Advanced IT Support Technician
Advance your technical career with the Advanced IT Support Technician Level 4 (ST0127). Master system administration, network security, and cloud configuration. Directly qualifies you for Network Engineer and Senior Support Technician roles.
Delivery
Blended
Advanced IT Support Technician Apprenticeships in Manchester
For employers and apprentices in Manchester, the Advanced IT Support Technician apprenticeship provides a route into Technology roles that are aligned to modern business, technology and financial environments.
Manchester is one of the UK’s leading centres for finance, technology, data and professional services, creating strong demand for Technology roles across a wide range of organisations. From city centre employers in areas such as Spinningfields and MediaCityUK, to businesses across Salford, Stockport and Trafford, many organisations rely on Technology apprentices to support digital operations, financial reporting and business growth.
The Advanced IT Support Technician apprenticeship is well suited to Manchester employers with Technology teams, fast moving digital environments or growing operational requirements, where apprentices can apply their learning directly to real workplace systems and processes.
We also support apprentices living in nearby areas including Salford, Bolton, Oldham and Stockport, making Manchester a highly accessible hub for learners across Greater Manchester.
Apprentices in Manchester complete their Advanced IT Support Technician apprenticeship through a blend of remote delivery, online teaching and workplace-based learning, meeting the 20% off-the-job training requirement without the need for regular travel to a training centre.
If you are based in Manchester or the surrounding area and are looking to start or grow a Advanced IT Support Technician apprenticeship, we can guide you through how apprenticeship delivery works locally and what happens next.
Why train in North West?
Solveway partners with leading Technology employers across the North West area, offering local mentorship and networking events near you to ensure you build a professional network right where you live.
Overview
The Level 4 Advanced IT Support Technician apprenticeship (ST0127) prepares people to design, build and maintain the secure networks that modern organisations depend on. It’s designed for aspiring IT professionals, career changers, or existing staff who want to move into infrastructure, cloud, or networking roles without taking the university route.
Over around 15 months, apprentices develop hands-on experience working with physical, virtual and cloud-based networks. The focus is practical and workplace-led, covering installation, configuration, troubleshooting and performance optimisation across modern hybrid environments.
As organisations move to multi-cloud platforms, automation and AI-supported operations, skilled network engineers are critical to business continuity and security. This programme builds the technical confidence and professional responsibility needed to support complex infrastructure and progress into specialist or senior technical roles.
What You'll Learn
During the programme, apprentices develop the technical skills needed to install, support and optimise modern business networks.
- Configure and maintain LAN, WAN and wireless networks to support business operations
- Install and integrate routers, switches and network services within existing environments
- Monitor performance using diagnostic and monitoring tools to identify issues early
- Troubleshoot hardware, software and connectivity problems using structured methods
- Implement network security controls, including firewalls, access management and secure configurations
- Work with virtualised and cloud networking environments across platforms such as Azure and AWS
- Use automation and scripting tools to standardise configurations and reduce manual tasks
- Apply AI and productivity tools to analyse information, generate configurations and improve efficiency
Key skills you’ll develop
Assessment & EPA
The apprenticeship is assessed through workplace performance, ongoing reviews and a final independent End Point Assessment.
Throughout the programme, apprentices build a portfolio of evidence based on real tasks such as installations, configuration work, troubleshooting activities and performance improvements.
At Gateway, the employer and training provider confirm the apprentice has completed the required training, met off the job learning requirements and is working consistently at the occupational standard.
The EPA typically includes a practical simulation carried out in a controlled environment, where the apprentice diagnoses faults and implements solutions, followed by a professional discussion based on their portfolio. This confirms they can apply their knowledge in real situations and work safely, securely and independently.
Career Progression
Completing the Level 4 Advanced IT Support Technician apprenticeship opens the door to a wide range of infrastructure and cloud roles. Typical next positions include Network Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Administrator, or Cloud Support Engineer across sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecoms and public services.
With experience, many professionals progress into specialist areas such as Cloud Engineering, Cyber Security, Network Architecture, Site Reliability Engineering or DevOps. Senior roles such as Senior Network Engineer, Technical Architect or Infrastructure Manager offer strong salary growth and leadership opportunities.
This programme also provides a progression route into the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship, allowing learners to continue developing towards a full honours degree while remaining in employment. It’s a long term, debt free pathway into one of the UK’s most critical and well paid digital professions.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open for the next intake. Takes less than 2 minutes to register your interest.
Check Eligibility
Do you have the Right to Work in the UK & been resident for 3+ years?
Are you currently studying another funded qualification?
You cannot be funded for two apprenticeships/courses simultaneously.
Do you have grades A*-C (9-4) in GCSE Maths & English?
If no, Functional Skills will be included in your programme.
Full Entry Requirements
Level 4 apprenticeships are designed for those progressing into more technical or supervisory roles.
Applicants will typically:
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject or have substantial industry experience
- Be working in a role aligned to the apprenticeship standard
- Have employer support to complete off-the-job training
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three years (for funding eligibility)
- Not be studying another funded qualification at the same time
Entry requirements may vary by programme and employer. All applicants will complete an initial assessment to confirm suitability and ensure the apprenticeship is the right level and fit.
For Employers
This programme helps organisations build resilient, secure infrastructure capability while reducing reliance on external support.
- Develop engineers trained on your specific systems, tools and environments
- Improve network reliability, performance and security across the organisation
- Reduce downtime through faster fault identification and resolution
- Support cloud migration and hybrid infrastructure with in house expertise
- Increase productivity through automation and standardised network processes
- Use Apprenticeship Levy funding or access government support to reduce training costs
Ready to launch your career?
Don't wait to start your future. Our apprenticeship programmes are in high demand. Apply today to check your eligibility and take the first step towards a successful career.
Career Progression
These are common progression routes taken by learners after completing the Advanced IT Support Technician apprenticeship.
Hybrid Learning: Available Nationwide
Our hybrid apprenticeship model allows us to deliver high-quality training to employers and learners across England.