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IT support technician

Alternative titles for this job include Help desk technician, IT service engineer, service desk analyst

IT support technicians give technical help to computer users by identifying and fixing hardware, software and network problems.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£36,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • computer science
  • network engineering
  • network security
  • software engineering
  • business information systems

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take a college course that may help you to get a trainee technician job with an organisation.

Useful subjects include:

  • computing
  • IT support
  • ICT systems and principles
  • T level in Digital Support and Security

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

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

Foundation apprenticeship

You may be able to start in a junior or assistant role by doing a Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Level 2, or Software and Data Level 2, Foundation Apprenticeship.

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 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 as a trainee technician with an organisation and study for IT support qualifications while you work. You'll usually need some IT skills and knowledge to get a trainee job. Customer service skills are also important.

More Information

Career tips

You may find it helpful to get some industry standard training for IT support and administrator roles. This can be done through organisations like:

Further information

You can find out more about careers in IT from techskills 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:

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

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

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
  • install new IT systems and upgrade existing ones
  • update online knowledge bases for staff to refer to
  • maintain and service printers, projectors and cabling
  • set up and manage user accounts and security
  • 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 progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

IT Support Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Bugbrooke, Northampton

Digital Support technician apprentice

  • Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
  • Location: Hanbury street, London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in ICT Systems Support

  • Provider: ACHIEVEMENT TRAINING LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Plymouth

IT Systems Support, Networking & Cyber Security

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Birmingham
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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