Desktop Support Technician Apprentice-DEF Academy Services

Apprentice Desktop Support Technician

Location: Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham,

Salary:  £24,809.56 plus excellent benefits

Apprenticeship Qualification: IT Technician level 3 

Training: Baltic Apprenticeships

Expected Duration: Up to 15 months

Schedule: FT/37 hours – Monday -Friday

Start Date:  September 2026

Ready to impact a better future?

As an Apprentice Desktop Support Technician in our Defence Academy IT team, you’ll provide frontline technical support that helps colleagues and students stay connected, productive, and secure. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience while supporting desktop technology, software, hardware, peripherals, and telecommunications services across a complex and varied environment. 

This is an opportunity to build your IT career while making a positive impact. Your work will help ensure critical technology services remain available to those learning, teaching, and working at the Defence Academy. Through practical experience, professional development, and mentorship, you’ll develop the skills to create impactful solutions while supporting services that touch lives and help shape the future.

What you’ll do as an Apprentice Desktop Support Technician

• Provide first-line and second-line technical support for desktop hardware, software, and related IT services.
• Resolve incidents escalated from the Service Desk, ensuring service levels are met and colleagues receive excellent support.
• Support the configuration, installation, maintenance, and imaging of desktop and laptop devices. 
• Assist with the preparation, issue, collection, and movement of IT equipment while maintaining accurate asset records.
• Carry out basic system administration activities, including support for user and computer accounts.
• Contribute to problem management, knowledge sharing, and IT projects, helping drive innovation and continuous improvement.

Does this sound like you?

• You have a keen interest in information technology and are eager to learn and develop your technical skills.
• You understand Microsoft Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• You communicate clearly and confidently with people of varying technical abilities. 
• You can prioritise tasks, solve problems effectively, and work to high standards.
• You work well both independently and as part of a collaborative team built on trust, care, and mutual respect.
• Have 4 GCSE’s grade A-C/9-4, Level 2 Functional Skills which include English, Maths and IT.
• Be SC cleared and or have no issues obtaining one.

What we offer

• 25 days holiday Package
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Vetting and checks:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For confidential enquiries about this role, please contact MyHR via the portal.

Please ensure your line manager is aware of your application.