Overview

Develop, implement, and maintain IT solutions. A solution is a means of solving a problem or a means of improving any existing functionality to gain demonstrable business efficiencies. For the IT Solutions Technician Standard, Solutions will be technical and involve consideration of multiple components and involve interdependencies with other systems. A solution would also seek to determine root cause issues rather than just address symptoms and viable alternatives would always be considered. An understanding of existing infrastructure and the potential impact that solutions can have, is key to this Standard. Appropriate Solutions could involve software, hardware, or a combination to address particular challenges.

This occupation is found in organisations, large and small, in all sectors including public, private, and voluntary organisations. Organisations are increasingly implementing technology to support all functions of business requiring planning and investigation, methodical implementation, and ongoing maintenance to deliver solutions that are suitable, effective and provide value for money.

The broad purpose of an IT Solutions Technician is to develop, implement, and maintain IT solutions. They work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and are required to work across the whole solutions lifecycle including requirements gathering, solutions development, testing, implementation, and ongoing support. The specific tasks undertaken vary depending on what needs to be achieved by the team at any particular time. Some tasks may be very technical, others may be more analytical, business or user focused.

Key to this role will be the need to understand the stakeholders and business needs within the organisation and be confident translating these into designs and solutions. The IT Solutions Technician will apply a structured methodology or framework to gather and analyse requirements. They will liaise with stakeholders and complete in-depth research to support their designs; presenting these to relevant parties in the business and advising how the solution will meet objectives. They will create concept and logical designs of the solutions, evidencing how the objectives can be met.

An IT Solutions Technician will be involved in the development, testing and implementation of designed solutions, including assisting in the management of solutions or projects. As such, they will have a broad understanding of technology areas and the needs of the organisation. This may involve working with other technicians to simplify complex processes and communicating with non-solution stakeholders on the reasons and justification of design choices. IT Solutions Technicians may develop prototype solutions to apply structured testing methodologies. They work within a change management processes during the implementation and are a key member of the problem team. Ongoing maintenance and support will be provided to users and the wider business, ensuring that the solution continues to function as expected and meet business needs.

Apprenticeship Assessment

Each assessment organisation is responsible for designing its own assessments in line with the apprenticeship standard. The Academy for Project Management has developed an assessment model that allows apprentices to demonstrate competence against the required assessment outcomes. Comprehensive guidance and resources are provided to support both apprentices and training providers.

The assessment for the IT Solutions Technician includes:

• A professional discussion

And the choice of a:

• case study
• observation
• portfolio
• presentation
• project
• simulation
• question and answer

The standard also includes Employability Skills and Behaviours (EBs), which must be demonstrated consistently by the apprentice throughout the programme. Employers are required to formally confirm this before completion.

Assessment Timing

Components of the assessment may be scheduled at appropriate points during the apprenticeship. The Academy for Project Management works closely with training providers to ensure assessments are timed effectively, allowing apprentices to demonstrate their skills and knowledge at key stages in their development.

Additional information on the apprenticeship standard and the assessment process can be viewed here.

Becoming a Centre

Training providers interested in delivering elements of the assessment internally can explore the Centre model with us. Guidance is available on how the model operates and the steps required to become an approved Centre. For more information, please contact administration@academy4pm.com