TESS Group
All Programmes Get in Touch
Level 3 Apprenticeship — 15 Months + EPA — Up to £13,000 Funded

Digital Support
Technician
Build Skills.
Power Teams.
Drive Digital.

Every organisation needs people who can keep digital systems running, support users with confidence, and drive adoption of new technology. This 15-month programme develops your next generation of digital support professionals — through 8 intensive modules, real workplace projects, 1:1 coaching, and professional recognition.

BCS Registered
Register of IT Technicians (RITTech)
AI & Automation Integrated
2 Specialist Pathways
15Month Programme
£13kFunding Band
4.9★Learner Rating
100%Levy Funded
💻

Your 15-Month Journey

8 workshop modules with live sessions, 30+ workplace study tasks, 1:1 skills coaching, portfolio building, mock assessments, and independent End-Point Assessment — all within working hours.

🏆

Professional Recognition

Eligible for BCS Register of IT Technicians (RITTech) Level 3 on completion — demonstrating professional competence and opening doors to advanced digital careers.

★★★★★4.9Google
★★★★★4.9Trustpilot
OfstedGood

🏢 SMEs & Growing Businesses

Small and medium businesses that rely on a few key people to keep IT running. Develop a dedicated digital support technician instead of outsourcing to expensive contractors — someone who knows your systems inside out.

🏭 Manufacturing & Logistics

Factories, warehouses, and distribution centres running on ERP systems, handheld devices, and production software. Train technicians who keep the digital tools running that keep your operations moving.

🏥 Health & Social Care

Care providers, clinics, and NHS services managing sensitive digital records, telehealth platforms, and compliance systems. Develop staff who support users with confidence and data security awareness.

🏛️ Public Sector & Education

Schools, councils, and government bodies digitising services. Train internal technicians who support staff with digital tools, manage systems, and help citizens access online services.

💼 Professional & Financial Services

Accountancy, legal, and financial firms where digital productivity and data security are non-negotiable. Build technicians who support client-facing teams with systems, tools, and secure working practices.

🛍️ Retail & Hospitality

Multi-site retailers and hospitality groups running EPOS, booking systems, and digital marketing platforms. Develop the in-house expertise to support digital tools across every location.

Who Should Enrol?

  • New starters or career changers moving into digital support roles
  • Existing IT support staff without formal qualifications
  • Help desk operators wanting structured development
  • Digitally confident employees being developed into technical roles
  • School leavers and young people starting a career in technology
Option A

Digital Applications Technician

For roles focused on helping internal users get the most from digital tools and systems. These technicians improve productivity, train colleagues, and drive digital adoption across the organisation.

  • Digital Coach — training staff on productivity tools, Microsoft 365, and workplace platforms
  • Applications Support Analyst — configuring, troubleshooting, and optimising business applications
  • Digital Champion — driving adoption of new technology and digital ways of working
  • Database Administrator — managing data, running reports, and maintaining system integrity
  • AI & Automation Coordinator — identifying opportunities for AI-powered productivity tools
Option B

Digital Service Technician

For roles focused on supporting external customers and clients through digital channels. These technicians resolve technical issues, manage service requests, and deliver excellent digital customer experience.

  • Service Desk Analyst — first-line technical support via phone, email, chat, and remote access
  • Technical Support Professional — diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and network issues
  • Digital Service Advisor — guiding customers through digital products and platforms
  • IT Service Centre Operator — managing tickets, SLAs, and escalations in a structured ITSM environment
  • Support Engineer — configuring, maintaining, and monitoring IT infrastructure and systems

🎯 Core Skills — Both Pathways

Digital systems configuration & maintenance
Troubleshooting & problem resolution
Cyber security & data protection
User communication & support delivery
Data management & backups
Digital improvement & AI awareness
TESS Helps You Choose

Not sure which pathway fits? We assess the role, not just the job title. During onboarding we review actual duties to recommend the right option — and tailor delivery accordingly.

Phase 1
Months 1–2
Phase 2
Months 3–5
Phase 3
Months 6–8
Phase 4 — Recap & Assessment
Months 9–11
EPA Preparation & Assessment
Months 12–15
1
Phase 1 — Months 1–2

Foundations

Understand digital systems, your organisation's technology landscape, and the fundamentals of professional support. Build the knowledge and confidence base for everything that follows.

💻 Digital Fundamentals & Your Organisation
📱 Productivity Software & Digital Tools
2
Phase 2 — Months 3–5

Technical Core

Develop the hands-on technical skills that matter most — troubleshooting, system configuration, user support, and effective communication with non-technical colleagues.

🛠️ Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution
🤝 User Support & Communication
⚙️ Installing, Configuring & Maintaining Systems
3
Phase 3 — Months 6–8

Advanced & Specialist

Master data management, cyber security, and compliance. Apply AI and automation to real workplace challenges. Complete your specialist pathway content.

🗄️ Data Management & Recovery
🔒 Cyber Security & Compliance
🤖 AI, Automation & Digital Improvement
4
Phase 4 — Months 9–15

Mastery & Assessment

Consolidate all learning. Build and refine your portfolio. Complete summative assessments, mock EPAs, and achieve your End-Point Assessment.

🔁 Full Recap & Gap Analysis
📁 Portfolio Consolidation
🎤 Mock & Final EPA
🎥
8 Live SessionsInteractive workshops — virtual or on-site
📝
30+ Study TasksWorkplace-based, building real portfolio evidence
🧑‍🏫
1:1 Skills CoachingRegular sessions with a dedicated skills coach
📊
370 OTJ Hours~6 hrs/week — sessions, study, coaching, projects
🎯
3 Mock EPAsFull mock project, presentation, and discussion
💻
Module 1 — Month 1

Digital Fundamentals & Your Organisation

Understand how digital technology supports your organisation's goals. Explore hardware, software, networks, cloud computing, and operating systems. Map the technology landscape and identify where you fit.

