An IT support technician will monitor and maintain computer systems and networks on behalf of businesses and clients. Solving technical problems and installing new technology will be a regular part of the job.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does an IT support technician do?

On a day-to-day basis, an IT support technician will:

install and configure computer systems
monitor and maintain networks
liaise with clients and staff
troubleshoot system and network problems
replace parts as required
provide documentation and reports
follow diagrams and instructional manuals
set up new user accounts and profiles
establish good relationships with customers

What skills and interests should an IT support technician have?

An IT support technician will need a variety of skills. Most importantly they will need to be great with computers, with broad knowledge of different software packages as well as a range of different IT systems. You will also need to be good at explaining ideas to non-experts throughout the business, as well as building relationships with clients, colleagues and suppliers. A major part of the role is diagnosing and resolving issues with software and hardware performance both at an individual user level and a company-wide network level.

What hours does an IT support technician typically do?

You may be expected to work long shifts and often may need to work unsociable hours in order to meet demands. Part-time and self-employed work is not uncommon.

What environment is an IT support technician based in?

You may be based in a single office or IT helpdesk location. Alternatively, your work might involve travelling to the sites of the computers and technology which you have been assigned to assess or install.

How much does an IT support technician travel?

You may need to travel within a working day to meet with clients and solve their computer-related issues.

How much does an IT support technician get paid?

The average starting salaries range from £17,000 to £23,000 per annum but, with experience, you can progress to between £35,000 and £40,000.

Perks & benefits

With experience, you may be able to move into specialist areas and deal with more complex issues, or alternatively become a section leader, which would involve being responsible for supervising support staff and managing the business.

Self-employment is also an option for career development, or you may wish to move to other roles within IT, such as a systems developer or network engineer.

What qualifications does an IT support technician need?

Aside from a degree, employers will look for in-depth knowledge of the programs and applications they use, typically Microsoft, Apple, Linux and Cisco technologies.

Useful subjects to study at school & university

Degrees in the following subjects may be beneficial in helping you to secure a position as an IT support technician:

Business information technology
Business systems engineering
Computer networking and hardware
Computer science
Computer software development
Information technology
Internet engineering
Software engineering

Gaining work experience will be highly beneficial to your application. Experience in customer service roles will also be advantageous as it will demonstrate your abilities to handle client demands.