At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide IT support and develop your skills in a real-world environment.
- Company: Virtual IT, a leading provider of tech solutions for schools.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a pathway to a full-time role.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your IT career while making a difference in education.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus a passion for technology.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Introduction
Our intention is to equip you over the course of the 18‑month programme to develop the appropriate skill set with experience to transition into a full‑time technical role, either on the remote help desk or in the field.
About the Employer
Virtual IT is looking for an apprentice eager to establish a career in IT Support within our education division, JSPC. To complement the Information Communications Technician apprenticeship standard, Virtual IT will provide vocational experience learning and contributing to the customer experience via our remote support helpdesk based in Lancing and through deskside support commitments in the field, where you will be mentored by our Field Engineers. Our customer base consists of approximately 300 schools throughout West Sussex. You will be exposed to a range of technology stacks, including desktop and mobile devices running Windows and Chrome OS, traditional on‑premise infrastructures with virtualised Windows Server environments, and full cloud solutions that leverage the Microsoft 365 suite. Experience will span backup solutions and both physical and wireless networking technologies.
What You'll Do
- Months 1 to 8: The apprentice will join the Customer Service Team providing administrative and hardware support to the 1st Line and Projects and Implementation teams. You will report directly to the 2nd Line Team Leader within the Customer Services Department and will work in the build room as well as on specific tasks in the field defined by the Management Team.
- Months 8 to 16: The apprentice will join the 1st Line Team providing administrative and remote support to our fast‑growing customer base. You will report directly to the 1st Line Team Leader within the Customer Operations group and will work on the Helpdesk and on specific projects and tasks defined by the Management Team. You will not be a call logger, with the expectation that by the end of your tenure you can resolve at least 85% of all incidents you log yourself.
General Skills & Experience
- Strong customer care and client‑facing skills
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent telephone manner
- Organised, focused and rigorous
- Proven problem‑solving skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Desire and ability to develop new skills on the job
- Strong team focus and ability to work with and without direct supervision
- Mature attitude in a professional environment
- Desire to be a team player
- Looking for challenges and solutions
- Promotes Customer Service ‘Can do’ attitude
- Sense of humour
Technical Skills
- Aware of IT hardware
- Windows operating systems
- Microsoft 365
Training Outcome
Tech and digital professionals in London earn an average salary of £52,500 per year, so this Apprenticeship could be the start of a very promising and profitable career.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Can‑do attitude
- IT Hardware
- Windows Operating Systems
- Microsoft 365
Qualifications
- Essential – GCSE English – Grade C/4 or above
- Essential – GCSE Maths – Grade C/4 or above
Course Information
Course: Information Communications Technician (Level3)
Level:3
Route:Digital
Apprenticeship Level:Advanced
Working Arrangements
- Working week: Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm
- Expected duration:1 Year 4 Months
- Number of positions available:2
- Training provider: JUST IT TRAINING LIMITED
IT Support Apprentice employer: VIRTUAL I T LTD
Virtual IT is an exceptional employer for aspiring IT professionals, offering a comprehensive 18-month apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on experience with mentorship from seasoned Field Engineers. Located in Lancing, you will gain exposure to a diverse range of technologies while contributing to the support of approximately 300 schools in West Sussex, all within a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Support Apprentice
✨Get Involved in Tech Communities
Dive into local tech meetups or online forums specific to IT consulting. Engaging with like-minded folks not only sharpens your knowledge but also opens doors to apprenticeship opportunities at firms like VIRTUAL I T LTD.
✨Leverage Your University Resources
Universities often have exclusive partnerships with companies for apprenticeship placements. Hit up your career services and see if VIRTUAL I T LTD is on their radar – they might even have insider info on application timelines!
✨Show Off Your Tech Projects
Create a simple portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or coursework you’ve done. This could be a website or a GitHub repo. When you apply to VIRTUAL I T LTD, having a tangible demonstration of your skills can really set you apart.
✨Join Apprenticeship Fairs
Keep an eye out for apprenticeship and career fairs focused on tech. It's a brilliant way to meet recruiters from companies like VIRTUAL I T LTD directly! Plus, you can practice your elevator pitch face-to-face.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Support Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Skills:In IT consulting, it’s all about your technical know-how. Make sure your CV highlights any programming languages, software, or tools you’ve worked with, even if it was just a school project. If you’ve completed any relevant courses or certifications, let those shine!
Think Like a Consultant:Your cover letter is your chance to demonstrate that you've got the consulting mindset. Bring in examples of how you've solved problems in the past or contributed to team projects, showing your analytical skills. Companies like VIRTUAL I T LTD want to see that you can think critically and adapt!
Tailor Your Application to IT Consulting:Don't just send the same application everywhere. For VIRTUAL I T LTD, make sure you mention their specific projects or values that resonate with you. This shows you're genuinely interested and not just sending your CV on a whim. Personalisation goes a long way!
Get Your Online Presence Right:Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, having a professional online presence is key! Consider linking to your GitHub or any tech-related projects you've been part of. It gives us a peek into your practical skills and can really make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at VIRTUAL I T LTD
✨Show Off Your Technical Know-How
In IT consulting, having a grasp of the technical tools and systems used in the industry is key. Be prepared to discuss any relevant software or methodologies you've learned about, like Agile or specific programming languages. Even if you haven't used them extensively, demonstrating your familiarity can set you apart!
✨Discuss Problem-Solving Scenarios
Consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about any experiences, whether from school projects or personal interests, where you tackled a challenge. Be ready to explain your thought process in detail, as this shows your analytical thinking and how you approach issues—both vital in this field!
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprenticeship candidate, they're looking for potential and eagerness to grow. Make sure you convey your enthusiasm for learning new skills and adapting to new technologies. Share examples of how you've taken the initiative in the past to expand your knowledge—whether through online courses or tech clubs!
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
Expect to face a few behavioural questions, where you'll need to showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Prepare examples from your experiences in school or group projects that reflect your ability to collaborate and contribute effectively. This is vital in consulting, as you'll be working with teams and clients regularly!
