Employers will want to see that you have completed a Level 3 course in ICT, like an A level.
You may choose to specialise in a specific IT system (e.g. Microsoft) or in a certain business area. This will require further training. Some employers may offer training or you could go to college to do this. You may specialise in hardware, software, networks, websites or communications, or you may be able to deal with all of them. You will maintain existing systems and equipment. You may also help with designing and installing new systems.
Example jobs
IT technician
Designs systems to meet business needs, keeps up to date with new technology.
Service technician
Installs hardware and software, configures systems and makes backups.
Network technician
Monitors networks, designs and implements new networks.
Senior helpdesk technician
Allocates helpdesk calls among staff, deals with complex queries.
Things you need to know
Typical working conditions
- You will be based in an office or workshop.
- You may travel to other offices or sites within your organisation or to customers’ premises.
- You may work regular hours or in a shift pattern.
Qualifications needed
- Employers will expect you to have good IT skills with either hardware, software or both. Most IT technicians have worked in IT already or have done an apprenticeship.
- IT qualifications, such as CompTIA®, CISCO and Microsoft® are desirable.
- You will need to undertake training so you can work on particular IT systems and you will need to keep your knowledge up to date.
Career path
- You could become a senior technician as you increase your technical skills and experience.
- You may end up managing a company’s IT department or move into more general business management.
- Some IT managers can become directors or board members. Others set up their own businesses as self-employed IT consultants.
Useful links
Pearson is not responsible for content on external websites.
The Chartered Institute for IT
Information on IT qualifications, training and careers