The role of IT Technician is one that quietly keeps telephone systems working, online transactions going through, and the wheels of business turning. Given the growth forecast for the IT Industry in coming years, recruitment agencies are keen to recruit for roles such as this - and it makes an excellent starting point for ambitious people with an interest in business technology.
IT Technician - person specification
In order to work in this job role, a candidate should command a breadth of IT knowledge - including the advanced use of a range of operating systems (OS) and software, the ability to modify and maintain hardware, and to diagnose and resolve a range of technical issues. Day to day tasks can vary from solving problems in order to keep systems running, to setting up new components and peripherals, computers and networks.
Businesses hiring for this role tend to look for a person who can work on a semi-autonomous basis, and who is capable of dealing with non-technical colleagues in an effective and professional manner. Relevant qualifications can be of a great help in securing work in this area - and employers look favourably on such certifications. Useful qualifications include those from the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) such as their Network certification and A+ credentials. Qualifications such as Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) and IT-related degrees can also be very useful.
IT Technician - job specification
Because of the crucial nature of IT systems in business, any technical work in this area can involve being on call outside of normal working hours. Core working hours may also vary, dependant on the needs of the organisation you are hired by.
Average salaries for the role of IT Technician begin from around £16k per year, and range upwards to around £22k. Because the job allows you to quickly gain hands-on experience in a specialist area, options for transitioning up the career ladder are reasonably widespread - including roles in Management, Training, and Data Security.