Application Support Lead Apprentice – STADA Thornton & Ross – Reading, RG2 6GP – £19,500p/a – 38hrs/w
Job Purpose
The UK IT Support Apprentice will join a dynamic IT team at the heart of our organisation, playing an active role in both day-to-day IT service delivery and our broader digital transformation agenda. This is an exciting opportunity to build technical skills across IT support, cloud technologies, and digital enablement - working alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
You will be the first point of contact for IT support across UK GIS and STADA, while also contributing to digital transformation initiatives that improve how the business operates. This includes supporting the rollout of cloud platforms, assisting with workflow automation, and helping to deliver a modern, digital workplace experience for all colleagues.
Success in this role means resolving issues efficiently, embracing new technology with curiosity, and actively contributing to projects that drive meaningful digital change.
Apprenticeship Overview
Expected duration: 21 months
Apprenticeship level: Level 4 (Higher)
Programme: Application Support Lead
During this apprenticeship, you will follow a fully supported training programme with LearnTech, delivered through combined weekly remote classroom-based training, workplace assessment/training and online learning working towards completing theApplication Support Leadstandard.
The training covers the following core occupational duties: https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0949-v1-0
Key responsibilities:
· Act as the first point of contact for all UK IT support requests, ensuring every call is logged and resolved in line with agreed SLAs.
· Provide day-to-day technical support to end users on all UK GIS and STADA GIS systems — both remotely and face-to-face.
· Deliver a high standard of customer care to all colleagues, customers, and suppliers.
· Follow established Incident, Service Request, and Change Management processes.
· Escalate recurring problems and emerging trends to Senior Support Engineers and management.
· Manage own workload through effective prioritisation and time management, assigning and progressing incidents appropriately.
· Maintain accurate Software and Hardware Asset Management records.
· Order consumable items and monitor stock levels to ensure business continuity.
· Assist in Service Acceptance and Transition activities for new technologies.
Confidential
· Comply with all relevant Health & Safety legislation, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
Digital Transformation & Innovation
· Support the rollout and adoption of cloud-based platforms, including Microsoft 365 and Azure services, helping colleagues get the most from modern tools.
· Assist in designing and implementing digital workflows using tools such as Microsoft Power Automate and Power Apps to reduce manual effort and improve efficiency.
· Contribute to projects that digitise and automate existing business processes, documenting outcomes and lessons learned.
· Help colleagues adopt new digital tools through guidance, informal training, and the creation of clear, user-friendly documentation.
· Support data collection, reporting, and analytics activities — for example using Power BI or Excel — to enable evidence-based decision-making.
· Participate in IT modernisation and infrastructure upgrade projects as part of cross-functional project teams.
· Contribute to cybersecurity awareness across the organisation, helping colleagues follow best-practice digital hygiene and information security policies.
· Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in IT processes and propose solutions aligned with the organisation's digital strategy.
This job description is a guide to the work required. It is not exhaustive and may be updated from time to time in line with business needs. The postholder is expected to be flexible and support the wider team as required.
Essential skills, characteristics and experience
· A keen interest in IT, technology, and digital innovation — with a desire to understand not just how systems work, but how technology can transform how organisations operate.
· Basic understanding of computer systems, networks, and cloud-based platforms.
· Awareness of Microsoft 365 and modern workplace technologies (e.g. Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive).
· Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical colleagues.
· A proactive and positive attitude — willing to learn, adapt, and take initiative.
· Relevant educational background in IT, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred but not essential.
Required
· Basic understanding of computer systems and networks
· Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook)
· Customer service orientation and professional communication
· Workload prioritisation and time management
· Enthusiasm for digital technology and a growth mindset
· Commitment to organisational values: Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility, One STADA
Desirable
· Relevant qualification or educational background in IT or a related field
· Experience or certification in IT support or related areas
· Awareness of cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 admin)
· Exposure to process automation tools (e.g. Power Automate, Power Apps)
· Basic understanding of data and reporting tools (e.g. Power BI, Excel dashboards)
· Experience supporting digital adoption or technology change initiatives
Requirements
It is a requirement to have five GCSE 9-4 grades or equivalent (including English and Maths) to apply for this type of apprenticeship. If you do not have these grades but have completed numeracy and literacy Key Skills/Functional Skills at level two you may also apply for these apprenticeships.
Eligibility
You must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the role:
· Have been a UK/EEA resident for the last 3 years
· Hold valid residency status
· Have the right to work in the UK
Pay: From £19,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
