Information Communication Technician Apprenticeship

Information Communication Technicians are found in a range of organisations, within the public, private and voluntary sectors.

As there is an increase in businesses relying on computer and communications systems in organisations, it is crucial to ensure the optimal performance and maintenance of these systems. An Information Communication Technician (ICT) is key to achieving this.

The role will provide you with the skills to be able to deliver efficient operation and control of the IT and/or Telecommunications infrastructure (comprising physical or virtual hardware, software, network services and data storage) either on-premises or to end-users off-site of your main workplace whether this is in person or through cloud services.

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You will learn how to be able to contribute to your employers business as they prepare for new or changed services, the maintenance of regulatory, legal and professional standards as well as understanding the building and management of systems both in-person and virtual cloud-based systems. You will also be able to offer contributions towards the businesses performance, their security and their sustainability. This sort of work requires a strong sense of responsibility, accuracy and attention to detail.

While the exact duties may vary depending on your employer but could include the following:

• Provide technical support to customers both internal and external through a range of communication channels
• Establish and diagnose ICT problems/faults using the required troubleshooting methodology and tools
• Interpret technical specifications relevant to the ICT task
• Apply the appropriate security policies to ICT tasks in line with organisational requirements
• Undertake the relevant processes with the relevant tools and technologies to resolve ICT technical issues
• Communicate with all levels of stakeholders, talking them through steps to take to resolve issues or set up systems, keeping them informed of progress and managing escalation and expectations
• Apply appropriate testing methodologies to hardware or software or cabling assets
• Practice guided continuous self learning to keep up to date with technological developments to enhance relevant skills and take responsibility for own professional development
• Document or escalate ICT tasks as appropriate to ensure a clear audit trail and progression of issues 

There are three main Information Communication Technician orientated categories to this apprenticeship – Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours. More detailed information can be found on the apprenticeship standard website (new window).

As an apprentice, you can expect to undertake work-based learning with an employer and be paid a wage.

You will attend college once a week to ensure you receive the support you need to succeed. The rest of the training will take place in the workplace with in-house training provided by the employer.  You will be assigned an assessor who will help guide you through the entire apprenticeship.

City College Southampton provides a fantastic learning environment where you can learn everything you need to begin or enhance your Business Administration career.  We have industry expert tutors who will be on hand to teach and guide you through and answer any questions you may have.

Candidates will typically have at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4/A*–C including English and maths. You will need to provide evidence of this prior to starting your apprenticeship. Under exceptional circumstances, candidates who haven’t quite achieved these grades in English and/or maths may be considered after an assessment, interview and agreement to achieve this level prior to taking their End Point Assessment (EPA).

To start an apprenticeship you will need an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice. If you already have an employer please contact us. If you don't have an employer already, view our current apprenticeship vacancies.

You will be required to attend a College interview prior to enrolling onto an apprenticeship.

You must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.

This apprenticeship can be a pathway to further career opportunities within IT infrastructure and IT in businesses.

You could progress to higher level qualifications if your role is applicable. 

Information for Employers

Off-the-job training

Each apprenticeship must include 20% off-the-job training which amounts to 20% of the apprentice’s contracted employment hours across the whole apprenticeship.  Off-the-job training is any learning undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working environment and leads towards the achievement of the apprenticeship.  Examples of this would be shadowing colleagues, attending supplier meetings, taking external courses, etc.

End Point Assessment

Each apprentice will need to undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship.  It measures the skills, knowledge and behaviours each apprentice has developed.  

An apprentice can only take this assessment once all other aspects of the apprenticeship have been completed.  An apprentice needs to be completely ready to take this assessment and the employer and assessor will decide when the time is right.  A declaration will be signed by both the employer, apprentice and assessor.  If the apprentice fails the assessment, then there will be a re-sit charge, which is generally paid by the employer.

The EPA consists of:

1) Knowledge test - a 60 question, 50 minute multiple choice on-line exam covering the syllabus that has been taught in the weekly lessons (this is held on a different date to  parts 2 & 3);

2) Portfolio interview - 25 of the best pages from the portfolio of work are selected by the apprentice and assessor to be uploaded to the City and Guilds (C&G) portal 2 weeks before the EPA date.  The apprentice is allowed their portfolio with them and will be asked questions by a C&G assessor for up to 45 minutes (via a video meeting rather than in person);

3) Project presentation - during the year the apprentice is required to lead a project.  A 2,000-5,000 word report is completed on the project and uploaded to the C&G portal 2 weeks before the EPA date.  The apprentice then gives a 10-15 minute presentation about their project using PowerPoint or Prezzi which is followed by 10-15 minutes of questions from the C&G assessor.  The presentation follows the Portfolio interview after a short break of about 10 minutes.