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IT user support technicians are responsible for providing technical support, advice and guidance for internal/external users of IT systems and applications, either directly or by telephone, e-mail or other network interaction.

Main tasks

  • Reports on commonly occurring queries to detect underlying problems.
  • Maintains a log of work in progress, calls received, actions taken and problems detected.
  • Researches possible solutions in user guides, technical manuals and other documents.
  • Refers more complex or intractable problems to appropriate IT professionals.
  • Facilitates user access to systems.
  • Installs and upgrades hardware, cables, operating systems and/or appropriate software.
  • Advises users on how to resolve hardware and software problems.
  • Provides technical support to IT users.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£52,335.50

Average earnings

£31,868.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 0%
Level 1 1%
Level 2 14%
Level 3 28%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 14%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 36%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 5%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.