Computer service and repair technician

IT support worker IT technician
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Computing and ICT
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Career outlook for computer service and repair technician

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£12,000

Experienced

£30,000


Currently employed in Scotland

3,800

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would set up, maintain and repair computer systems and equipment for people to use at work and at home.

You could work as a member of an information technology (IT) support team within a large organisation. You could join a team at an IT servicing company which looks after the computer systems for several different companies.

If you work for a computer manufacturer you’d go to customers’ offices and homes to set up the equipment they have bought from your employer.

You might also run your own personal computer (PC) repair and upgrade business.

You would:

  • Install new IT systems
  • Upgrade existing hardware and software
  • Visit people at home to set up their PCs or fix faulty equipment
  • Test systems to make sure that they are working properly
  • Check and repair printers, scanners and other office equipment (called peripherals)
  • Prepare cost estimates for new installations
  • Do routine administration, like organising staff rotas

In a larger organisation, you might also train staff to use the equipment correctly and safely.

Working conditions

Hours

You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may need to do shift work if your employer offers out-of-hours technical cover.

Environment

In an IT support department, you would be based at an office but would spend time with staff at their workstations

Travel

As a field technician your job would involve travelling to visit clients on site.

UK employment status

Full-time

76%

Part-time

7%

Self employed

17%

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  • Listening
  • Verbal communication
  • Working with technology
  • Resourceful
  • Problem solving
  • Researching
  • Respecting
  • Attention to detail
  • Developing a plan
  • Time management

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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

There are no formal qualification required for entry to this job however a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a computing technical support or engineering subject may be of value.

Alternatively you can gain relevant work-based qualifications, such as a Modern Apprenticeship in IT & Telecommunications at SCQF level 5 or SCQF level 7.

Useful subjects

English and Maths are required by most courses. Other required subjects depend on the course but may include:

  • Physics 
  • Technologies subjects such as computing science and engineering

Helpful to have

 Qualifications that demonstrate the ability to fix or repair things, communication skills and customer service skills are also useful.