ICT Careers

You don’t have to be a maths genius to pursue a career in ICT and there's more to it than just "computers"

Technical roles in information and communications technology (ICT) include software development, games development, network engineering, cyber security and software testing. There are also non-technical jobs such as project management and sales. ICT is highly important for all businesses so there are good opportunities for both school leavers and graduates.

Getting Started

Some qualities and skills that will get you a head of the game are:

    • Maths ability – only for technical roles
    • Attention to detail 
    • Willingness to learn and adapt
    • Passion for technology
    • Communication and team working skills 

Just as technology continues to evolve, so can your career, IT is not a static industry. Pursuing a career in Information Technology has very exciting aspects because it overlaps with so many other industries, therefore you can work in just about any sector you like. 

Check out this video about the ICT careers available at AstraZeneca, a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company with its headquarters in Cambridge. 

Jobs

Whether you work for a business in their ICT department, or for business offering support, solutions and consulting to others, the most in-demand jobs within the industry include: 
  • Mobile Application Developer 
  • Database Administrator
  • Web Developer
  • IT Help Desk Technician
  • Network Administrator
  • Video Game Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Health Information Technician
  • IT Security Specialist
  • AutoCAD Drafter
  • Software Engineer
  • IT Manager
  • Systems Analyst
  • IT Project Manager
  • Computer Programmer
  • Data Scientist
  • User Interface Developer
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Computer Scientist
  • Computer Animator
  • Network Architect
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Cloud Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer

ICT is a really broad term and encompasses everything from software to the physical bits of hardware that are being used extensively on a daily basis. Developers, First-Line Support staff (the people who respond to ICT queries when you have an issue), and ICT Engineers are just a few examples of jobs – not to mention the cyber security industry which has become a powerhouse in its own right.

The three main types of ICT systems to consider are:

Information systems
This type of ICT system is focused on managing data and information. Examples of these are a sports club membership system or a supermarket stock system.

Control systems
These ICT systems mainly control machines. They use input, process and output, but the output may be moving a robot arm to weld a car chassis rather than information.

Communications systems
The output of these ICT systems is the successful transport of data from one place to another.

Many people look to get into ICT but aren’t really sure of where to start; it can be quite daunting due to the sheer volume of jobs you can do and the importance of those jobs – many jobs also have different names, but essentially mean the same thing (think how many times you have seen job searches for IT Support Engineers and Technical Support Engineers). 

The average salary for ICT professionals is £47,500, but can be anywhere between £14,000 and £97,650 depending on your specialism and skill set. Starting at the bottom of the ladder in an apprenticeship, trainee, junior, support or administration role role are the most popular ways for people looking to forge a career in ICT from the very start. This will expose you to lots of learning opportunities and allow you to specialise.

Qualifications

There are many qualifications that can help kick start your career in ICT, but are not always essential. Some of these can be studied at college and some as part of professional development when you take an entry level role at the right company. Useful college courses include:
  • Digital design
  • Computer aided design
  • ICT practitioners
  • Level 3 Computing & ICT
  • A-Level Computer Science

Practice applying for an entry level job

So you know what you are up against, practice applying for an entry level job in ICT as a Trainee Support Technician and see if you get an interview

The opportunity

NBG are the largest privately owned parcel carrier in the UK with a team of over 500 and a franchise network in excess of 60 depots nationwide. Formed in 1995, they have built a reputation of reliability and quality service. Based in the same office, NBG outsource IT to SystemSmart.


Due to continued growth, SystemSmart are looking to expand their team in Manchester by recruiting an IT apprentice. Benefits of the role include pizza days and dressed own Friday’s.


What we look for:

Passion for IT and Tech

Digital Advocates

Creativity

Enthusiasm


Could this be the role you are looking for? For more information please continue to read!

Includes, but not limited to:

Raising tasks via ticket system

Carrying out configuration and testing of new kit prior to installation

Setting up and installing devices

Monitoring technical issues on a daily basis

Collating data for reporting

Testing and installing new hardware and software


Full training, support and guidance will be provided by both NBG and SystemSmart throughout and there is an opportunity to gain employer-funded qulaifications and professional development courses

Desired Quality, Skills & Knowledge

A natural passion for IT

Good communication skills (Written and over the telephone)

A team player

Ability to work independently

Good time and task management skills

Proficient in Outlook, Word and Excel

A minimum of a GCSE grade 4 or C in Maths

Location, Salary, Hours & Benefits

Monday to Friday 8.30 AM – 4.30 PM at our offices in Manchester City Centre

£8,285 Per Annum

20 days holiday + bank holidays

Dress down Fridays

Pizza days

Team activities (Christmas party, charity days etc.)

Breakout area with hockey table

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