IT support technician
Career outlook for IT support technician
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£29,640
Currently employed in Scotland
5,300
Five year job forecast
+3.84%
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
What's it like?
You would find and fix problems with people’s computers and IT equipment. You’d set up and test new equipment to make sure it works.
You would help people face to face or over the phone, email or instant messaging.
You’d need to have a wide knowledge of operating systems, software and hardware. You’d need to be able to explain the problem and the solution clearly to non-technical users.
You would:
- Talk to people to get details of faults
- Work out the reasons for a fault and explain it to them
- Fix equipment, including printers and scanners (known as peripherals)
- Set up new equipment and upgrade existing systems
- Test and service equipment
- Record problems and their solutions for future reference
- Train clients on new systems or software applications
You may work for a company as part of its information technology team or provide IT support services to one or more companies.
You’d also need to be aware of health and safety regulations to guide you when setting up machines or checking equipment.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
60%
Part-time
27%
Self employed
13%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Cooperating
- Working with technology
- Resourceful
- Evaluating
- Problem solving
- Empathising
- Taking initiative
- Coaching
- Understanding
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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
You would need qualifications at SCQF level 4/5, or a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 10) in relevant subjects such as computer engineering or electronic engineering
Or relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in ICT (SVQ level 2/3/4). Most employers will require at least SCQF level 4/5 qualifications to enter a Modern Apprenticeship. There is a Modern Apprenticeship available in IT & Telecommunications (SCQF level 5 / 6).
To enter a computer or electronic engineering Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) courses requires National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers (SCQF level 6) at Grade C or above.
Entry to a degree requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers including Maths, Physics or an IT subject. However, with suitable Advanced Highers, Higher National Certificates or Higher National Diplomas, you can gain Advanced Entry to 2nd or 3rd year of a relevant degree.
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
Some employers may require you to have a driving licence.
Related industries
