Hire a Digital Support Techician Apprentice
One apprenticeship. Two specialist pathways.
First cohort starts November 2026. Whether you need stronger IT support or greater AI adoption, the Digital Support Technician apprenticeship develops the skills your organisation needs today and for the future.
Course Overview:
Training Period: 14 months
Apprenticeship Standard: Digital Support Technician
Ofsted Rated: Good
What is a Digital Support Technician?
A Digital Support Technician helps organisations get the best from technology. They provide technical support, solve digital problems, train users, support systems and help colleagues work more efficiently using everyday technology and emerging digital tools.
Employers can choose from two specialist pathways aligned to their business needs:
- Digital Support Route: Keeping everyday IT running through helpdesk support, troubleshooting, software rollouts and user training.
- AI Support Route: Supporting the adoption of AI tools, promoting responsible AI use, improving digital workflows and helping colleagues embrace new technology.
Course Overview
Apprenticeship Standard: Level 3 Digital Support Technician
Delivery: Remote virtual training plus on-the-job learning
Assessment: Portfolio, Project Report with a Q&A and an interview based on the portfolio of evidence.
Graduation: You and your apprentice will be invited to our annual Graduation Ceremony, a chance to celebrate achievements, network with other employers, and recognise success with awards and recognition.
Progress
Progress is tracked through regular reviews and an online portfolio, ensuring learning remains aligned with both apprentice development and business objectives.
Training Modules
Build a strong foundation in AI, including core concepts, Microsoft Copilot, and practical prompting techniques
Develop essential digital support skills, covering systems, security, stakeholder communication.
Choose a pathway:
- Digital Support Technician (DSTD)
Ideal for employers looking for strong first-line IT support. - Digital Support Technician AI (DSTA) Designed for employers wanting to embed AI effectively across the business.
A dedicated project workshop where apprentices work on a real business project that contributes directly to their apprenticeship assessment and workplace impact.
How is the Digital Support Skills Gap affecting UK businesses?
✅ 76% of employers report difficulties recruiting digital and technology talent, creating pressure on support teams and delaying digital projects.
✅ Digital support staff are often the first line of defence against cyber threats, yet 49% of UK businesses report gaps in basic technical cyber skills.
✅ Operational issues and technical disruptions slow productivity, with UK businesses losing billions each year through downtime and digital inefficiencies.
✅ 48% of organisations report skills gaps in incident management, making it harder to respond quickly to technical issues and security events.
✅ AI adoption is accelerating faster than workforce capability, with only 42% of cyber businesses providing AI training despite growing demand for AI skills.
✅ Organisations investing in digital skills develop more resilient, productive teams, reducing reliance on external support and improving service delivery.
Employers Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the DSTD and DSTA pathways?
The Digital Support Technician (DSTD) pathway focuses on technical support, troubleshooting, systems, security and user support.
The Digital Support Technician AI (DSTA) pathway focuses on AI adoption, Microsoft Copilot, workflow improvement and helping colleagues use AI tools effectively and safely.
How will this apprenticeship benefit my business?
The Digital Support Technician apprenticeship helps businesses build in-house capability in digital support, systems, security, AI adoption and user support. Apprentices develop practical skills that can improve productivity, reduce reliance on external support and help colleagues use technology more effectively.
Can the apprenticeship be tailored to our business needs?
Yes. Employers select the pathway that best suits their organisation and can align projects and workplace activities to real business objectives.
How is apprenticeship funding handled?
Most employers can access government funding to cover some or all of the training costs.
- Levy-paying employers can use their Apprenticeship Levy funds to pay for training.
- Non-levy employers may be eligible for government co-investment, meaning the government covers the majority of the training cost.
- In some cases, additional incentives or funding support may be available depending on the apprentice’s age and circumstances.
Where can I find the official standard information
Partnerships & Accreditations
