The Company:

Have you ever wanted to combine a passion for IT and Football?

Queens Park Rangers FC are seeking a proactive and dedicated IT & Operations Apprentice to join the team. This role will be Located at Matrade Loftus Road Stadium and the TSG Elite Performance Centre Training Ground (“TG”.)

This is a 2-year fixed contract apprenticeship with opportunities of a permanent role at the end of the apprenticeship. Suitable for a school leaver as well as more experienced candidates, the individual will study to attain the Level 3 Information Communications Technician qualification which will itself occur over an 18 month period.

The Role:

The role will provide the successful candidate with hands-on experience and a wide ranging view of the Football industry across various IT disciplines and areas of operations whilst they complete their Information Communications Technician (Level 3) Apprenticeship.

As part of the Operations team the apprentice will support the wider business in troubleshooting, maintaining and improving our IT systems, as well as assisting with Matchday operations and preparation of the Stadium and TG.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of IT equipment and systems
• Support the IT MSP in managing and resolving IT support requests from staff
• Assisting the Operations Department with administrative functions, through detailed record keeping, and proactive monitoring of stadium and event operations
• Help maintain the security and integrity of our IT systems by following cybersecurity best practices
• Assisting with physical event set up, maintenance and logistical support for Matchdays and other events at the two locations;
• Participate in the deployment and management of software applications and updates;
• Document IT processes and procedures for future reference; and
• All other duties that may arise from time to time and fall within the scope of this position.

Technical Knowledge/Skills Required:

• Good communication and teamwork skills;
• Reliable, punctual and honest;
• Basic understanding of computer hardware and software;
• Familiarity with operating systems such as Windows and macOS;
• Knowledge of basic networking principles;
• Awareness of cybersecurity principles and practices;
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Desired Technical Knowledge / Skills

Please note that the following skills are not required but would be beneficial:

• Understanding of cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure)
• A familiarity with Microsoft 365 and the various functionalities across it
• Basic knowledge of scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell)
• Familiarity with IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL)
• Knowledge of virtualisation technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V)
• Experience with cybersecurity tools and techniques
• Experience with audio visual equipment

Safeguarding

Queens Park Rangers Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We are committed to safer recruitment throughout the Club. An enhanced DBS check is a requirement of the role.? 

Entry Requirements:

• 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ (A-C) in any subject
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents) at grades 3+ (D or above)
• Prospective apprentices must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level as this apprenticeship is in a similar subject

You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.

If you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications. 

For more information please visit the UK ENIC website. 

Additional Information:

• Hours: 37.5 hours weekly
• Salary: £16,000 in the first year with an uplift in the second year.

What can we offer you?

• Private health insurance (once you pass your probation)
• Pension Scheme
• Discounted QPR merchandise
• Learning and Development opportunities
• An inclusive and collaborative working culture
• 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays
• Death in service

Future Prospects: 

90% of QA Apprentices secure permanent employment after finishing their apprenticeship.  Additionally, there may be opportunities to undertake further apprenticeship training as many of our programs offer on-going development tracks. 

Important Information: 

Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 30,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we're a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed. 

Apply now!