Information technology plays a central role in the efficient delivery of local authority services. Computers are used to store and retrieve information in almost every council department, for example, managing a council’s housing stock, tracking planning decisions, monitoring environmental policy, making payments and communicating across council departments. IT technicians play a crucial part in maintaining and developing these complex computer networks.

Work Environment

IT technicians are office based and spend most of their time working with computers.

They work 37 hours per week, but may sometimes work a shift rota, including weekends, to provide 24-hour technical cover.

Daily Activities

IT technicians provide technical support to individuals in various departments of a local authority. They may provide general IT support, or specialist technical help in particular areas. Typical tasks include:

• installing and supporting networks of computer servers and workstations;
• evaluating new software packages before they are introduced into council departments;
• testing systems;
• solving technical problems;
• developing IT procedures for departments to use;
• providing training sessions on particular software packages such as Word, Outlook and Excel;
• researching and developing new IT-related services for local authority departments;
• transferring data between computer platforms.

Skills & Interests

IT technicians need to be:

• competent and confident users of IT, with a good knowledge of computers,
• familiar with a range of computer software packages,
• good at solving problems,
• able to explain technical issues clearly,
• familiar with different operating systems and computer languages.

Entry Requirements

Often councils will ask for proven experience working in an IT related role. You may also need GCSEs/Standard Grades and/or A-levels/Highers. Some councils also ask for further qualifications depending on the job, for example a BTEC/SQA qualification in Computing, an HNC or degree in an IT related subject, or the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).

There may be opportunities to work towards N/SVQs or Apprenticeships in IT related occupations.

Estimated salary range

£15,000 - £25,000 depending on the job and level of responsibility.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

With experience and further qualifications there are many opportunities for IT technicians to progress to more senior and managerial roles. It may also be possible to move into other IT related areas such as web development, programming or systems analysis.

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