Computing Systems Apprentice – Carson McDowell

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Carson McDowell is Northern Ireland’s leading commercial law firm, the law firm of choice for many of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies and international companies doing business here. Our rich mixture of people, culture, heritage and reputation makes us who we are.

 

Our continued success depends on attracting and retaining top talent across all areas of the business. We provide rewarding careers and a supportive working environment, allowing our people to maximise their potential and fulfil their ambitions.

 

This IT Apprentice role is designed specifically for students enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Computing Systems programme. The post provides structured, hands-on experience aligned to academic learning across software development, networking, databases, systems security, cloud, and professional practice. The IT Apprentice will deliver first-line IT support while contributing to infrastructure, systems, and improvement projects, developing practical competence that complements degree modules.

 

 

Key Purpose of the Role

  • Provide high-quality first-line IT support to users through a service desk.
  • Apply academic knowledge from the Computing Systems programme to real-world IT environments.
  • Develop professional, technical, and collaborative skills aligned with graduate outcomes.

 

 

Learning & Development Alignment (Computing Systems)

This role actively supports learning outcomes from the BSc Computing Systems programme, including:

  • Programming & Problem Solving: Applying logical troubleshooting, scripting, and automation concepts.
  • Databases & Data: Supporting data-driven systems, queries, and reporting tasks.
  • Client & Server-Side Systems: Understanding web-based systems, applications, and APIs.
  • Networking: Exposure to enterprise networks, routing, switching, and secure connectivity.
  • Systems & Security: Applying secure system design principles and operational security controls.
  • Cloud & Virtualisation: Assisting with cloud services, virtual machines, and modern deployment practices.
  • Professional Practice: Teamwork, documentation, ethical practice, communication, and service delivery.

 

 

Core Responsibilities

Service Desk & User Support

  • Provide first-line support via phone, email, in-person, and remote tools.
  • Log, manage, prioritise, and resolve incidents and service requests using the IT Service Desk.
  • Troubleshoot hardware, software, operating systems, and network connectivity issues.

Systems & Infrastructure Support

  • Assist with installation, configuration, and maintenance of PCs, laptops, peripherals, printers, and mobile devices.
  • Support Windows client and server environments; assist with user accounts and access management.
  • Assist with LAN/WAN/VPN connectivity and basic network diagnostics.

Software, Development & Data Support

  • Support standard business software, including Microsoft 365 and specialist applications.
  • Assist with software rollouts and updates using centralised deployment tools.
  • Apply foundational skills in databases (SQL), scripting, and automation where appropriate.
  • Assist with basic web or internal application support aligned to client/server and full‑stack concepts.

Information Security & Compliance

  • Support information security best practices in day-to-day operations.
  • Assist with patch management, vulnerability remediation, and endpoint security tasks.
  • Contribute to Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 support activities.

Project & Continuous Improvement Work

  • Contribute to IT projects, including hardware refreshes, system upgrades, cloud adoption, and process improvements.
  • Apply structured problem-solving, documentation, and testing practices.
  • Support initiatives related to networking, cloud platforms, data analytics, or automation as appropriate.

Required Knowledge & Skills (Student Level)

  • Enrolment on BSc (Hons) Computing Systems
  • Willingness to learn and apply academic knowledge in a professional setting.

 

 

 

Applicants should apply by emailing a covering letter and CV to: Eva Kenna, Human Resources Assistant by 22nd May 2026

eva.kenna@carson-mccowell.com