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IT support technician

Alternative titles for this job include IT helpdesk technician, IT user support technician, 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 a week

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 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

More Information

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

More Information

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.

More Information

Career tips

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

  • 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’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
  • 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 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

Cyberspace Communication Specialist - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £25,200 a year Annually
  • Location: Albrighton, Wolverhampton

Apprentice IT Support Technician

  • Wage: £14,722.50 a year Annually
  • Location: LEOMINSTER, HEREFORDSHIRE
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in ICT Systems Support

  • Provider: NORTH WARWICKSHIRE AND SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: NUNEATON

Level 3 ICT Systems Support Technicians Diploma

  • Provider: WILTSHIRE COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Chippenham
Find courses near you

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