Core K1 K2 K3S1 S2B1 B2
📱
Module 2 — Month 2

Productivity Software & Digital Tools

Master the productivity tools your organisation depends on — Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, collaboration platforms, and business applications. Learn to configure, customise, and train others on their effective use.

K4 K5 K6S3 S4B2 B3
🛠️
Module 3 — Month 3

Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution

Develop systematic diagnostic skills for hardware, software, and network issues. Learn root cause analysis, escalation procedures, and ITIL-aligned incident management. Practise with real-world scenarios.

K7 K8 K9S5 S6 S7B1 B4
🤝
Module 4 — Month 4

User Support & Communication

Technical knowledge alone isn't enough. Learn to explain complex concepts to non-technical users, manage expectations, deliver training, and provide outstanding support through multiple channels.

K10 K11S8 S9 S10B2 B3 B5
⚙️
Module 5 — Month 5

Installing, Configuring & Maintaining Systems

Get hands-on with system builds, software deployment, configuration management, patching, and updates. Learn to set up new users, manage access controls, and maintain system performance and reliability.

K12 K13 K14S11 S12B1 B4
🗄️
Module 6 — Month 6

Data Management, Backups & Recovery

Master data handling: storage, classification, backup strategies, disaster recovery, and business continuity. Learn to manage databases, run reports, and ensure data integrity and availability.

K15 K16S13 S14B1 B3
🔒
Module 7 — Month 7

Cyber Security, Compliance & GDPR

Understand the threat landscape: phishing, malware, social engineering, and insider threats. Apply security principles, manage access controls, comply with GDPR, and develop secure working practices.

K17 K18 K19S15 S16B1 B2 B5
🤖
Module 8 — Month 8

AI, Automation & Digital Improvement

The TESS differentiator. Apply generative AI tools, automation platforms, and digital improvement methodologies to real workplace challenges. Plan and deliver a continuous improvement project using emerging technology.

K20 K21S17 S18B2 B4 B5
💡
Between every module: Structured study tasks (25–35 hours each), workplace application activities, skills coach 1:1 sessions, and milestone reviews. Every concept is applied in your real workplace — building the portfolio that powers your EPA.

End-Point Assessment (Months 13–15)

📋

Method 1: Project Report with Presentation & Q&A

Apprentices complete a work-based project that addresses a realistic technical challenge relevant to their pathway option. They produce a project report (3,500 words max) and deliver a presentation (15 mins) followed by Q&A (30 mins). This tests the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate a digital solution in context.

Knowledge Skills Behaviours
💬

Method 2: Professional Discussion with Portfolio

A 60-minute structured discussion with an independent assessor, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence (minimum 10 pieces). The assessor asks 12+ questions covering all knowledge, skills, and behaviours not assessed in Method 1. Graded: fail, pass, merit, or distinction.

Knowledge Skills Behaviours

EPA Grading

Fail
Below threshold in either method
Pass
Meets all criteria in both methods
Merit
Exceeds expectations in key areas
Distinction
Outstanding across both methods

🏆 BCS Professional Registration

Register of IT Technicians (RITTech) Level 3

On completion, apprentices are eligible to join the BCS Register of IT Technicians — the UK's professional standard for IT practitioners. RITTech demonstrates competence and commitment to professional development.

What RITTech Means

Professional recognition from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Demonstrates you meet industry-standard competency requirements. Opens pathways to higher certifications and career progression.

📋 How We Prepare You

TESS EPA Preparation Programme

Our structured EPA preparation begins at month 9 and includes:

  • Full gap analysis against every KSB requirement
  • Portfolio review and evidence strengthening
  • Mock project report with feedback
  • Mock presentation and Q&A (full simulation)
  • Mock professional discussion with assessor-style questions
  • English & maths support (if Level 2 not yet achieved)

Why Employers Choose TESS for Digital Apprenticeships

  • 🤖

    AI-Integrated Curriculum

    We don't just teach IT support — we build technicians who understand AI tools, automation, and the technology that's shaping every sector. Module 8 is a full AI and digital improvement project.

  • 🎯

    Pathway Tailored to Your Roles

    We assess each apprentice's actual role to recommend the right specialist pathway — Digital Applications or Digital Service — so the training matches your business need, not a generic syllabus.

  • 📊

    Employer Dashboard & Transparency

    Real-time visibility of learner progress, attendance, and milestones. Monthly employer updates so you always know where your apprentice is in the programme.

  • 🛡️

    Structured EPA Preparation

    3 full mock EPAs, portfolio reviews, and gap analysis starting at month 9. We prepare apprentices to achieve merit and distinction — not just scrape a pass.

  • 💼

    Flexible Delivery That Works Around You

    Virtual, on-site, or blended. Monthly starts. We flex around your operational needs — not the other way around.

Start Developing Your Digital Team

Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Non-levy employers pay just 5% co-investment (£650). Apprentices aged 16–21 at SMEs with <50 staff — 100% government funded.

Get in Touch →

"Digital skills gaps cost UK businesses an estimated £63 billion per year. The Digital Support Technician apprenticeship is one of the fastest-growing IT pathways — and the employers investing now are the ones who won't be scrambling for talent later."

— Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, UK Digital Strategy 2025
★★★★★
4.9 Google & Trustpilot
Ofsted Good
BCS Accredited
Monthly Starts