do this you will need some IT skills to get started.

You can get further information about working in IT support from Tech Future Careers

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could move into a supervisory or management role.

With training, you could move into network engineering, database administration, business or systems analysis, IT security, IT project management, training or technical sales.

Related careers you may be interested in:

IT project manager
Audio-visual technician
IT service engineer
Network engineer
Network manager

Although you may be able to get into this role without formal qualifications, we highly recommend that you try to achieve at least a grade 4 (C) in English & Maths. Achieving this minimum grade in these subject will increase opportunities in the future and help with your career development and prospects.

If you don't achieve the minimum grades, you will be supported to continue to study English and Maths throughout your full-time education or an apprenticeship.

Required Skills

A patient and methodical approach
The ability to work well under pressure and prioritise work loads
Excellent problem solving skills
The ability to explain complex issues to non technical users
Able to work on your own initiative or as part of a team

Salary Range

£16,000 to £35,000

IT Support Technician