Getting into the IT industry does not mean you have to go down the traditional university route.
It also does not mean you have to be fresh out of school.
IT Support Apprenticeships have become one of the most practical, hands-on and accessible ways to start a career in technology.
Whether you are a school leaver, changing careers in your 30s, or simply wondering if it is too late to try something new, apprenticeships prove one thing very clearly:
Your attitude matters more than your background.
Curiosity, patience, communication and a willingness to learn can take you a very long way.
Why IT Apprenticeships Work So Well
You are learning while doing the job.
That means you are:
- Supporting real people
- Fixing real problems
- Learning from real mistakes
- Building confidence every week
- Seeing how technology is used in the real world
This is what makes apprenticeships so powerful.
You are not just learning what something is. You are learning why it matters, how it works and what to do when it goes wrong.
Jonathan explains it perfectly:
“There’s one thing learning the theory of something, and another thing actually putting it into practice.”
And that is the big difference.
In IT, things make a lot more sense when you are actually working with them.
Do You Need Loads of IT Knowledge to Start?
No. Definitely not.
This is probably one of the biggest worries people have before applying for an IT apprenticeship.
They think they need to know everything already.
You don’t.
A good apprenticeship is designed to teach you. You are not expected to walk in on day one knowing how to fix every laptop, server, email issue or printer problem.
Although, to be honest, nobody ever truly understands printers.
The important thing is that you are willing to learn.
Good apprenticeship environments should make you feel:
- Supported
- Comfortable asking questions
- Able to make mistakes
- Valued as part of the team
- Confident enough to keep improving
Mistakes are not a failure. They are part of learning.
Are Apprenticeships Only for School Leavers?
No! and this is one of the biggest myths about apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships aren’t just for 16–18‑year‑olds. They’re open to people at all stages of life, including those who want to change careers, retrain, or move into a completely new industry.
We see this first‑hand. Many of our applicants come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, and plenty of them are starting a second career.
Sandra, our software developer, is a great example. She moved into tech in her 30s after previously working in banking, and she’s now a Web Developer. Her journey shows that it’s never too late to start something new and apprenticeships can be a powerful way to make that change.
Can an IT Apprenticeship Lead to Management?
Yes. Absolutely.
An apprenticeship is not a dead end it’s a starting point.
For many people, IT support is the first step into the tech industry. From there, careers can grow in countless directions: technical specialisms, project management, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, leadership roles and more. The progression opportunities are huge.
Jack Marshall is a perfect example. He began his career as a Level 3 IT Support Technician Apprentice and is now an Associate Director at Network.
And he’s not the only one.
We’ve had several members of our team progress from apprenticeship roles into senior positions across the business. Their journeys show what’s possible when you combine the right attitude with the right support and development.
What Do Employers Look for in an IT Apprentice?
Jack, our Associate Director, knows apprenticeships inside out. He started his own career as an apprentice, and now he’s the one selecting new apprentices for our team. His experience gives him a unique perspective on what really matters when applying.
Technical knowledge is useful but it’s not everything.
Most employers don’t expect an apprentice to arrive fully trained. What they are looking for is potential!
The qualities that usually stand out are:
- A positive attitude
- Enthusiasm
- Curiosity
- Good communication
- Willingness to learn
- Problem‑solving skills
- A basic understanding of computers
Having some foundational knowledge helps things like knowing what RAM or a CPU is, understanding operating systems, or having a general idea of how a computer works. But mindset almost always outweighs technical detail.
Jack explains why communication is such a big deal:
“We often think it’s just behind a desk on a computer screen, but actually, the people skills are so critical.”
That’s because IT support isn’t just about technology it’s about people. You’re helping someone who might be stressed, confused, or unable to do their job because something isn’t working. Being calm, clear, and helpful makes a huge difference.
A good way to think about it is this:
Technical skills can be taught. Attitude can’t.
Is It Ever Too Late to Start?
It’s never too late to start an apprenticeship. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to retrain in a new industry without the pressure of having to perform at a high level from day one. Apprenticeships are designed to help you learn, grow, and build confidence as you go.
From our experience reviewing applications, we see people from all age groups applying for IT apprenticeship roles. Whether you’re just starting out, changing careers, or returning to work, apprenticeships offer a structured, supportive route into the tech industry.
How Do You Get Into an IT Apprenticeship?
Most IT apprenticeships are delivered through specialist apprenticeship training providers. These organisations work closely with employers to deliver the learning side of the programme, while also supporting you with assessments, development, and guidance throughout your apprenticeship.
Once you’ve decided that an IT apprenticeship might be the right path for you, the next step is knowing where to find opportunities.
At Network, we partner with Baltic Apprenticeships, who support apprentices from their initial training all the way through to ongoing professional development.
If you’re ready to start exploring opportunities, a great place to begin is the UK Government’s Find an Apprenticeship website. Here, you can browse live vacancies and filter them by:
- Role
- Location
- Level
- Industry
- Employer
It’s an easy way to see what’s available right now and get a feel for what different employers are looking for.
Final Thoughts & Jonathan’s Story
IT apprenticeships are a brilliant route into the technology industry because they give people the chance to learn by doing.
They are practical, supportive and open to people from all kinds of backgrounds.
Whether you are just leaving school, changing career or looking for a fresh start, an apprenticeship can help you build real skills, real confidence and a real future in IT.
The main thing is to start.
You can learn the technical skills along the way.
If you like to learn how Jonathan our latest apprentice got started watch the short video below!
