IT Solutions Technician
The role of a IT Solutions Technician is to develop, implement and maintain IT solutions such as networks, operating systems and applications.
Overview of the role
An IT Solutions Technician applies a professional methodology or framework to gather and analyse requirements; to design, develop, test, and implement IT solutions and to provide ongoing support both directly to end users and for the underlying IT services. Some tasks may be very technical, others may be more analytical, business or user focused.
IT Solutions Technicians undertake duties across the complete IT solution, working on the team's core activities so all apprentices take a common core and then choose one of two options:
- IT Hardware Solutions Technicians undertake activities in the area of the infrastructure aspects of solutions such as servers and networks (fixed or mobile)
- IT Software Solutions Technicians undertake activities in the area of applications and supporting components such as databases.
Details of the Standard
The portfolio presents evidence from real-work projects that have been completed, usually towards the end of the apprenticeship. It will showcase their very best work, enabling them to demonstrate in the interview how they have applied the knowledge, skills and environment to achieve real-work objectives.
Employers, with support from the training provider, will assist the apprentice to assemble their portfolio to ensure that the portfolio is complete, and has been done to a satisfactory standard.
Duration
Typical duration: 18 months, plus up to 3 months to complete the End-Point-Assessment.
Entry Requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements in order to start on this apprenticeship.
English and maths
To complete the apprenticeship the employee must pass level 2 English and maths, (or have the appropriate exemption certificate).
Curriculum, delivery and readiness for End-Point-Assessment
Swatpro Academy's bespoke programme will cover all the mandatory knowledge and skills outlined in the standards. Apprentices will have access to Swatpro Savvy Learning Centre and IT specific courses through Plurasight which has IT courses mapped against the British Computer Society curriculum.
The delivery will include 20% 'off-the-job' training, through a blend of remote, online and in the workplace training. The tutor will review progress with both apprentice and employer at least once every 8 weeks. Those not having L2 Maths and English will attend additional classes. When the apprentice has reached the required level, they are entered into the phase known as 'gateway' for their End-Point-Assessments (EPA) undertaken with an independent Assessment Organisation. For further details please see the explanation overleaf
End-Point-Assessment
The employer, in consultation with the training provider, will determine, when the apprentice is ready for End-Point-Assessment. The IT Solutions Technician is a core and options standard. All apprentices must take the assessment of the core content and then either the software option content or the hardware option content. The End-Point-Assessment is based on two distinct assessment methods, which can be taken in any order:
Project and Interview
Comprised of two parts: a project giving the apprentice the opportunity to undertake a business-related project away from the day to day workplace, followed by a structured interview with an independent assessor – assessing the knowledge, skills and behaviours demonstrated in the project as well as drawing on those demonstrated in their portfolio
Knowledge Test
Comprised of four Knowledge Units each based on multiple-choice questions – assessing underpinning knowledge and understanding.
Completion
Both of these methods must be passed for the apprenticeship to be achieved. The Knowledge Tests are pass/fail (where each of the four units has to be passed for them to be achieved). The Project and Interview is pass/merit and distinction. The overall apprenticeship is pass/merit and distinction. The end-point assessor will determine the overall apprenticeship grade of pass, merit or distinction.
Progression
Progression from this apprenticeship is expected to lead into a role such as a Network Engineer, Technical Analyst, IT Service Desk Technician, Application Support Technician or Cyber Security or onto a higher Level 4 apprenticeship programme.
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