IT Desktop Support Apprentice

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven individual to develop your career working as an Apprentice IT Support Technician one of UK’s leading manufacturers. As part of a Higher Level 4 IT Apprenticeship, you’ll gain hands-on experience, industry recognised Microsoft, CompTIA and ITIL qualifications all whilst earning.

Who will I work for, and what will I do?

The Lincolnshire employer is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of upholstered furniture with annual sales in excess of £40m.  The company’s customers are comprised of the UK’s major national retail groups.  In order to further strengthen the workforce, they have launched an Apprenticeship Scheme in 2012 in various departments throughout the company and now wish to build on this further.

The Apprentice IT Support Technician role revolves more around their IT hardware and infrastructure. In this role you will be supporting the use of servers, network devices, desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, desk/mobile phones and printers plus any other devices used in the business. The work involves a huge amount of interaction with colleagues and is sometimes carried out under pressure e.g. a single printer problem can stop the entire manufacturing process so a quick resolution is essential. There are, however, quieter moments which are needed to allow the planning of projects for improvement of the business.

• Observing, testing, diagnosing and resolving faults in hardware and software systems.
• 1st and 2nd line IT support duties including but not limited to basic hardware repair, software support, provision of IT equipment/network facilities and support of telephone systems
• Liaison with third party contractors and service providers
• Evaluating and suggesting ways to improve the business through the incorporation of new and existing technologies
• Purchasing of hardware, software and consumables
• Providing written documentation of IT systems and training for users.
• Carrying out daily checks on jobs and systems taking action when necessary to correct errors.

What training will I receive?

Firebrand offers a unique Higher Level 4 IT Apprenticeship scheme that provides award-winning industry training and certifications, valuable work experience and offers on-going support all with the ultimate goal of securing you a long-term career within the world of technology. 

During your 24 month IT apprenticeship programme, Firebrand will provide residential training at our distraction-free training centre. Our method of accelerated training allows you to achieve industry-recognised certifications such as CompTIA, ITIL and Microsoft faster, giving you more time to put your new skills in to practice within a working environment. Firebrand will also provide you with a Mentor who will be supporting and assisting you with your development. By the end of your 24 month apprenticeship, in addition to having numerous industry recoginesed qualifications, a steady career with a supportive employer, you will also be recognised by the British Computer Society (BCS) for entry onto the register of IT Technicians, confirming SFIA level 3 professional competence.

What experience do I need?

You’ll possess a flexible attitude paired with the ability to perform under pressure. Although technically you’ll be passionate and demonstrate core IT skills, our focus will be on your communication skills and ability to speak with clients. You will be prepared to follow instructions whilst learning the skills required to work in a very busy IT department. Only people with a positive and enthusiastic approach to work will be considered.  This includes being highly motivated, extremely confidential, have excellent attention to detail, good communication skills and extremely flexible.   

Finally, you will have:

• At least five GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C or above including Maths, English and either IT or Science.
• Ideally, you will have either a minimum of two A levels (or equivalent) a Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification or Level 3 BTEC

What happens after my apprenticeship? 

There will be opportunities to progress for the right candidate who demonstrates their passion, ability and drive throughout the course of their apprenticeship scheme.