IT Solutions Technician (Level 3 Standard)

Develop, implement, and maintain IT solutions. A solution is a means of solving a problem or a means of improving any existing functionality to gain demonstrable business efficiencies. For the IT Solutions Technician Standard, Solutions will be technical and involve consideration of multiple components and involve interdependencies with other systems. A solution would also seek to determine root cause issues rather than just address symptoms and viable alternatives would always be considered. An understanding of existing infrastructure and the potential impact that solutions can have, is key to this Standard. Appropriate Solutions could involve software, hardware, or a combination to address particular challenges.

This occupation is found in organisations, large and small, in all sectors including public, private, and voluntary organisations. Organisations are increasingly implementing technology to support all functions of business requiring planning and investigation, methodical implementation, and ongoing maintenance to deliver solutions that are suitable, effective and provide value for money.

The broad purpose of an IT Solutions Technician is to develop, implement, and maintain IT solutions. They work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and are required to work across the whole solutions lifecycle including requirements gathering, solutions development, testing, implementation, and ongoing support. The specific tasks undertaken vary depending on what needs to be achieved by the team at any particular time. Some tasks may be very technical, others may be more analytical, business or user focused.

Key to this role will be the need to understand the stakeholders and business needs within the organisation and be confident translating these into designs and solutions. The IT Solutions Technician will apply a structured methodology or framework to gather and analyse requirements. They will liaise with stakeholders and complete in-depth research to support their designs; presenting these to relevant parties in the business and advising how the solution will meet objectives. They will create concept and logical designs of the solutions, evidencing how the objectives can be met.

An IT Solutions Technician will be involved in the development, testing and implementation of designed solutions, including assisting in the management of solutions or projects. As such, they will have a broad understanding of technology areas and the needs of the organisation. This may involve working with other technicians to simplify complex processes and communicating with non-solution stakeholders on the reasons and justification of design choices. IT Solutions Technicians may develop prototype solutions to apply structured testing methodologies. They work within a change management processes during the implementation and are a key member of the problem team. Ongoing maintenance and support will be provided to users and the wider business, ensuring that the solution continues to function as expected and meet business needs.  

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work in IT support or infrastructure roles in professional organisations while attending college one day per week. They help maintain systems, troubleshoot issues, and support users; gaining practical experience with hardware, software, and networks in real-world environments.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers networking, cyber security, cloud services, operating systems, and IT service management. Apprentices also learn to diagnose faults, configure devices, and apply data protection and security protocols across business systems.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in technical support, infrastructure, or digital applications depending on their employer and business need. Some focus on cloud platforms, cyber security, or service desk operations, with optional training in tools like Microsoft 365 or Linux.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 18 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles such as it support technician, infrastructure technician, or service desk analyst, with progression into higher apprenticeships or industry certifications.

For a comprehensive understanding of this IT Solutions Technician programme and what it entails, please click here.

This IT Solutions Technician Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on a day release basis each week, with the remainder of the working week based in the workplace. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 18 months to complete, with an End Point Assessment at the end of your programme.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk