IT Apprentice in Sunderland

At Sunderland AFC, you’re not just becoming part of a football club; you’re entering a vibrant community fuelled by passion and pride. Our commitment to making a difference means you’ll engage with local initiatives that truly matter, allowing you to leave a positive impact right here at home. You’ll thrive in an exciting, dynamic atmosphere where every day is a new adventure filled with the thrill of football and teamwork. We believe in nurturing talent, so you’ll have access to training programs and mentorship opportunities. Our diverse and inclusive culture celebrates individuality, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. You’ll be part of a team that unites in the spirit of collaboration and respect, making your work environment both rewarding and inspiring.

About the IT Team: We are a group of passionate innovators and problem‑solvers dedicated to ensuring that our systems run seamlessly, enabling every team to perform at their best. We take pride in providing reliable IT support and infrastructure.

The Opportunity: Are you passionate about IT and eager to kick‑start your career in a dynamic sports environment? Sunderland AFC is offering an exciting apprenticeship opportunity for an IT Apprentice to join our team. This role will involve supporting our day‑to‑day IT operations, assisting with technical support, and gaining valuable hands‑on experience in a busy stadium setting. You'll be part of a dedicated team, helping to ensure our stadium and business‑critical systems run smoothly during matchdays and events. As an apprentice, you'll have the chance to develop your technical skills through a funded Level 3 IT Solutions Technician Apprenticeship, while contributing to the club’s success.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing helpdesk support
• Maintaining IT infrastructure
• Assisting with hardware and software deployment
• Supporting user account management

You’ll be encouraged to learn, grow, and take on new challenges in a vibrant sports environment.

What We Ask For: We're looking for a motivated individual with a genuine interest in IT and technology. You should have at least 5 GCSEs (Level 4 or above), including Maths and English. An A-Level in an IT related discipline is desirable but not essential. The ideal candidate will possess good problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of computer hardware, software, and networking. You must be a team player with excellent communication skills, reliable, punctual, and eager to learn. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are essential, along with a willingness to participate in ongoing training and development. The role requires a proactive mindset, the ability to work well under supervision, and a commitment to adhering to club policies on data protection and safety. You will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS through SAFC.

Equal Opportunity: Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Safeguarding & Protection: Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. Sunderland AFC owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities organised by the football club. Sunderland AFC will ensure that safety and protection is given to all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club. Importantly, safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single individual or team; it is a collective responsibility that involves everyone associated with the club. From staff and volunteers to players and supporters, each person has a crucial role in creating a safe and welcoming environment. All members of the Sunderland AFC community are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safeguarding procedures, and report any concerns promptly, knowing that safeguarding is a shared responsibility that helps protect those most vulnerable.

Benefits: As a standard offering, we proudly provide a range of benefits for our permanent SAFC employees, with additional perks available for specific roles to enhance your experience even further.

• Annual Leave: Employee Offering 25 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service
• Death in Service Employee Benefit: The Death in Service benefit provides peace of mind for you and your family, offering a safety net of four times the basic annual salary in the unfortunate event of a loss.
• Salary Exchange Schemes: Agree to reduce your salary through our Salary Exchange Schemes to enjoy benefits like tax savings, increased pension contributions for a larger retirement fund, eco‑friendly travel with EV Salary Sacrifice, and healthier commutes with Cycle 2 Work.
• Complimentary Season Tickets: Score two free tickets for all home fixtures, so you can kick back, cheer on the club, and enjoy all the Premier League action!
• Enhanced Family and Parental Pay: Enhanced Paternity, Maternity, and Adoption pay provide new parents with more than just statutory pay, offering additional financial support to embrace your time with your families!
• Employee Assistance Programs: Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer confidential support services that go beyond just workplace wellness, providing you with access to counselling, resources, and tools to tackle personal challenges and enhance your overall well‑being!
• Free Parking: Free parking at both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light
• Discounts: SAFC employees enjoy various discount packages from our partners, including exclusive offers at the Club Store.