IT Apprentice
Academy IT Support staff are responsible for providing day to day IT support to the chosen academy, including maintaining hardware and software used by staff and pupils, assisting and informing about the use of IT within the academy.
Role
- Technical IT support: Assist with the secure and safe set up/installation of new equipment, software, hardware, peripherals, upgrades and components. Mark equipment, hardware and peripherals with security codes as necessary. Set up equipment such as laptops, data projectors, interactive whiteboards, sound systems and other specialist IT equipment, ensuring that systems are ready for use and operating correctly. Provide information and assistance for teachers, pupils and other members of staff on the basic use and setting up of computer equipment, software and procedures. Understand IT acceptable use and e-Safeguarding policies and communicate to others as needed.
- Server & network support: Maintain standard network cabling. Perform basic diagnostic and recovery routines on network equipment. Follow detailed instructions to configure network clients including allocating required software and connecting to the correct server. Support the academy in adopting the Trust’s “cloud first” mindset. Perform checks to ensure that broadband connectivity is maintained.
- Maintenance: Undertake maintenance tasks and duties according to a defined schedule. Update the academy’s intranet and internal systems by uploading pages and files. Support the academy in the use of MIS systems and data transfer. Assist with the diagnosis and resolution of basic PC, printer, peripheral & software faults, including maintenance of software applications. Carry out any basic disk management on file servers and workstations, restoring data as necessary and operating specific back-up procedures. Assist with the implementation and maintenance of electronic mail accounts. Ensure that basic safety and security checks are carried out and escalate problems to the appropriate person, as per the relevant procedure.
- Administration: Complete straightforward administrative tasks associated with the role. Assist in the maintenance of an up-to-date inventory of IT assets in academy. Receive and check deliveries and associated invoices, notify the appropriate person of any discrepancies. Record loans of IT equipment. Replace consumables and monitor usage in IT areas.
- IT resource and service management: Analyse any process or technical issues, monitor and take corrective action on services as per documented operational procedures. Keep up to date with assigned tickets in the Service Desk system, updating, communicating status and closing as appropriate. Ensure that any assigned incidents and problems are fully addressed in line with service levels. Promote, seek opportunities for, and deliver continual service improvement. Escalation of incidents and requests as required within agreed Service Levels. Support procurement of IT related products and services.
Training
Why choose our Cloud Network Specialist apprenticeship?
QA’s Cloud Network Specialist Level 3 Apprenticeship provides a solid foundation in installing network cabling and hardware. A Cloud Network Specialist’s role is both desk-based and involves visits to clients' premises to resolve issues. Apart from installing network cabling and hardware, they may also be required to assist in the deployment and management of cloud-based services.
QA’s Cloud Network Specialist Level 3 apprenticeship programme enables the apprentice to:
- Follow a cloud-first curriculum, covering on-premise and cloud-enabled networking
- Learn about core networking principles, including network addressing, cloud, virtualisation and security
- Understand the principles, hardware, protocols and services that form part of on-premise, cloud and hybrid network architectures
- Train with QA – the largest and leading provider for both Microsoft and AWS training
- Learn technical content that aligns to, and is relevant to, employers and the market
- Learn about DevOps methodologies and the fundamentals of databases and data migration
Tools and technologies learned: Learners will learn to use Microsoft Azure, AWS and Google Cloud.
90% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing: this is 20% higher than the national average.
- Apprenticeship Standard
- Information communications technician (level 3)
- Training Provider
- QA LIMITED
- Working Week
- Days and shifts to be confirmed.
- Expected Duration
- 1 Year 5 Months
- Positions Available
- 1
- Closing Date
- Friday, 27th February 2026
- Start Date
- Friday, 6th March 2026
Desired Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Problem solving skills
Qualifications
- 3 of any subject GCSE, grade 4+ (A* - C) (Essential)
- Maths & English GCSE, grade 3+ (D or above) (Essential)
About the Employer
The Co-operative Academies Trust
Co-op Academies Trust aims to provide an outstanding education for all our learners, founded on co-operative values, at the heart of the community. It is responsible for twenty-eight academies in West Yorkshire, Wirral, Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent with the Co-op acting as the sponsor. You’ll join a talented staff team and a successful partnership of schools which is committed to raising the educational ambitions of the communities it serves. As part of the Trust we can offer successful candidates a huge variety of opportunities for development and progression across all phases. You’ll work in a welcoming, friendly, supportive, effective and efficient professional atmosphere with a flexible and creative ICT rich working environment and effective, supportive and dynamic leadership. There are excellent opportunities for personal and career development within the Co-op Academies Trust.