Computer Service and Repair Technician
What is the work like?
Your job as a computer service and repair technician would be to install, service and repair computer systems and equipment.
You could work as a member of an IT support team in a large organisation; on commercial contracts for an IT servicing company; or as a field technician for a computer manufacturer. Alternatively, you might run your own PC repair and upgrade business.
Your day-to-day tasks could include:
- installing new IT systems
- upgrading existing hardware and software
- visiting home users to set up their PCs or fix faulty equipment
- testing systems to make sure they are working properly
- servicing printers, scanners and other office equipment (known as peripherals)
- preparing estimates for new installations
- carrying out routine administration like organising staff rotas.
In a larger organisation, you may also be responsible for training staff to use equipment correctly and safely.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can start work as a computer service and repair technician without formal qualifications if you have a good enough working knowledge of computer systems and software. However, you could improve your prospects by taking a computer maintenance qualification at college, such as:
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) Level 3
- City & Guilds (E-Quals) IT Practitioners Diploma/Advanced Diploma (7266) Level 3
- OCR (iPRO) Certificate and Diploma for IT Practitioners levels 2 and 3
- EAL Diploma in Advanced Personal Computer (PC) Maintenance Level 3
- CompTIA A+ Certification.
You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme with an IT firm or as part of a technical support team in a larger company. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
See the e-skills UK website for more details about careers and qualifications in IT.
What further training and development can I do?
In a fast-moving field like IT, it is essential that you continue to develop your knowledge and skills to keep up with changes in technology. You could do this by taking further qualifications, which include:
- NVQ for IT Practitioners levels 1 and 2
- NVQ for IT Professionals levels 3 and 4
- City & Guilds Higher Professional Diploma for IT Practitioners (Systems Support) Level 4
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
- British Computer Society (BCS) professional qualifications.
You will find more information about professional development options on the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. This has been developed by industry bodies and employers and allows you to plan your future career development.
Where can I go for more information?
1 Castle LaneLondon
SW1E 6DR
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £13,500 and £16,500.
- Experienced staff earn between £18,000 and £24,000.
- Senior staff with management responsibility can earn up to £30,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You might be need to work shifts if your employer offers out-of-hours technical cover.
If you work as a field technician your job would involve a lot of travel, visiting clients' premises or homes. In an IT support department, you would be based in an office but spend some of your time with staff at their workstations.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a thorough knowledge of operating systems, hardware and common software
- good communication and customer service skills
- excellent problem-solving skills
- a patient and methodical approach
- the ability to work to deadlines
- a willingness to keep up to date with IT developments
- an awareness of electrical safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work with a wide range of employers including the civil service, the health service, schools and colleges, call centres and IT manufacturers. You can also find jobs with IT support contractors.
With experience, you could become a senior technician within a department, or set up your own company, either supporting small to medium sized businesses, or working in the home PC repair market.
You could also use your IT skills to move into related careers like helpdesk support, network engineering, IT security, database administration, training or technical sales.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
ITJobsWatch
ComputerWeekly
Computing Careers
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