If you’re thinking about a job in communications, a Unified Communications Technician Apprenticeship is a great place to learn the underlying skills required to succeed in this industry.
Unified 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.
Unified communications technicians use a range of remote and physical tools to install basic communication hardware and software.
Day-to-day, the role also involves routine internal and external service requests, fault finding and rectification across a range of technologies, while working within security and organisational requirements.
You’ll deploy a good understanding of the systems and technology your clients use, to keep people productive. This might mean setting-up new users on systems, talking a client through a common fault, or escalating more complex problems to the right people.
This can be a varied role, often requiring working alone or as part of a team, office-based activities, as well as field-based or remote site working.
Unified communications technicians enjoy an interesting and varied career. Salaries and employment opportunities are also good.
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Installing and testing a range of cabling.
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Reading and interpreting technical drawings.
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Travelling to sites (either locally, nationally or internationally).
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Answering and logging IT requests by phone, web or e-mail.
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Providing first-line support for technical problems.
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Analysing and resolving customer issues using knowledge and service desk tools.
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Using troubleshooting guides and articles.
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Escalating issues to colleagues or partners.
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 a Unified Communications Technician Apprenticeship is an ideal first rung on a the ladder for a career in technical communications. Take a look at some of jobs this apprenticeship could lead to...
Unified Communications Engineer main objective to support the creation and maintenance of communications systems. Daily tasks could include installing communications hardware and software to managing routine service requests. You could work independently, in a team, field-based, office-based or remotely.
What can you earn as a Unified Comms Engineer? Depending on the level of skills and experience, Unified Comms Engineer can earn on average between £26,000 - £45,000
Telecoms operators manage incoming calls and transfer them as necessary. They also answer questions, take messages and pass along communication to appropriate individuals. As part of their duties, they also typically organise the telephone directory and may perform some additional administrative tasks.
What can you earn as a Telecoms Operative? Depending on the level of skills and experience, Security Engineers can earn on average between £22,000 - £36,000.
As a Unified Comms Architects you will be involved in the creation of comprehensive communications systems, this means optimising a Unified Communications strategy and roadmap. You will also be expected to play an active part in IT decision making and also provide technical support expertise to key systems and infrastructure.
What can you earn as a Unified Comms Architect? A senior role as a Unified Comms Architect can see you earning on average between £32,000 - £70,000.
- Level 3 Unified Communications Technician Apprenticeship
- Microsoft Technical Associate in Mobility and Device Fundamentals
- Eligible for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians
Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this might include:
- GCSEs
- 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 12 months, with a 3 month window for the End Point Assessment.
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 12-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 Unified Communications Technician Apprenticeship.
This Level 3 Unified 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 Unified 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, please contact us.
t: 01270 500 102
e: apprenticeships@escalla.co.uk
