Information communications technician
Level 3 · AdvancedDigital 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Information Communications Technician apprenticeship at Level 3 trains you to install, maintain, diagnose, and support IT and communications systems - including networks, servers, telephony, and end-user devices - in a business or public sector environment. You will act as a technical support escalation point, resolving more complex problems than a Level 2 IT operative. It leads to roles as a network technician, IT support engineer, systems administrator, or IT infrastructure specialist.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Networking fundamentals - TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and routing protocols
Server and virtualisation technologies including Windows Server and Linux
Telephony systems - VoIP, SIP, and unified communications
Cybersecurity - firewalls, patch management, and threat mitigation
Remote monitoring and management tools
Cloud services and hybrid infrastructure basics
ITIL service management principles and incident management
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Install, configure, and maintain network switches, routers, and wireless systems
Set up and manage servers, virtualisation platforms, and storage
Diagnose and resolve complex IT incidents escalated from first-line support
Configure and support IP telephony and unified communications
Apply security patches and manage vulnerability remediation
Document configurations, network diagrams, and change records
Support cloud migrations and hybrid IT environment management
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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