If you’re thinking about a job in communications, an Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship is a great place to learn the underlying skills required to succeed in this industry.
Information communications technicians work on the frontline of installing and maintaining communications systems, for internal and external customers.
You’ll be a problem-solver, have a passion for technology, with the people skills to communicate through often complex or high-pressure challenges.
Register now and build a career that makes an impact!
The occupation includes contributing to the preparation for new or changed services, operation of the change process, the maintenance of regulatory, legal and professional standards, the building and management of systems and components in virtualised and cloud computing environments, and the monitoring of performance of systems and services in relation to their contribution to business performance, their security and their sustainability.
An Information Communications Technician (ICT) provides support to internal and/or external customers, by using tools or systems to problem solve and trouble-shoot routine and non-routine problems. This occupation supports clients/customers with their systems. They achieve this through monitoring and maintaining the systems and/or platforms to maximise productivity and user experience.
In a digital world where we heavily rely on phones and the internet, Communication Technicians are integral to keeping these systems connected and allowing us all to communicate.
Completing an Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship is an ideal first rung on the ladder for a career in technical communications. Take a look at some of jobs this apprenticeship could lead to...
Cloud engineers are responsible for assessing the existing infrastructure of a business, and researching solutions for moving different functions (like database storage) to a cloud-based system. Then, this person migrates the function to the new system and maintains it.
Cloud engineers require technical abilities to perform the migration, as well as the ability to negotiate terms with vendors, ensure security of the data, and implement best practices throughout the process. These professionals also communicate progress to senior management, and work closely with IT teams to integrate existing structures into cloud-based systems.
As a network support engineer, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the systems that allow organisations to function and communicate, both internally and externally, on a daily basis.
Depending on your level of responsibility, tasks may include upgrading the company’s communications infrastructure or installing a new system. Specific projects will vary depending on the sector and type of business you work for. For example, in a call centre you might install a new call handling system, whereas for a bank you could be providing an improved ATM network.
The first point of contact for customers seeking technical assistance over the phone or email; qualifying and documenting the problems raised by customers; Provide on-site support for client networks and applications across the UK. Provide remote and telephone support for client networks and applications.
This role will require a blend of IT capabilities and customer services to be able to support in the resolution of IT quires that a customer may face.
Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this might include:
- GCSEs - C/4 or above in English and Maths
- A-levels
- Level 2 apprenticeship or other relevant qualification
- Relevant experience – including a knowledge of the fundamentals of networking and can make a local area network (LAN)
- An aptitude test with a focus on IT skills
The duration of this apprenticeship is typically 18 months
For the duration of this training, apprentices will develop a range of IT communications skills in the workplace. An ongoing portfolio of evidence will demonstrate the abilities learned. Support will also be available from an assessor, who will visit apprentices at work every 10 weeks, and check progress every 5 weeks electronically.
Apprentices will receive week-long blocks of full-time training over 12 months. This will take place at the escalla Academy in Crewe.
After completing 18-months of training and development, apprentices will submit their portfolio of work experience – along with a reference from their employer. This begins the end point assessment (EPA) stage. The EPA consists of a week-long project and assessor interview, and will determine the overall grade of the qualification (Pass | Merit | Distinction).
For employers: £15,000 with full and partial government funding available. Levy payments accepted.
For apprentices: Funding is provided by the government and employer, apprentices do not pay to do an apprenticeship.
Funding Band 11 (£15,000).
Apprentices under 19 years of age on the day of signup will receive 100% funding. Companies with less than 50 employees, regardless of the candidate’s age, will receive 90% funding unless the company is an apprenticeship levy payer.
Levy payments are accepted towards this Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship.
This Level 3 Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship will provide you with the following technical competencies:
- Analysis: analyses system problems by selecting the appropriate tools and techniques in line with organisation guidance.
- Rectification: selects the most appropriate solution to the fault, using the relevant logistical support where appropriate, or escalates to a higher-level where necessary.
- Installing and configuring: installs and configures appropriate component and or systems appropriate to the organisation.
- Diagnostic tools: selects the appropriate diagnostic tools to monitor, test and reacts to network performance.
- Hardware and software: undertakes hardware or software upgrades appropriate to the organisation.
- Interpreting specifications: interprets technical specifications for activities and maintains accurate records.
- Providing technical support: responds effectively with customers and provides technical support to them in line with organisations process.
- Documenting completed tasks: documents completed tasks in accordance with agreed organisational procedures.
- Cabling: competently cables or connects equipment in line with technical requirements
Installing: installs and work with a variety of digital communications mediums as appropriate to the organisation.
After completing this Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship, successful apprentices will develop the following technical knowledge and understanding:
- Has a knowledge of networks: data, protocols and how they relate to each other; the main routing protocols; the main factors affecting network performance including typical faults, and approaches to error control.
- Has an awareness of cloud services / solutions Has a knowledge of routers and switches.
- Has a working knowledge of IT test or diagnostic equipment.
- Has a working knowledge of the different types of cabling and connectivity.
- Has a working knowledge of security principles including software, access, encryption and regulation.
- Has a knowledge of the purpose of firewalls.
- Has a knowledge of VPN and Remote Access Security.
- Has a knowledge of data, including network architectures.
- Has an awareness of back-up and storage solutions.
- Has an awareness of service level agreements.
- Understands the purpose of digital communication technologies.
Apprentices will also develop the following underpinning skills, attitudes and behaviours:
- Logical and creative thinking skills.
- Analytical and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Can use own initiative.
- A thorough and organised approach to work.
- Ability to work with a range of internal and external people.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in a variety of situations and at all levels with colleagues and customers.
- Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment.
Register Your Interest
If you would like to apply for this apprenticeship or you have any more questions about completing the Digital Support Technician Standard, please contact us.
t: 01270 500 102
e: apprenticeships@escalla.co.uk
