Computer service and repair technician
Set up, maintain and repair computer systems and equipment for people to use at work and at home.
Also known as: IT technician, IT support worker
About the job
What it's 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.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- respecting
- researching
- problem solving
- resourceful
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Engineering Science
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Practical Electronics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
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.
Qualifications that demonstrate the ability to fix or repair things, communication skills and customer service skills are also useful.
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