💻 Level 3 Digital Support Technician – Course Outline (16 Months)
Standard Reference: ST0120 – Digital Support Technician (Level 3) findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk+7skillsengland.education.gov.uk+7bpp.com+7
Duration: Typically 15–16 months, including off-the-job training
Funding Cap: Up to £13,000 (fully funded via Levy or government for non-levy payers)
EPA Assessed By: Portfolio + Professional Discussion + Project Report/Presentation
🧭 Curriculum Overview
PhaseDurationFocus1. Induction & FoundationsMonths 1–3
Apprenticeship overview, roles & responsibilities<br>- Fundamentals of digital systems, helpdesk tools, professional behaviours
en.wikipedia.org+4nowskills.co.uk+4skillsengland.education.gov.uk+4cityandguilds.com+7findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk+7bpp.com+72. Core Technical CompetenciesMonths 4–8- Troubleshooting software/hardware
- Windows, macOS, Linux support
- Data entry, backup, and secure handling 3. Pathway DevelopmentMonths 9–12Choose pathway:
• Digital Applications Technician – focus on internal user support, productivity tools
• Digital Service Technician – focus on external customer service, channel tools 4. Advanced Support & Continuous ImprovementMonths 13–14- Managing helpdesk systems & ticket escalations
- Coaching users & delivering training
- Continuous improvement & system updates 5. Portfolio & EPA PreparationMonths 15–16- Project-based report + presentation
- Professional discussion preparation
- EPA gateway: Functional English & Maths Level 2 required
📚 Functional Skills & Behaviours
English & Maths (Level 2): Integrated support and progression must be completed before EPA estio.co.uk+5skillsengland.education.gov.uk+5achievementtraining.com+5
Professional Behaviours: Initiative, resilience, customer service orientation, organisational skills nowskills.co.uk+2skillsengland.education.gov.uk+2impactfutures.co.uk+2
🔧 Learning & Delivery Structure
80% On-the-Job Training: Real-world helpdesk operations under mentor guidance
20% Off-the-Job Training: Workshops, live online sessions, technical masterclasses nowskills.co.uk
Vendor Certifications (Optional): CompTIA A+, Cloud Essentials+, Cisco, Microsoft fundamentals—great value-add bcs.org+7nowskills.co.uk+7bpp.com+7
🎓 EPA Components & Certification
Portfolio – Real workplace instance evidence aligned to Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours
Professional Discussion – Reflect on experience and case studies
Project Report & Presentation – Showcase a real support task or training delivery
End Gateway Prerequisite – Level 2 English & Maths
Certification – BCS SFIA Level 3 Recognised, plus option for vendor qualifications bcs.org+10skillsengland.education.gov.uk+10estio.co.uk+10cityandguilds.com
🎯 Learning Outcomes & Career Path
Upon completion, apprentices will be able to:
Resolve first-line IT support issues
Provide clear guidance and training to users
Maintain data security and backups
Participate in continuous improvement
Advance into roles like IT Support Specialist, Service Desk Analyst, Digital Champion, with progression up to Level 4 Application Support Lead, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Technician, etc. en.wikipedia.org+6estio.co.uk+6nowskills.co.uk+6bpp.com