IT Solutions Apprenticeship

An enthusiastic & suitably competent apprentice is required to support the development of the Wishford group of independent schools. The successful candidate will have a good intellect, work ethic & a practical aptitude for IT. You will diagnosis and resolution of routine system & network issues and ensure that helpdesk tickets are kept up-to-date.

Role

Working within the expanding central IT Team under the supervision of the Senior IT Support Technician and the IT Service Transformation Manager, the IT Solutions Apprentice takes responsibility for:

  • The efficient management of the IT Helpdesk
  • The diagnosis and resolution of routine system and network issues
  • The configuration and installation of new hardware and software

A full induction as well as system and network familiarisation will be provided. There are also likely to be opportunities for continuous professional development and technical qualification once the Apprenticeship has been completed.

During a normal week, the Apprentice will be based at the beautiful Westonbirt School working under the tutelage of the Senior IT Support Technician and the IT Service Transformation Manager.  This will consist of on the job training and involve management of the helpdesk including:

  • Responding to queries via the helpdesk ticketing system or telephone
  • Assisting other employees with troubleshooting and the diagnosis of problems
  • Providing technical assistance when questions and problems arise
  • Ensuring that helpdesk tickets are kept up-to-date
  • Writing, editing, and publishing knowledge articles to support a federated approach
  • Resolving problems with networks and other computer systems, ideally at point of contact
  • Diagnosing system errors and helping to resolve them
  • Following up with employees to ensure full resolution of issues
  • Installing or changing software to fix issues
  • Remotely accessing staff computers at appropriate times to make changes and fix problems
  • Setting up new hardware for installation at different schools
  • Following and executing pre-defined technical implementation or testing plans
  • Logging of hardware into the asset management system
  • Asset tracking and management

In addition to the skills and qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

  • Honesty and integrity
  • Ambition, energy, enthusiasm and commitment
  • A positive can-do attitude and willingness to be hands-on
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships
  • A desire to achieve the very highest standards in everything they do
  • Empathy to connect with colleagues

They will also have:

  • Strong computer skills including MS Office and Email (Outlook)
  • Working knowledge and experience of Windows 7, 8 or 10
  • Ability to work independently and solve problems, escalating where appropriate
  • Basic knowledge of Apple Mac, iPads and iPhones
  • Understanding of business networking structures and methods

It would be desirable to have:

  • Knowledge of Windows Server 2016/2019 Active Directory
  • Experience of supporting MS Office 365, OneDrive and SharePoint
  • Experience with remote support software
  • Understanding of virtualisation, preferably with some experience of Microsoft HyperV and/or VMware ESXi
  • Understanding of ITIL principles (ideally ITIL foundation certified)

Training

  • IT Solutions Technician (Software) Level 3 Apprenticeship
  • Training to be received both at the employer's offices and at Cirencester College

Subject to successful completion of the Apprenticeship and meeting the criteria of the role, the Apprentice is likely to be offered a position within our growing IT Team, either working in Cloud Services, Desktop Support Role, or potentially dealing with Networking and Infrastructure matters.

Apprenticeship Standard
Information communications technician (level 3)
Training Provider
CIRENCESTER COLLEGE
Working Week
5 days a week (40 hour week), 8:30am to 5:30pm, with a 1 hour lunch break (To be confirmed).
Expected Duration
1 Year 6 Months
Positions Available
1
Closing Date
Monday, 22nd June 2026
Start Date
Monday, 20th July 2026

Desired Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Enthusiasm
  • Honesty & integrity

Qualifications

  • English GCSE, grade 4 / C (Essential)
  • Maths GCSE, grade 4 / C (Essential)
  • Computer Science GCSE, grade C / 4 (Desired)

About the Employer

Wishford Education
Founded in 2011, the group currently comprises nine independent schools in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Kent. The group is growing rapidly and we expect a number of additional schools to join us in the near future. The group aims to provide an excellent education to all pupils, giving every child the opportunity to shine. Standards and expectations are high, and staff and pupils are challenged and supported to give their best. Wishford schools are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Appointments will be made solely on merit and will be made without regard to age, disability, gender, nationality, race, colour, ethnicity, or religion. For more information on the Wishford Schools group, please visit our website.

Job Details

Company
Wishford Education
Location
Westonbirt, Tetbury, England, United Kingdom
Employment Type
Advanced Apprenticeship
Salary
£22,000 a year
Posted