what is an IT technician?
An IT technician provides support services to employees using a company's computer systems. When you join the profession, your work will involve fixing and maintaining hardware and software for your employer. Your job covers repairing or maintaining hardware parts of a computer system like desktops, printers and external hard drives in hardware support.
You also provide networking support, from installing networking equipment like switches, routers and cables to monitoring networks to ensure optimal performance. Your job also covers installation and monitoring security breaches. Monitoring includes regular system checks on the installed servers and computer systems to ensure that anti-virus programmes are running optimally.
When working as an IT technician, you also ensure an organisation's storage system is working as expected. Aside from regular checks for errors, you need to update storage systems and perform backups to avoid losing vital data during a system glitch. Apart from your main tasks, you will also assist other employees if they need technical support and recommend the best ways to improve the safety and security of your employer's computer systems.
Would working as an IT technician suit your passion and enthusiasm for working with computers? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an IT technician role.
average salary of IT technicians
According to National Careers, the average annual salary of an entry-level it technician in the UK is £16,000. As you gain more experience solving software and hardware problems, your salary can increase to £35,000 per year. Aside from the basic salary, IT technicians enjoy allowances and company bonuses. The wages for self-employed or freelance IT technicians vary depending on the contract.
what factors affect the salary of an IT technician
Salaries of IT technicians mainly depend on experience and specific skills. Experienced IT technicians can take on more responsibilities in a company compared to entry-level technicians. Qualifications and additional certifications also increase the salary of an IT technician.
Other factors like location and company size also affect your wages. Small start-ups often pay less compared to large companies due to the diverse financial capabilities of every business.
Working in some locations also boosts your wages since the employer factors in the cost of living and demand for technicians in the area. For example, working in major cities improves your compensation package compared to working in smaller towns.
types of IT technicians
As an IT technician, you will provide general IT support or specialise in the following areas:
- help desk technician: when you are a help desk IT technician, your leading role is to diagnose technical problems for computer users. After identifying an issue, you contact a suitable technician to handle it.
- desktop support technician: as a desktop support IT technician, you respond to problems arising in desktop computers. Your work is to troubleshoot issues or configure and test networks. You can also assist computer users in setting up new desktops or user accounts.
- IT support analyst: if you are an IT support analyst, you are the go-to person during an IT audit. Your work is to determine issues that may arise in a system and recommend ways to improve its functionality.
- it support specialist: your tasks are mainly hands-on since you are responsible for setting up or installing technologies. To avoid glitches, you will also troubleshoot and maintain hardware and software in your employer's computer systems.
working as an IT technician
A successful career in IT begins with a role as an IT technician. Here are the duties and daily responsibilities to expect as you kick-start your career:
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duties and responsibilities
Are you wondering what the daily tasks of an IT technician entail? Some of them include:
- installation and maintenance of networks: an IT technician helps computer users install network hardware such as routers and switches. You will also regularly check the network and test for issues to avoid unnecessary interruptions and network failures.
- resolving system failures: when a computer system failure occurs, it is your job to identify the cause of the problem and notify the computer users. You can also fix configuration or connection problems in the system and restore functionality to avoid disruption of routines.
- configuring and installing new IT equipment: when your employer acquires new computer equipment or laptops, your job is to install the necessary software and applications in the devices. You should also configure the settings to suit their functionality. If the users are unfamiliar with the equipment, you need to provide training to avoid damages.
- maintaining incident records: since you perform routine check-ups on all computer systems, you need to document incidents in the hardware or software. Keeping relevant records of hardware problems assists in auditing and resolution of issues in the computer system. Updating incident records during routine checks can also help IT technicians flag frequent issues that may cause future system malfunctions.
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work environment
As an IT technician, you will work in an office setting monitoring networks and computer systems of your employer and their clients. When you are an in-house IT technician, you work for one company and respond to their issues. If your employer has clients, you may do house visits to assist them with it-related issues.
When you work for an IT company that outsources IT technicians, your work environment will vary depending on the assigned client. Schools and colleges also hire IT technicians to provide network and computer system support. Remote IT support is possible, and IT technicians can work from home or remote locations and offer the same services.
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work schedule
Companies require the services of an IT technician 24 hours a day due to the possibility of system failures or security breaches. Most IT technicians work in shifts and are on call regardless of the time of the day or night.
If you are lucky to get a 9 to 5 job, you will work at least 40 hours a week, and it may be necessary to work extra hours on weekends and evenings to complete tasks. Most IT technician jobs are full-time, and part-time opportunities are also available.
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job outlook
Since IT-related vacancies make 13% of all the job vacancies in the UK, IT technicians' demand is expected to increase. Many companies need IT support services, and skilled technicians should tap into the opportunities and enjoy a lucrative career.
As an IT technician, you also have a defined career path. For instance, with experience, you can become a team leader in charge of supervising other technicians. Alternatively, multiple areas of specialisation are available if you gain the right skills and certifications. An it technician with experience can become a network engineer, IT security analyst, database administrator or systems analyst.
Self-employment and freelance work are also options, but you need to gain experience by working with a company before starting your business.
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advantages of finding an IT technician job through randstad
Finding your IT technician job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an IT technician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education & qualifications
Become an IT technician by acquiring the required education and qualifications for success. Some of the academic qualifications include:
- college course: most IT technicians join the profession through a college course in IT support or computing. For instance, you can study a Level 2 Certificate in ICT Systems Support or Level 3 Diploma in ICT professional competence.
- apprenticeship: an advanced apprenticeship is another option for joining IT support services. The available training for IT technicians includes Level 3 IT solutions technician and Level 3 infrastructure technician. For the courses, you will need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including maths and English.
- certifications: standard certifications for IT technicians include CompTia A+ and Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. You can also join the Chartered Institute for IT for additional credentials.
skills and competencies
Aside from academic qualification and technical knowledge, you need soft skills to boost your career prospects. Some of the skills include:
- multitasking skills: as an IT technician, you will work in fast-paced surroundings, and your multitasking abilities can help you juggle multiple tasks.
- computer skills: familiarity with computer software and hardware functions enables you to resolve computer systems problems. It is also crucial in installing and maintaining networks and ensuring upgrades benefit the company's operations.
- analytical thinking: you need strong analytical and diagnostic skills to identify problems in a computer system. Analytical thinking also helps you uncover hidden issues in a network that can cause future problems.
- problem-solving skills: your primary duty is to resolve system problems and assist computer users during hardware or software failure. Strong problem-solving ability is essential for IT technicians, and it helps them identify creative solutions for issues in a system.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an IT technician.
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what does an IT technician do?
As an IT technician, your responsibility is to install new computer systems and conduct regular checks for problems. You also assist computer users with issues in their computer systems.
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how much do IT techs get paid?
The average salary of an IT technician ranges from £16,000 to £35,000. Your compensation package depends on your level of experience and qualifications, and the location can also make a significant difference in wages.
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what does IT take to become an it technician?
Becoming an IT technician requires a certificate or diploma course in computing or IT support. You can also go for an apprenticeship and learn about IT support on the job. Some companies also require specific certifications and membership to the Chartered Institute of IT.
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what does IT technician mean?
An IT technician is a person who diagnoses and solves issues in computer hardware or software. They also maintain and upgrade applications in a system to avoid system failure.
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is computer repair an IT job?
Computer repair involves fixing hardware problems of a computer system. While it doesn't include software components or network issues, computer repair is still an IT job.
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how do I apply for an IT technician vacancy?
Applying for an IT technician job is easy: create a randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
