IT service engineer
Computer, Technology and Digital

Related videos on an it service engineer

How to become an it service engineer

You could get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

College

You could do a college course, which may help you to find a trainee job. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in IT Support
• Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in IT service support.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start work as an assistant IT technician after taking GCSEs or A levels and train on the job.

More info

Career tips

You may also find it useful to get an industry standard certification like:

• CompTia A+
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in computing from Tech Future Careers and The Chartered Institute for IT.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to repair machines or systems
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with your hands
• persistence and determination
• customer service skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you'll do

Day to day

In this role you could be:

• costing and installing new IT systems to meet security regulations
• upgrading existing hardware, software and networks
• documenting systems so others can provide ongoing support
• setting up new PCs for people and training staff
• carrying out on-site maintenance to prevent future problems
• logging and prioritising faults and queries
• fixing faulty equipment and testing systems
• putting back-up systems in place

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business, at a training centre, at a university or at a college.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could become a service supervisor. With further training and qualifications, you could also move into network engineering, IT security, database administration, project management, training or technical sales. Another option is to set up your own company, providing a service to local businesses and consumers. You can keep up to date with industry developments through professional development training with organisations like The Chartered Institute for IT.