IT Technician Apprentice (Level 3)

Smith Institute would like to appoint a friendly and approachable Information Communications Technician apprentice to join a busy team responsible for business systems, infrastructure and computing in a rapidly evolving IT environment.

Your key responsibilities would be:

• Provide timely support to your colleagues in person, by email and using remote access tools.
• Configure and maintain company laptops and phones.
• Help to ensure that office IT equipment is always available and fit for use.
• Assist the Business Systems Manager, Head of Computing and Digital Solutions Engineers in supporting day to day operations.
• Help to monitor and maintain cyber security across our systems.

During this apprenticeship, you will follow a fully supported training programme with LearnTech, delivered through combined weekly remote classroom-based training, workplace assessment/training and online learning working towards completing the Information Communications Technician standard.

The training covers the following core occupational duties:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/information-communications-technician-v1-1

The expected duration of this apprenticeship is 21 months. On successful completion, we offer the opportunity to remain in a full-time position with Smith Institute. There may also be opportunities to progress onto a level 4 or level 6 apprenticeship.

We wish to hear from applicants who are proficient computer users and have an excellent understanding of computer hardware and software, including operating systems, memory and storage, together with a basic understanding of algorithms, computer programming, networks and cyber security.

You need to have an analytical approach to creative problem-solving. You will need to be able to demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills. Any previous hands-on technical experience (hardware or software), whether at home, school or in a club, would be very beneficial. 

You will have (or be predicted) five GCSE 9-4 grades or equivalent (including English, Maths). If you do not have these grades but have completed numeracy and literacy Key Skills/Functional Skills at level two you may also apply. 

Candidates must hold residency status and have the right to work in the UK. Candidates must have been resident in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years. The Smith Institute is not in a position to sponsor visa applications for foreign nationals.

You will live in easy reach of our office in Oxford.

Our core company values are clarity, creativity, motivation, support and integrity and the Smith Institute is proud to be a Mindful Employer with MHFA England certified Mental Health First Aiders. For all members of staff, we offer an excellent pension scheme with generous company contributions.

We use core expertise in mathematical modelling and data analysis to bring fresh thinking and new solutions to the challenges faced by our clients. We are at the forefront of the business applications of mathematics, focusing on offering key capabilities in forecasting, algorithm design, risk modelling, optimisation, data analytics and algorithm auditing.

We want your career with the Institute to be successful and we will support your development in return for your commitment.

Further particulars are available from earlycareers@smithinst.co.uk.

• Flexible working for all – work your contracted hours at times that best suit you and our customers, at home, in the office or as a mixture of both 
• Health and well-being support – Smith Institute provides up to three months’ contractual sick pay, have qualified Mental Health First Aiders, a Mindful Employer Plus membership and offer additional leave allowance to care for close family members 
• Social events – most months our Social Committee organise events and we also have ongoing activities, including pub socials, a book club, a fantasy football league and a board games library 
• Employee benefits – employee discount platform and Employee assistance programme 
• Enhanced leave – bereavement, dependency, maternity, paternity & shared parental leave 
• Mentoring – from colleagues and leading academics 
• Generous pension scheme with Life Assurance and income protection 
• All IT equipment provided and maintained 
• Interesting and challenging work with purpose 

To apply please send a full CV (including the details of two referees and your availability to start work) and a covering letter to earlycareers@smithinst.co.uk. Your covering letter should explain your interest in and suitability for the role. At least one of  your two referees must be an academic referee e.g. a teacher or head of year. Either your CV or your covering letter must show your exam grades and predicted exam grades. Either your covering letter or your CV must contain your contact details, including your address. Applications that do not contain the required information described here will not be considered. Applications may be held for up to 6 months. You may request deletion of your application sooner by emailing datacontroller@smithinst.co.uk.