It Support Technician: Job Description

  
It Support Technician – Job Description

Learn more about becoming an IT Support Technician in the UK.

Main Duties

An IT support technicians main duty is to monitor computers and maintain them if they go wrong. They may upgrade the systems and provide new hardware and software solutions supporting one department or a whole company, depending on its size.

Technical knowledge would need to be applied to ensure that all of the computers are running as efficiently as possible.

Problem solving skills are key as computers that need fixing would need the problems to be diagnosed and solved.

The work may involve working directly with the computers or advising the users over the telephone so they can make the fix themselves.

When new software and hardware is installed the technician may need to provide continuous support to help users get used to the new system and to fix any bugs or problems.

The job would usually be based in one office, although it may involve travel to other branches. It is usually within normal office working hours although may involve being on call or doing shift work in some cases.

Expected Salary

A starting salary would be from £17,000 to £26,000 and this could rise to £35,000 with relevant experience and qualifications.

Pros

Great salary prospects.
Many jobs available in this area as all companies have computers that need maintaining.
Lots of different problems to solve or systems to work with so interesting and variable.

Cons

It is necessary to keep skills up to date as IT is an ever changing area. This learning is usually expected to be done in your own time.
Often overtime is expected with no extra pay.

Qualifications Required

HND or degree in business IT, IT, software engineering, computer science or similar.
Knowledge of the systems the company uses such as Microsoft, Linux and/or Cisco.
MCSE, MCSA, MCITP may increase chances of securing a role using Microsoft products and similar postgraduate qualifications for Linux or Cisco are a plus.
Work experience is also useful.

Required Skills
Logical thinking and problem solving skillsAn ability to understand a problem from a customer’s description and then come up with an answer that can be explained to themGood team work skillsAn ability to work well with customers and colleaguesTime management and prioritising skillsGood at learning how software works and remembering this for practical applicationPatience with others and good at explaining thingsAn interest in technology