Develop, implement and maintain complete IT solutions such as networks, operating systems and applications.
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.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 18 months. The EPA period is typically 4 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The EPAO will give you suggested project titles. The report should be a maximum of 2 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 4 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 60 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 6 questions about the project and presentation.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with The registration for IT technicians for Associate Member
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment and funding band revised | 01/01/2025 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 18/02/2019 | 31/12/2024 |
Crown copyright © 2025. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence