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IT service engineer

IT service engineers install and repair computer systems and equipment.

Annual Salary

£12,000 to £30,000

Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

39 to 41 a week

You could work: on call; on shifts

4.1%
Future employment

There will be 4.1% fewer IT service engineer jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

In this role you could:

  • cost and install new IT systems to meet security regulations
  • upgrade existing hardware, software and networks
  • document systems so others can provide ongoing support
  • set up new PCs for people and train staff
  • carry out on-site maintenance to prevent future problems
  • log and prioritise faults and queries
  • fix faulty equipment and testing systems
  • put back-up systems in place

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business, at a training centre, at a university or at a college.

You could get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
College

You could do a college course, which may help you to find a trainee job. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in IT Support
  • Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
For more information
Apprenticeship

You could do an Information Communications Technician or Digital Support Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You would learn how to install equipment and software, how to handle incidents and deal with requests for help.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
For more information
Work

You could start work as an assistant IT technician after taking GCSEs or A levels and train on the job.

More information

Career tips

You may also find it useful to get an industry standard certification like:CompTia A+; Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate; ITIL

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in computing from techskills and The Chartered Institute for IT.

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With experience, you could become a service supervisor.

With further training and qualifications, you could also move into network engineering, IT security, database administration, project management, training or technical sales.

Another option is to set up your own company, providing a service to local businesses and consumers.

You can keep up to date with industry developments through professional development training with organisations like The Chartered Institute for IT.

For roles linked to IT Service Engineer, you can do an IT Degree Apprenticeship with employers such as SSE.

You may also find it useful to get an industry standard certification like:

You can find out more about careers and training in computing from Tech Future Careers and The Chartered Institute for IT.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • the ability to repair machines or systems
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • persistence and determination
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
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