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IT support technician

Alternative titles for this job include IT user support technician, IT helpdesk technician, service desk technician, IT service engineer

IT support technicians identify and solve software and hardware problems on computers.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an IT support technician

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 or IT support, like a:

  • Level 2 Certificate in ICT Systems Support
  • Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence
  • T level in Digital Support Services

Entry requirements

You may 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
  • 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

The following advanced apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

  • IT solutions technician
  • IT communications technician

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 get started as a trainee technician and do qualifications while you work. You'll need some IT skills to get a trainee 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 working in IT support 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:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • 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

You could:

  • take details from customers about their IT problems
  • find and fix faults
  • track work in progress and record issues and solutions
  • update online databases
  • regularly check equipment like printers, projectors and IT networks
  • set up new equipment and upgrade existing systems
  • teach people how to use new software, 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 manager or senior IT support technician. You could teach in further education or move into technical sales.

With training, you could move to a similar job, such as:

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

1st line IT support Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,625.00 Annually
  • Location: THE OLD RECTORY, SWATHWICK LANE, WINGERWORTH

Helpdesk Advisor & IT Support Apprentice (Contedia)

  • Wage: £13,000.00 Annually
  • Location: PONTEFRACT
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Systems Support & Cyber Security Technician

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Birmingham

ICT Systems Support Level 3 Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 13 September 2023
  • Location: Southend-on-Sea
Find courses near you

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