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How to become an IT support engineer
To become an IT support engineer, you’ll need an HND in Computing: Technical Support or an equivalent qualification at SCQF level 8.
What is an IT support engineer?
In the NHS, IT support engineers help to maintain digital devices, services, and systems across the health service. They provide front-line support and advice to make sure technical problems with hardware, software, and computer networks are resolved at first contact.
Starting your career as an IT support engineer
Choosing subjects at school
To become an IT support engineer, you'll need a good standard of education. Useful subjects include:
- Computing Science
- Engineering Science
- Administration and IT
- Physics
- English
- Maths
Speak to your guidance teacher about subjects offered at your school.
Work placements and volunteering
You may find it helpful to get some healthcare experience by doing a work placement or volunteering. You’ll get training, increase your knowledge, and learn new skills. This could help you when applying to university, college or a new job with NHSScotland.
Education and training pathway
Modern Apprenticeship
Some IT support engineers start their careers as Modern Apprentices. With a Modern Apprenticeship, you'll get the training and experience you'll need for the role and an industry-recognised qualification.
Modern Apprenticeship opportunities:
- IT and Telecommunications
- Digital Applications
Find out more about becoming an apprentice.
College courses
If you choose to go to college, you could do the following qualifications to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role:
- HND Computing: Technical Support at SCQF level 8
- HND Technologies in Business and SCQF level 8
You can then apply for vacancies on our recruitment website.
Get to know the role
IT service desk technicians provide support to people who need help with their computer hardware or software. They are vital to the running of the health service.
Tasks include:
- get information from service users about their hardware, software, or network problem
- diagnose and fix technical issues
- track, update, and resolve helpdesk tickets
- help people to set up new devices such as laptops, headsets, and smartphones
- service equipment like laptops, telephone systems, networks, and video conferencing systems
You could also be involved in the implementation and commissioning of new equipment in the NHS. This will include:
- carry out acceptance tests, installation, and programme loading
- commission computer and data communications equipment
- keep records of work undertaken by updating the computerised asset management system
- participate in demonstrating the use of computer equipment to staff
You'll need these skills:
- communicating
- sense making
- adapting
- collaborating
- focussing
As an IT support engineer, you could work with:
- network administrator
- systems administrator
- security analyst
- service desk team lead
- service desk manager
IT support engineers work in an office, or remotely.
Learning and development
You will be encouraged to develop your career in the NHS. As well as learning specific to your role, you'll need to complete mandatory training, including:
- health and safety
- occupational health
- fire safety
- counter-fraud
- moving and handling
- safe information handling
Your NHS employer will confirm their mandatory training requirements during your induction.
Career progression
You may also have the chance to study for additional qualifications, including:
- ITIL Foundation Certificate
- ITIL Practitioner Certificate
Gaining new qualifications will help you when applying for more senior roles, such as IT systems support specialist or IT business analyst.
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Discover the skills and qualifications you’ll need for each role and what the work will be like.
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