What does a Computer Technician do?
A Computer Technician diagnoses and repairs IT problems in an organisation. They also train staff to use the IT facilities properly and set up a ticketing system to ensure that critical issues get addressed as soon as possible. A Computer Technician monitors the overall health of a company’s IT programme, updating and repairing the infrastructure when necessary.
Computer Technician skills and qualifications
Computer Technicians are pragmatic problem-solvers and have innovative ideas. Bonus skills include scripting and coding in low-level programming languages. A successful Computer Technician candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Thorough attention to detail
- Ability to solve problems creatively
- Skills in multi-tasking and effective prioritisation of IT projects
- Flexibility
- Ability to work under pressure and within time constraints
- Strong analytical and diagnostic skills
- Ability to work in a team
Computer Technician experience requirements
Most employers expect some experience in the IT field from the applicants. Many people start as a Trainee Technician within a company and move up to a higher position. If a potential candidate doesn’t have previous experience, check to see if they have some general IT skills such as knowledge of major operating systems like Windows and Macs. It also helps if the candidates have a general familiarity with internal communication and collaboration tools. Some employers also prefer experience in system administration and setting up group policies.
Computer Technician education and training requirements
Employers usually hire candidates who have completed a college course in computing or IT support, such as a Level 2 Certificate in ICT Systems Support or a Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence. These certifications require the applicant to possess four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.
Some companies prefer candidates who have also completed an intermediate apprenticeship in IT support or an advanced apprenticeship in infrastructure technology. These apprenticeships require applicants to have five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and maths.
Computer Technician salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Computer Technician is £17,933 per year in the UK. Salary is dependent on experience, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Computer Technician job description is not what you are looking for, here are some other job descriptions similar to a computer technician: