What are you looking for

£24,000 Starter

Average salary (a year)

£36,000 Experienced

Average salary (a year)

35 to 40 a week

Typical hours (a week)

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this job

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You could take a college course in computing, computer science or IT support. Courses like these may help you to get a trainee position with an organisation.

Other relevant courses include:

  • ICT systems and principles
  • ICT professional competence
  • T level in Digital Support Services

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

  • IT Solutions Technician
  • Information Communications Technician
  • Digital Support Technician
  • Cyber Security Technician

These apprenticeships take up to 2 years to complete. They combine on-the-job training and time spent with a college or learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

Work

You could start as a trainee technician with an organisation and do IT support qualifications while you work. You'll usually need some IT skills and knowledge to get a trainee job.

What it takes

Find out what skills you will use in this role

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you will do

Discover the day to day takes you'll do in this role

Day-to-day tasks

As an IT support technician, you could:

  • respond to customers' requests for IT help
  • record details of issues on a tracking system
  • find and fix faults, or assign tasks to the correct team
  • monitor progress and record solutions
  • update online knowledge bases for others to refer to
  • regularly check hardware like printers, projectors and IT cabling
  • set up new equipment and user accounts, and install software upgrades
  • show people how to use new software, both face-to-face and online

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or in a contact centre.

Career path and profession

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities

With experience, you could become a senior IT support technician, IT project manager or departmental manager.

With further training, you could work in other technical roles, such as:

You could also work as a freelance IT contractor or consultant.

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