Employer Solutions
Applications Support Lead - Level 4 Apprenticeship
Develop skilled applications support professionals who can manage, optimise, and troubleshoot your business-critical systems. Build internal IT support capacity while reducing dependency on external consultants and improving system reliability.
Strengthen Your IT Support Capabilities
Build a robust internal IT support function, reduce costly downtime, improve system performance, and develop technical leadership skills.
What Your Applications Support Lead Will Deliver
Technical Support Excellence
- First-line resolution for complex application issues
- System performance monitoring and optimisation
- User training and capability building
- Documentation and knowledge base development
- Change implementation and testing
- Vendor relationship management
Business Impact
- Reduced system downtime (average 30–40% improvement)
- Faster issue resolution (up to 50–70% reduction in ticket times)
- Improved user satisfaction through consistent support and faster responses
- Lower reliance on external consultants and contractors
- Enhanced business continuity and system reliability
- Proactive problem prevention via monitoring and documentation
Quantifiable Business Benefits
Cost Reduction
- External support cost savings: £30,000–£50,000 annually (indicative)
- Reduced downtime losses: £15,000–£25,000 per year (estimate)
- Consultant fees saved: £400–£800 per day replaced by internal expertise
- Decreased training costs through in-house capability development
Operational Improvements
- Faster incident resolution: estimated 60–65% improvement
- Reduction in recurring issues: up to 70–80% fewer repeat incidents
- Enhanced user satisfaction: significant improvement in survey scores
- Decrease in escalations: approximately 50% fewer escalated tickets
*Figures are indicative and may vary depending on organisation size, systems, and complexity.
Structured Skills Development (College Delivery)
Foundation Skills
- IT service management principles (ITIL foundations)
- Application architecture understanding
- Troubleshooting methodologies
- Communication and user support
Advanced Capabilities
- Complex problem diagnosis
- System integration techniques
- Project management skills
- Process improvement methods
Leadership Development
- Team coordination and mentoring
- Strategic planning contribution
- Vendor management
- Service optimisation leadership
Government Funding Support
Financial Package
- Up to £18,000 funding per apprentice
- Up to 100% of training costs funded
- No upfront payment required
- Additional incentives for young apprentices (16-18 years)
Implementation Support
- Funding application assistance
- Compliance management
- Progress tracking and reporting
- End-point assessment coordination
Perfect for These Business Needs
Growing Organisations
- Scale IT support cost-effectively
- Reduce external dependencies
- Build internal expertise
- Improve service quality
Digital Transformation
- Support new system implementations
- Manage change effectively
- Build user capabilities
- Ensure adoption success
Structured Learning Journey
On-the-Job Learning
- Real-time issue resolution
- Project participation
- User interaction and support
- System administration tasks
Professional Training & Development (College – Off the Job training)
- ITIL foundation certification
- Full delivery of Level 4 Application Lead Apprenticeship Standard
- Technical skills workshops
- Leadership development
- Industry best practices
Success Measurement Framework
Technical Competencies
- Issue resolution rates
- System knowledge assessments
- Project contributions
- Certification achievements
Business Value Metrics
- Downtime reduction percentages
- Cost savings achieved
- User satisfaction scores
- Process improvements implemented
Building Your Support Team
Our employer services team provides:
- Needs Analysis: Assess your support requirements and skill gaps
- Candidate Matching: Find apprentices with the right potential
- Programme Customisation: Align training with your systems
- Continuous Support: Regular reviews and optimisation
Why Choose This Programme?
Develop internal IT support leaders who deliver measurable downtime reduction, cost savings, improved user satisfaction, and enhanced operational continuity, while building a sustainable IT support capability.
Government Funding
Up to 100% of training costs covered
Skilled Workforce
Train employees to your standards
Business Growth
Improved productivity and retention
Cost Effective
Lower recruitment and training costs
Duration
15-24 months
Level
Level 4
Sector
Technology
Training Structure
Off-the-job training provided
Start Dates
Flexible starts available
Government Funding Available
Reduce training costs with government support for this apprenticeship
Maximum Funding Available
£12,000
Per apprentice
Training Costs Covered
Up to 100%
For eligible employers
Key Funding Benefits
100% funding for 16-21s
Full training costs covered
Additional incentive
£1,000 for hiring 16-18 year olds
Business support included
Account management & mentoring
Up to 100% funding for most employers
Up to a 5% employer contribution
Off-the-job training: 400 hours minimum (20% of working hours)
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