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.
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Duty 1 Works within a defined role within a solutions development lifecycle. |
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Duty 2 Apply prioritisation methodologies to manage workload and tasks in order to support timely completion of projects and solutions whilst working within a defined and structured approach. |
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Duty 3 Apply technical IT knowledge and skills across solution architecture. |
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Duty 4 Investigate existing systems and apply technical research to support the design of new solutions in order to meet project and business requirements. |
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Duty 5 Identify a variety of potential solutions to meet requirements, considering economic impacts. |
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Duty 6 Demonstrate technical contribution to a chosen solution. |
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Duty 7 Safely implement tested solutions whilst considering sustainability factors. |
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Duty 8 Communicate with stakeholders throughout the solution process, managing expectations whilst providing an excellent and inclusive service. |
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Duty 9 Test and manage issues that arise across any stages of the Solutions Life Cycle. |
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Duty 10 Create, and or maintain, professional documentation to ensure a clear audit trail and progression of issues. |
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Duty 11 Create test plans and apply a range of testing tools that allow a solution to be thoroughly tested to ensure it is working as expected. |
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Duty 12 Apply security measures and securely manage data throughout the solution lifecycle, in line with legislation and the organisation’s policies and requirements. |
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Duty 13 Practice guided continuous self-learning to keep up to date with technological developments to enhance relevant skills and take responsibility for own professional development. |
K1: The stages within a solutions lifecycle.
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K2: Stakeholder management techniques and approaches.
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K3: Project management approaches and methodologies.
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K4: Principles of solution architecture.
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K5: Creative and critical thinking principles to aid in solutions suggestions.
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K6: The main components within an IT solution including how hardware and or software components may work together.
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K7: The main components of a computer system and their purpose.
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K8: The purpose of an Operating System OS.
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K9: Concepts of cloud, cloud services and cloud storage, including cloud enablement and application e.g. SaaS, PaaS, IaaS.
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K10: Different types of network devices and components.
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K11: The requirements of systems hosting and access.
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K12: Relative merits of different types of configurations for example default and custom.
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K13: The data lifecycle including creation, processing and storage, usage archiving and destruction.
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K14: Emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, the ethical usage of AI tooling and the potential implication for digital activities and solutions.
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K15: Principles of the types of testing, such as functional and non-functional testing, user testing and performance testing, including where testing can be automated where possible.
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K16: Significance of test plans.
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K17: Principles and importance of change management for example version control.
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K18: Organisation and industry legislation, policies and Standards.
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K19: Principles of cyber security and the implication on IT solutions.
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K20: Fundamentals and application of health and safety legislation and policies.
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K21: How their work contributes to Carbon emissions and what steps can be taken to reduce emissions.
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K22: Communication techniques: verbal and written.
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K23: Principles of cultural awareness and how diversity impacts on solutions.
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S1: Work at any stage of the solution lifecycle.
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S2: Interpret client requirements.
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S3: Prioritise tasks to work within agreed project plans.
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S4: Ensure resources are used efficiently and responsibly.
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S5: Design solutions to meet client and business requirements.
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S6: Identify technical solutions using creative and critical thinking.
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S7: Install hardware or software, either physically or virtually.
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S8: Search and use different types of data or information sources.
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S9: Test and evaluate performance, functionality, and usability of solutions to ensure compliance with customer and project requirements.
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S10: Deploy and implement solutions, supporting change management practices.
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S11: Create and maintain documentation in accordance with best practice and organisational requirements.
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S12: Support multiple contemporary or legacy solutions to required levels of service.
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S13: Apply organisational policies and legislation in relation to security requirements, privacy, and confidentiality.
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S14: Communicate using a variety of tools and approaches, adapting language for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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S15: Apply continuous professional development CPD to support their own learning, business needs and technical developments.
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B1: Work independently, taking responsibility and initiative as necessary.
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B2: Demonstrate standard business courtesies and professional ethics.
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B3: Demonstrate a productive and organised approach to their work.
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B4: Work with stakeholders whilst contributing to a supportive and inclusive workplace.
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B5: Take an environmentally sustainable mindset towards solution design and implementation activities ensuring climate change and the move to net carbon zero is a consideration.
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B6: Demonstrate due diligence in all working practices.
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Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
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| 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 |
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