Computer service and repair technician
Set up, maintain and repair computer systems and equipment for people to use at work and at home.
Also known as: IT technician, IT support worker
About the job
What it's like
You would set up, maintain and repair computer systems and equipment for people to use at work and at home.
You could work as a member of an information technology (IT) support team within a large organisation. You could join a team at an IT servicing company which looks after the computer systems for several different companies.
If you work for a computer manufacturer you’d go to customers’ offices and homes to set up the equipment they have bought from your employer.
You might also run your own personal computer (PC) repair and upgrade business.
You would:
Install new IT systems
Upgrade existing hardware and software
Visit people at home to set up their PCs or fix faulty equipment
Test systems to make sure that they are working properly
Check and repair printers, scanners and other office equipment (called peripherals)
Prepare cost estimates for new installations
Do routine administration, like organising staff rotas
In a larger organisation, you might also train staff to use the equipment correctly and safely.
Hours
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may need to do shift work if your employer offers out-of-hours technical cover.
Environment
In an IT support department, you would be based at an office but would spend time with staff at their workstations
Travel
As a field technician your job would involve travelling to visit clients on site.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Computer service and repair technician'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Service engineer
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- user accounts
- active directory
- remote desktop services
- windows servers
- dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp)
- hardware troubleshooting
- hyper-v
- microsoft windows 7
- software deployment
- networking cables
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- respecting
- researching
- problem solving
- resourceful
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Engineering Science
Practical Electronics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no formal qualification required for entry to this job however a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a computing technical support or engineering subject may be of value.
Alternatively you can gain relevant work-based qualifications, such as a Modern Apprenticeship in IT & Telecommunications at SCQF level 5 or SCQF level 7.
Qualifications that demonstrate the ability to fix or repair things, communication skills and customer service skills are also useful.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Computer service and repair technician'
