Duration

Practical period - 18 months (this does not include EPA period)

Average EPA preparation period – 1 months

Study Mode

Day release (1 day per week)

An additional half day may be required for apprentices working towards English & Maths achievement.

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirement: GCSE English and Maths at Grade 3, or Functional Skills English and Maths at Level 1.

Apprentices who have not already achieved Level 2 in English and Maths must do so before taking the End-Point Assessment.

If you have not yet met the entry requirements above, additional support and guidance are available.

Occupation Summary

This occupation is found in organisations, large and small, in all sectors, and within public, private and voluntary organisations. Organisations increasingly rely on computer and communications systems in all areas of their operations and decision-making processes. It is therefore crucial to ensure the optimal performance and maintenance of systems. An Information Communication Technician (ICT) is critical to achieving this.

The broad purpose of the ICT occupation is to deliver efficient operation and control of the IT and/or Telecommunications infrastructure (comprising physical or virtual hardware, software, network services and data storage) either on-premises or to end-users provisioned as cloud services that is required to deliver and support the information systems needs of an organisation.

Course Overview

The support technician apprenticeship offers a comprehensive curriculum that develops essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours for a successful career in IT. Apprentices will explore critical topics such as backup and storage solutions, fault diagnostics for troubleshooting, and the principles of cloud services and network infrastructure. They will learn to interpret technical documentation and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Hands-on skills include fault finding, software upgrades, and routine maintenance, all while adhering to organisational policies and security protocols. Apprentices will embody professional behaviours, demonstrating initiative, ethical conduct, and a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of customers and colleagues alike.

End Point Assessment

The Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment an apprentice must complete to successfully finish their apprenticeship.

The End Point Assessment for this standard consists of the following elements:

• Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio
• Project report with questioning

Progression Opportunities

The skills, knowledge, and experience you have acquired can be used to pursue a career as a support technician in the public or private sector. Gaining professional recognition from the BCS will enable you to register with RITTech, further enhancing your career opportunities.

After completing a Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship, apprentices can apply to university. Many universities accept Level 3 apprenticeships, though specific entry requirements may vary.

Potential pathways include:

• Level 4 Network Engineer
• Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist
• Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist (Integrated Degree)

Additional career options include Network Technician, Cloud Technician, Help Desk Support, IT Support Analyst, and Cyber Security Support.