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Technical architect
IT systems architect
Technical architects help plan, design and build IT systems for clients.
Average salary (a year)
£40000
Starter
£90000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
University
You'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification. Relevant subjects include
computer science or computer engineering, information management systems, business information systems, software development, mathematics
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a degree apprenticeship, training as a digital and technology solutions professional.
You could then move on to a digital and technology solution specialist degree apprenticeship. This is equal to a postgraduate degree.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could start with a company in a job like programming and work your way up through training and promotion.
Direct Application
You could apply to companies directly if you've got relevant skills and knowledge.
You'll need a broad understanding of available technologies and what they can do for the client. Employers will look for a background in systems development, analysis, programming or testing.
Employers will also want to see strengths in non-technical areas like client management, communication and leadership. This is because they place importance on the ability to communicate the client's requirements to technical teams and to manage resources and demands on time.
More Information
Career Tips
Experience of project management methods like PRINCE2 will be helpful along with a working knowledge of project development and information management practices like Agile and ITIL.
Further Information
You can find more advice on careers in computing and IT from:The Chartered Institute for IT, Government Digital Service
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
    Analytical thinking skills
    Maths knowledge
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    Operations analysis skills
    Persistence and determination
    To be flexible and open to change
Digital Skills Level
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In this job, you will
create a technical strategy to meet the client's requirements, break down requirements into manageable pieces of work, compare 'off-the-shelf' solutions with building a new IT system, assess the risks related to different approaches, act as a link between technical teams and project delivery managers, explain the structure to product or service designers and developers, make sure systems meet quality and security standards, work with technical teams to overcome problems at each stage of development, keep accurate records of the steps and decisions you've made, advise senior managers on how to plan for their future IT needs
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a client's business or remotely.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could
become a senior technical architect, specialise in a particular field, like finance or IT security, move into broader IT project management roles, become a strategy business planner or consultant
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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