ITECH by Farhat Anwar

IT support technician

Hours: 37-40 per week

Starting salary: £18,000 + per year

If you are interested in computers and like solving problems, this could be the perfect job for you. IT support technicians help to find and correct software and hardware problems for computer users.

To become an IT support technician, you will need to have a wide knowledge of operating systems. You’ll also need to know about networking, hardware and software. And you’ll be able to explain problems and solutions clearly to non-technical users.

If you have a good working knowledge of computer systems, you could begin as a trainee technician. You may improve your career prospects by gaining IT qualifications.

Work activities

As an IT support technician, you would work on site or remotely by phone, email or using web-based applications. Your job would normally include:

talking to clients to get details of faults
working out the reasons for a fault and explaining these to the client
fixing equipment, including printers and scanners (known as peripherals)
setting up new equipment and upgrading existing systems
testing and servicing equipment
recording problems and their solutions for future reference
training clients on new systems or software applications.

You may work for a company as part of a team, or support outside business clients.

Entry requirements

If you have a good working knowledge of computer systems, you could be taken on by a company as a trainee technician and receive on the job training. If you are not already working in IT, you could study for qualifications to improve your career prospects. For example:

ICT Systems Support – PC Maintenance Level 1
Certificate or Diploma in ICT Systems Support Level 2
Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles Level 2
Diploma in ICT Professional Competence Level 2.

These courses are available full- or part-time through local colleges and private training centres. The courses contain optional units taken from CompTIA, Cisco and Microsoft certifications and cover PC installation and maintenance. See the Training and development section for more details about certifications.

Skills, interests and qualities

To become an IT support technician, you will need:

a thorough knowledge of operating systems, networking, hardware and software
excellent problem-solving skills
the ability to explain problems and solutions clearly to non-technical users
the ability to prioritise, work under pressure and meet deadlines
a patient and methodical approach
the ability to work alone or as part of a team
an awareness of health and safety.

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