Occupational Profile
The primary aim of the Information Communications Technician (ICT) occupation is to ensure the smooth operation and control of an organisation’s IT and telecommunications infrastructure. This infrastructure may include physical or virtual hardware, software systems, network services, and data storage solutions. These components may be hosted on-premises or delivered to end-users via cloud services. The technician plays a vital role in supporting the information systems that underpin the organisation’s operations, ensuring they are reliable, secure, and aligned with business needs.
Key Responsibilities and Contributions
ICT professionals contribute to a wide range of activities that support the lifecycle of IT services. This includes preparing for the introduction of new services or changes to existing ones, managing the change process itself, and ensuring compliance with regulatory, legal, and professional standards. They are also involved in building and maintaining systems and components within virtualised and cloud computing environments. Additionally, they monitor the performance of systems and services, evaluating their impact on business performance, security posture, and environmental sustainability.
Use of Infrastructure Management Tools
A core aspect of the ICT technician’s role is the use of infrastructure management tools to automate various operational tasks. These tools enable the efficient provisioning, testing, deployment, and monitoring of infrastructure components. By leveraging automation, technicians can reduce manual effort, improve consistency, and enhance the overall reliability of IT services.
AI Integration in the ICT Apprenticeship
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we all work. As an Information Communication Technician, you’ll learn how you can supercharge your environment by mastering how AI can be used in real world of IT support.
You will explore and integrate many AI-powered chatbots for helpdesk tasks, automated patching systems that keep devices secure, smart monitoring tools that detect faults before they happen, learn, and even help you to resolve them too! AI can also assist with managing user access, spotting unusual activity, and streamlining device setups, giving you hands-on experience with the tech that’s reshaping modern IT services.
Benefits to Employers
Employing an apprentice through this programme offers tangible advantages:
- Remote Delivery Option: Flexible delivery models allow training to be tailored to your operational needs, including remote learning and support.
- Early Access to Emerging Talent: Observe potential recruits in action, gaining insight into their performance and potential before making long-term hiring decisions.
- Inclusive Recruitment: Access a broader, more diverse pool of young learners, helping to build inclusive teams and bring fresh perspectives into your organisation.
Duration
18 months (this does not include EPA period).
Options
The Level 3 Information Communications Technician apprenticeship supports a wide range of IT and telecom roles, including:
- 1st & 2nd Line Support – Frontline troubleshooting and escalation.
- Help Desk / First-Line Support – Assisting users with everyday IT issues.
- IT Field Technician – On-site hardware and software support.
- IT Support Analyst / Officer – Monitoring systems and resolving technical problems.
- Cloud Technician – Managing cloud-based infrastructure and services.
- Cyber/Security Support – Supporting security protocols and threat detection.
- Data Centre Support Technician – Maintaining servers and backups.
- Maintenance Support Technician – Routine system checks and updates.
- Network Support / Field Operative – Installing and maintaining network infrastructure.
- Telecoms / Communications Technician – Supporting voice and data systems.
- Office IT Technician – Day-to-day tech support in office environments.
Progression Opportunities
Upon successful completion, apprentices can progress to more advanced qualifications, including:
- Advanced Apprenticeships at Level 3.
- Higher Apprenticeships at Level 4 or Level 5.
This progression pathway supports long-term career development and helps build a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Delivery
Training is primarily delivered in the workplace, with a minimum of 6 hours per week dedicated to off-the-job learning. An assessor will regularly visit to observe tasks and conduct professional discussions.
Remote Delivery: Is also an option available, allowing off-the-job training to be tailored to your operational needs.
Apprentices will have access to an online portfolio to track progress and showcase their work.
Before the end-point assessment, apprentices must complete the full Level 3 Information Communications Technician programme.
End Point Assessment
The end-point assessment (EPA) for Information Communication Technician contains 2 methods of assessment which will be graded as Fail, Pass or Distinction:
- Project Report with Questioning
- Professional Discussion Underpinned by Portfolio
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths, aged 16-18, will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
Under new rules, apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to achieve a Level 2 functional skills qualification in English and Maths to complete their apprenticeship. Although, the decision will be at the employers discretion, and apprentices are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their employer or training provider.
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum.
You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 21
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
Paying employer National Insurance contributions
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice, if the apprentice is:
- under 25 years old
- on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework (these can differ depending on country)
- earns less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year)
The apprentice, as an employee, will continue to pay Class 1 insurance contributions through their salary, this will only benefit the employer.
Read HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.
