At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to support and maintain cloud systems while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Essex Digital Services, transforming digital in Local Government.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 26 days leave, health support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Earn while you learn with industry-recognised Microsoft certifications and real project experience.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for IT, teamwork skills, and a commitment to professional development.
The predicted salary is between 25081 - 25081 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time
£25,081 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: 30th April 2026
Are you eager to combine paid work with study to earn a qualification? Do you want to join a strong team dedicated to transforming digital in Local Government? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you! Essex Digital Services are seeking Digital Apprentices to join our dynamic team.
What our Apprentices say:
"The best part of being an apprentice is the hands-on experience. At Essex you get to work on real projects, solve actual problems, and learn directly from experienced professionals. It’s the fastest way to grow your skills and confidence with support from all angles." - Jack, Apprentice from the 2023 cohort.
About this role:
You will be working within a team responsible for the maintenance and configuration activities for all corporate technical management practices, completing tasks that are complex due to the level of knowledge required and business criticality. The work encompasses development, maintenance, system configuration, infrastructure & platform activities and deployments supporting key business areas of the Council, while maintaining security of operation and management of risk. This includes any associated configuration management, application upgrades, company portal administration and interfaces to applications across the Council, and assisting with management reporting requirements to ensure secure, efficient operation of business activities.
This apprenticeship (Microsoft Azure Cloud Support Specialist - Information Communications Technician Level 3) is designed to equip you with core skills to specialise in cloud systems and to resolve IT issues efficiently. During the apprenticeship, you will obtain industry-recognised Microsoft certifications and develop skills to both enhance IT performance and responsiveness and to secure and optimise cloud infrastructure.
About the Essex Digital Service:
From the moment someone logs on, pays a bill, books an appointment or accesses support, our digital service is there - we power the everyday. We’re not just behind the scenes but we’re at the heart of how our residents and colleagues live, work and connect. As connectors and enablers, we remove barriers, simplify experiences and make it safer and easier for people to get what they need, when they need it. We power the everyday for residents and colleagues. We have our guiding North Star which encapsulates our strategy, giving us a clear direction of travel and a way of storytelling where we are headed, what our priorities are and how we envisage getting there. We all play a vital role, we all bring value and we all must count on each other to deliver together. We have a great mix of experience, skills and perspectives that make us a talented and innovative team. It’s an exciting time to be part of Essex Digital Services (EDS). The Digital Trainee is an entry-level role to Essex Digital Services providing an opportunity for career development in a role in our digital services.
Benefits:
- Healthy work-life balance; flexible and hybrid working options
- Wide range of learning and development opportunities
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + option to purchase extra
- Generous Local Government Salary related pension scheme
- Access to hundreds of discounts and benefits through Essex Rewards
- Access to our health and wellbeing support platform with LifeWorks
- Disability Confident Leader: we’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job
- Up to 4 days per annum volunteering leave
- Employee support networks, to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect
- A fully funded Information Communications Technician qualification delivered online over 18 months by our partnered training provider
Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees.
About You:
Service/Functional Accountabilities:
- Work collaboratively with different areas across EDS and ECC.
- Work within your team to meet the objectives of the role agreed and deliver work within agreed timescales to demonstrate learning and acumen for Digital.
- Utilise experience and knowledge gained to help improve EDS to ensure we deliver digital services that are designed and delivered with a clear focus on the needs of our users.
- Ensure delivery of requirements agreed in the personal development plan and apprenticeship study programme, including any external training, assessment or examinations needed to be successful.
Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
Essential Requirements for the role:
- An understanding of the commitment to continual professional development to keep pace with technical and business change and acceptance of working to meet agreed competencies.
- Computer literate with a good understanding and capability in standard MS Office applications.
- Enthusiastic and able to demonstrate a determination to succeed in the EDS.
- Good written, verbal and presentational skills.
- Good customer service skills.
- Good teamwork skills.
Please note that we must be provided with your education certificates at the final stage of the recruitment process. If you have international equivalent qualifications, a NARIC Statement of Comparability must be provided. If you do not already hold one you can purchase online.
Start date for this role will be 1st September 2026.
How to apply:
You MUST submit a supporting statement along with your CV detailing why you have applied and what you feel you could bring to this role. Applications without a supporting statement will be closed without consideration. If you are interested in finding out more about this role or require further information, we would love to hear from you.
Apprentice Microsoft Azure Cloud Support Specialist, Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex Digital Services is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As an apprentice, you will benefit from hands-on experience, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave and health support. Join a dedicated team that empowers you to make a real impact in local government while gaining valuable qualifications and industry-recognised certifications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Microsoft Azure Cloud Support Specialist, Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past apprentices at Essex Digital Services on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any insider tips they might have. This can give you a leg up and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge related to Microsoft Azure. Familiarise yourself with common issues and solutions. We want to see that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you tackled challenges head-on. This will demonstrate your ability to handle real-world situations, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Essex Digital Services team. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Microsoft Azure Cloud Support Specialist, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly explain why you're interested in the role and what unique skills you bring to the table. We want to see your passion for digital services and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send out the same CV for every application. Tailor it to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Good written communication is key in this role. Ensure your application is well-structured, free of typos, and clearly conveys your thoughts. We appreciate clarity and professionalism, so take the time to polish your writing before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on Microsoft Azure and cloud support basics. Familiarise yourself with common issues and solutions, as well as the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to tackle real-world problems.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past. Think about times when you contributed to a group project or helped a teammate solve a problem. This will highlight your ability to work well within the Essex Digital Services team.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship, the team dynamics, and the projects you'll be working on. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if this is the right fit for you.
✨Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement
Don't underestimate the power of your supporting statement. Use it to express your passion for digital services and how your skills align with the role. Be specific about what you can bring to the team and why you're excited about this opportunity.
