IT and Digital Apprentice

South East Essex Academy Trust; Hadleigh; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

South East Essex Academy Trust offers a Level 4 IT Apprenticeship with progression to a Degree Apprenticeship across our nine schools. You will gain hands-on experience in IT support, infrastructure, and digital innovation, with exposure to AI, automation and EdTech initiatives that support teaching and administration.

This role is designed for curious, proactive individuals who want a long-term career in IT and digital transformation.

Qualifications

• Passion for technology and innovation.
• Interest in AI, coding, software development or automation.
• Wants to make a positive impact through technology in education.
• Curious, proactive and keen to learn.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Organised and able to manage competing priorities.
• Wants a long-term career in IT, digital transformation or EdTech.

Responsibilities

• Supporting staff and students with IT systems and devices.
• Maintaining Trust-wide IT infrastructure.
• Supporting Microsoft 365 and cloud-based systems.
• Helping improve digital workflows and processes.
• Exploring opportunities for AI and automation across the Trust.
• Developing digital tools, reporting systems or apps.
• Researching and trialling emerging education technologies.
• Contributing to projects that improve efficiency, communication and user experience.
• Collaborating with colleagues across schools and central teams to support digital innovation.

Skills

Tech curiosity

Creativity

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Tools

Microsoft 365

Cloud-based systems

AI tools

Job description

Level 4 Apprenticeship with progression to Degree Apprenticeship

Are you excited by technology, AI and innovation? Do you want to use digital solutions to make a genuine difference to children, young people and schools?

We are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking IT Apprentice to join our central team at SEEAT.

This is a unique opportunity to develop a career not only in IT support and infrastructure, but also in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, automation, software development and education technology (EdTech). We are particularly interested in how technology can improve operational efficiency, reduce workload and enhance outcomes and experiences for pupils, staff and families across our schools.

The apprenticeship will initially be at Level 4, with the intention of progressing to a Degree Apprenticeship pathway within approximately 18 months for the right candidate.

This role offers the chance to work across a family of schools, supporting both day-to-day IT operations and longer-term digital innovation projects. Alongside developing core technical skills, you will help us explore how AI, automation and digital systems can support teaching, learning and operational excellence across our nine schools.

This is not simply a traditional IT support role. We are looking for someone with curiosity, creativity and a genuine interest in the future of technology in education.

Responsibilities will develop over time, but may include:

• Supporting staff and students with IT systems and devices
• Assisting with the maintenance of Trust-wide IT infrastructure
• Supporting Microsoft 365 and cloud-based systems
• Helping improve digital workflows and processes
• Exploring opportunities for AI and automation across the Trust
• Supporting the development of digital tools, reporting systems or apps
• Researching and trialling emerging education technologies
• Contributing to projects that improve efficiency, communication and user experience
• Working with colleagues across schools and central teams to support digital innovation

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about technology and innovation
• Has an interest in AI, coding, software development or automation
• Wants to make a positive impact through technology in education
• Is curious, proactive and keen to learn
• Has strong problem-solving skills
• Can communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Is organised and able to manage competing priorities
• Wants to build a long-term career in IT, digital transformation or EdTech

Previous experience with coding, AI tools, automation platforms or digital projects would be an advantage, but is not essential.

In return we offer a structured Level 4 apprenticeship programme and planned progression to a Degree Apprenticeship pathway. There will be opportunities to work on innovative Trust-wide digital projects, exposure to AI, automation and EdTech development, supportive mentoring and professional development and the opportunity to help shape how technology improves education and operational effectiveness. This is an exciting time to join the team!

South East Essex Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects its entire staff to share this commitment. All postholders working in our schools will be considered to work in Regulated Activity and will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance all shortlisted candidates may be subject to online searches that may include social media. For further information please contact [e-mail]

We reserve the right to close the listing at any time and shortlist earlier if strong candidates apply earlier in the process.