Information Communication Technician
Launch your IT career with the government-funded Information Communication Technician Level 3 (ST0973). Specialise in Support, Network, or Digital Communications to master cloud services and cyber security. This programme directly qualifies you for roles like IT Support Technician and Network Engineer.
Delivery
Blended
Information Communication Technician Apprenticeships in Manchester
For employers and apprentices in Manchester, the Information Communication 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 Information Communication 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 Information Communication 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 Information Communication 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 3 Information Communications Technician apprenticeship (ST0973) is a practical route into IT support, networking and digital communications roles. It’s designed for school leavers aged 16 plus, career changers, and existing staff who want to build real technical capability while working in a paid role.
This programme goes far beyond basic hardware fixes. Apprentices learn how to support users, manage devices and systems, maintain performance, and help organisations run smoothly in cloud first environments. You’ll work on real tickets, real systems, and real business priorities, building confidence through hands on experience and structured off the job training.
If you enjoy solving problems, making systems work better, and helping people overcome technical blockers, this apprenticeship turns that mindset into a recognised digital career pathway with clear progression into Level 4 and beyond.
What You'll Learn
During the programme, apprentices build the core skills needed to support modern IT services and improve day to day operational delivery.
- Support users across common workplace systems, devices, and applications
- Diagnose faults and carry out structured troubleshooting to fix issues properly, not just temporarily
- Use basic scripting such as PowerShell or Linux commands to speed up routine tasks and reduce manual work
- Apply security good practice including access control, patching, VPN use, and secure configuration
- Support cloud and virtual environments, including core concepts used across platforms like Azure and AWS
- Monitor performance and availability, escalating appropriately and reducing downtime risk
- Manage assets and configurations, keeping records accurate and supporting system upgrades responsibly
- Communicate clearly with users and stakeholders, translating technical detail into practical guidance
Where the role requires it, the apprenticeship can align to a pathway such as Support Technician, Network Technician, or Digital Communications Technician to better match the workplace environment.
Key skills you’ll develop
Assessment & EPA
The apprenticeship is assessed through real workplace performance and a final independent assessment that confirms occupational competence.
Throughout the programme, the apprentice builds a portfolio of evidence from real work, such as support case records, troubleshooting write ups, system changes, security tasks, and service improvements.
At Gateway, the employer and training provider confirm the apprentice is consistently meeting the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours required by the standard, and that English and maths requirements are met where applicable.
The final assessment typically includes a professional discussion based on the apprentice’s portfolio and a work based project report with questioning. This confirms the apprentice can apply their skills under real conditions and deliver support that is safe, reliable, and professionally managed.
Career Progression
Completing the Level 3 Information Communications Technician apprenticeship opens the door to a wide range of entry and mid level IT roles across almost every sector. Common next roles include IT Support Technician, Service Desk Analyst, Network Support Technician, Field Service Technician, and Digital Communications Technician.
Many learners progress to Level 4 apprenticeships such as Network Engineer or Cyber Security Technologist, depending on whether they want to specialise in infrastructure, security, or broader technical operations. With experience, progression routes can include Systems Administrator, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, or team leadership roles within IT operations.
Because the skills are transferable, this programme is a strong foundation for long term growth, including progression into degree level pathways at Level 6 for those who want to continue developing while staying in paid employment.
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 3 apprenticeships are suited to those with some prior knowledge or experience.
Applicants will typically:
- Hold a Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject or have relevant workplace experience
- Have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths, or be willing to work towards them
- Be employed in a role that allows them to apply their learning in the workplace
- 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 improve service quality, reduce downtime, and build dependable in house technical capability.
- Improve productivity by reducing recurring IT issues and speeding up resolution times
- Develop staff trained in your systems, tools, and service expectations
- Strengthen security basics through consistent patching, access control, and safe configuration
- Reduce recruitment pressure by building a sustainable pipeline of technical talent
- Free up senior engineers by handling routine work and escalating only what truly needs specialist time
- Support digital transformation with staff who understand cloud first working and modern IT service delivery
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 Information Communication Technician apprenticeship.
Hybrid Learning: Available Nationwide
Our hybrid apprenticeship model allows us to deliver high-quality training to employers and learners across England.