IT Apprentice

IT Apprentice | £17,000 + excellent benefits | Full-time | Onsite

Start your career in tech with hands‑on experience and real impact…

Are you curious about how IT systems work? Do you enjoy solving problems and helping people? Looking to kickstart your tech career with practical experience and professional qualifications? This could be the perfect opportunity for you.

At Thatcham Research
, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated IT Apprentice to join our friendly IT Services team. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals who will support your development every step of the way, helping you build the technical skills and confidence needed for a successful career in IT. You’ll work towards the ICT Apprenticeship Level 3, which typically takes 18‑24 months to achieve.

You’ll play a key role in keeping our people connected and our technology running smoothly. During your apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to:

• Set up and maintain IT hardware, software, mobile devices and user accounts
• Provide first‑and second‑line support, helping colleagues troubleshoot issues in person, remotely or via our service desk
• Monitor system performance, support security processes and help manage our IT asset register
• Create useful documentation and knowledge base articles
• Develop strong customer service and communication skills as you assist users at all levels of the business
• Understand cybersecurity fundamentals and follow best‑practice standards

You’ll be supported by your line manager, mentors, and the wider IT Services team — including specialists in cloud, security and IT transformation.

You don’t need previous IT work experience - just a passion for technology and a willingness to learn. You’ll thrive if you have:

• An interest in IT fundamentals (hardware, software, networks, operating systems)
• Problem‑solving skills and a logical approach
• Confidence communicating with both technical and non‑technical people
• A positive attitude and desire to grow your skills
• GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent (desired but not essential)

• A supportive environment designed to help you learn and succeed
• Real responsibilities from day one
• Opportunities to work with experienced IT professionals
• A chance to make a meaningful contribution to our operations
• Structured training that builds toward recognised industry standards
• A welcoming, collaborative culture where your development truly matters

Starting salary - £17,000.

• 10% non-contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure
• Money health’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Benenden Health Care (opt‑in benefit)
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving
• Subsidised on‑site restaurant
• Free on‑site parking

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work‑life balance seriously!)

This role is based on‑site, so you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham.

• 1 mile to nearest train station (20‑minute walk)
• 0.2 miles to nearest bus station
• Free on‑site parking

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on‑site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash…