IT support technician
Find and fix people's computer and IT equipment problems. Set up and test new equipment to make sure it works.
Also known as: computer support specialist, IT support engineer, information technology (IT) support technician
About the job
What it's 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.
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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.
- understanding
- coaching
- taking initiative
- empathising
- problem solving
- evaluating
- resourceful
- working with technology
- cooperating
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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Administration and Information Technology
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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.
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.
Some employers may require you to have a driving licence.
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