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IT service engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Computer service and repair technician, IT engineer, IT service technician, IT support engineer, IT field engineer

IT service engineers install and repair computer systems and equipment.

Average salary (a year)

£12,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

on call on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an IT service engineer

You could get into this job through:

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

College

You could do a college course, which may help you to find a trainee job. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in IT Support
  • Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an information communications technician advanced apprenticeship.

You would learn how to install equipment and software, how to handle incidents and deal with requests for help.

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

More Information

Work

You could start work as an assistant IT technician after taking GCSEs or A levels and train on the job.

More Information

Career tips

You may also find it useful to get an industry standard certification like:

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in computing from Tech Future Careers and The Chartered Institute for IT.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to repair machines or systems
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • cost and install new IT systems to meet security regulations
  • upgrade existing hardware, software and networks
  • document systems so others can provide ongoing support
  • set up new PCs for people and train staff
  • carry out on-site maintenance to prevent future problems
  • log and prioritise faults and queries
  • fix faulty equipment and testing systems
  • put back-up systems in place

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a service supervisor.

With further training and qualifications, you could also move into network engineering, IT security, database administration, project management, training or technical sales.

Another option is to set up your own company, providing a service to local businesses and consumers.

You can keep up to date with industry developments through professional development training with organisations like The Chartered Institute for IT.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

IT Administrator Apprentice

  • Wage: £9,750.00 Annually
  • Location: Cross Keys, Lichfield

IT Support Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,012.18 Annually
  • Location: Redditch
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Beginners Computer Science and IT 1 Yr

  • Provider: WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Mansfield
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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