L3 Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship Standard
When the systems stop, everything stops
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Apprentices without level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. Employers may set their own criteria
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
Organisations rely on their computer and communications systems in every part of what they do. This is the role that keeps them running.
-
They will keep the infrastructure running
Efficient operation and control of the IT and telecommunications infrastructure: hardware, software, network services and data storage.
Covers physical and virtual hardware, software, network services, data storage
-
They will work on-premises or in the cloud
The systems sit in both places now, and an apprentice who only understands one of them is only half useful.
Covers on-premises infrastructure, cloud services, end-user provisioning
-
They will support the people using it
First and second line support, help desk and field work. The technical knowledge matters, and so does being the person somebody can face when their day has stopped.
Covers first and second line support, help desk, field support, user support
-
They will keep performance up rather than only fix breakages
Optimal performance and maintenance, so problems are prevented as well as repaired.
Covers system performance, maintenance, monitoring
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Job titles this leads to
- Support Technician
- Network Technician
- Digital Communications Technician
- 1st and 2nd Line Support Telecoms Technician
- Cloud Technician
- Communications Technician
- Cyber/Security Support
- Data Centre Support Technician
- First Line Support
- Help Desk Support
- IT Field Technician
- It Support Analyst
- IT Support Officer
- Maintenance Support Technician
- Network Field Operative
- Office IT Technician
- Telecommunications Technician.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 4 HNC Digital Technologies - Data Analytics At University Campus Doncaster
- Level 4 HNC Digital Technologies for England Cyber Security At University Campus Doncaster
- Level 5 HND Digital Technologies (Data Analytics) At University Campus Doncaster
See all 6 courses
At University Campus Doncaster
Careers it can lead to
- IT Operations Technicians £33,400 a year
- IT User Support Technicians £30,200 a year
- Telecoms and Related Network Installers and Repairers £37,300 a year
- Computer System and Equipment Installers and Servicers £33,600 a year
See all 12 careers
- Database Administrators and Web Content Technicians £32,200 a year
- Electrical and Electronics Technicians £31,000 a year
With further study or experience
- Information Technology Directors £86,200 a year
- IT Network Professionals £42,200 a year
- IT Project Managers £51,100 a year
- Programmers and Software Development Professionals £46,600 a year
- Graphic and Multimedia Designers £26,400 a year
- Cyber Security Professionals £54,900 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7979
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.