The University of Cambridge is a confederation of Colleges, Faculties and other institutions. This position is in the Faculty of Mathematics, which is associated with the School of Physical Sciences. The Faculty of Mathematics has two departments, namely Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (DPMMS -) and Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP - ). The Faculty is responsible for ensuring the provision of appropriate instruction and adequate facilities for research, for preparing the teaching programme, and for ensuring that the teaching given is of a high standard. Many of the Department's endeavours rely on a diverse range of IT services. As an Apprentice of the Maths IT Helpdesk, you will follow a level 3 qualification study on supporting and maintaining IT services and put this into practice for our Faculty.
We are looking for an individual who is, at heart, a problem solver and finds it exciting to work with people and technology. Apprenticeship schemes aim to provide a learning experience to achieve the desired skills and knowledge needed to obtain the course degree. Therefore, no prior knowledge or IT work experience is needed to be suitable for this scheme. A successful applicant will be able to learn new skills rapidly, be motivated to keep searching for solutions, and is able to communicate them well to a diverse audience. While you learn how ICT works from the course provider via classroom teaching and online learning, we will provide practical learning to use these skills and knowledge. The Helpdesk Manager will support you in your role and practical learning, and with the Computing and IT Manager, will supervise your course learning, which is on top of the support you will receive from the course provider.
During your apprenticeship, you will follow the Information Communication Technician programme from course provider BGG group (Firebrand) () to learn the skills needed to perform your IT duties. The programme allows you to attain the CompTIA A+ certification, which can serve as credentials to launch your career in IT. A minimum of 20% of your work hours will be dedicated towards your study efforts. You will also need to make room in your private time to study for exams or complete project paperwork. We endeavour to allow apprentices to choose particular projects to pursue throughout the apprenticeship. With a focus on the project portfolio needs of your course, as well as the technologies they find particularly interesting that align with our business needs.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to pursue a career change, regardless of IT-related work experience. We also welcome applicants from any age starting 16 (who are not in full-time education).
A job offer after the apprenticeship in the Faculty's IT team should not be expected. However, experience in an academic setting is very valuable for positions elsewhere at the University. As there are nearly always jobs available at any given time, we would encourage looking in the broader University for a follow-up position.
Successful applicants will be subjected to an eligibility test from the course provider, checking their suitability towards to course as well as establishing the course start date. For example, holding an equivalent degree, as the course aims to achieve, would exclude you per government funding rules. The eligibility check will also establish your formal level of Maths and English, as additional required exams can be made mandatory for achieving the course degree.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Ms Deborah Finucane, Maths Helpdesk Manager, at
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
The University is unable to issue sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa route for this role as it does not meet the minimum skill and/or salary requirement for this role.