dpskinner

We are looking for an IT Technician based in Wellington, Somerset, to support a busy and varied educational environment. This role is very much about ensuring technology works reliably for staff and students, and contributing to infrastructure projects as part of a managed service. Day-to-day, you’ll be the first point of contact for IT support, handling both first and second line issues, troubleshooting efficiently, and keeping users informed. You’ll work on device deployments, network basics, AV setup for events and classrooms, and collaborate closely with the Network Manager on maintenance and upgrades. A good communicator with strong technical fundamentals will thrive here. Experience with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, device management and core networking concepts will be useful, but there’s room to grow and learn in the role. Full details and how to apply: https://commercial.bamboohr.com/careers/155

We’re recruiting a Network Manager to lead IT and digital services at one of our education managed service sites in the South West, based around Winscombe, Somerset. This is more than just keeping things running day to day; you’ll be the senior technical lead on site and play a key role in shaping longer-term digital direction. You’ll be responsible for the operation and continuous improvement of IT systems, managing and developing the on-site support team, owning service quality and user experience, and acting as an escalation point for complex issues. There’s a strong focus on aligning technology with educational priorities, maintaining infrastructure resilience and security, and managing relationships with suppliers and third parties. If you enjoy combining hands-on technical leadership with strategy, mentoring and service ownership, this could be a great next step. Full role and application details here: https://commercial.bamboohr.com/careers/179

Are you passionate about technology and delivering outstanding customer service? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! As an IT Support Technician, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of IT services within a busy school environment. Reporting to the onsite Network Manager, you will be the face of IT support, providing exceptional, personable, and proactive assistance to all stakeholders—including senior school leaders, teaching and support staff, students and visitors. This role is about more than just technical expertise; we are looking for someone who enjoys building strong relationships, can confidently navigate high-pressure situations, and is always ready to go the extra mile to deliver first-class IT support. Whether it’s resolving an urgent technical issue in a classroom or assisting a staff member with their device, you will bring a professional, friendly, and solution-focused approach to every interaction. If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role where you can make a real difference while developing your IT career, we’d love to hear from you! Your responsibilities as an IT Technician will be: · Provide high-quality, hands-on IT support that goes beyond just fixing issues - engage with users, understand their challenges, and provide solutions with a strong customer-first mindset. · Manage and support the school’s core IT infrastructure, services, and data, ensuring seamless operation within defined SLAs, including fault diagnosis, resolution, and escalation when needed. · Take ownership of end-user hardware deployments, including desktops, laptops, tablets, cabling, printers, AV equipment, telephones, and other peripherals, as well as managing software installations and updates. · Support school events and activities, ensuring IT and AV are not just available, but tailored to meet the needs of students, staff, and guests. · Bring energy, enthusiasm, and a problem-solving mindset to the team - this role isn’t just about technology, it’s about people and ensuring they have the tools and support to succeed. About you · A passion for delivering outstanding customer service - you see IT support as an opportunity to make a real impact. · A logical and structured approach to problem-solving, combined with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. You don’t just fix issues - you make IT an accessible and trusted function. · Experience supporting IT infrastructure, with a focus on end-user devices and education environments. · Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills - you’re not just following a script, you can think on your feet and get things working. · A strong knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating systems, VMware, desktop applications, and associated hardware such as laptops, desktops, printers, and peripherals. · Experience working in a structured IT support/helpdesk environment, understanding the importance of processes while still being adaptable. · The ability to communicate with diverse audiences - whether it's explaining an issue to senior school leaders, helping teachers with tech in the classroom, or supporting students in their learning. · Strong time management skills -you can juggle multiple priorities while keeping a calm, focused, and personable approach Experience in the following key technologies: · Windows 10 & 11 Windows Server 2016, 2019 & 2022 · Desktop and server hardware · VMware vSphere\vCenter · Microsoft Office 365 · Active Directory, Group Policy · Networking – DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP, VLAN, switching (Aruba), wireless (Aruba), WAN · Virtual server backup technologies such as Veeam · Mobile device management such as Intune · Audio & Visual Equipment · Anti-virus technologies It would also be beneficial to have experience of: · SAN Technologies · Azure/Entra & Endpoint Manager · Web, E-mail Security and child safeguarding · Educational MIS systems (SIMS, FMS, etc). · Teaching and learning applications and hardware · Print Management Systems (PaperCut) · Educational MIS systems (SIMS, FMS etc). · Teaching and learning applications and hardware About us We are proud to be a successful, purpose-driven organisation that is on an exciting journey to achieve an annual turnover of £100m by 2025. Commercial are business transformation specialists. We transform business impacts and experiences by applying original thinking to everyday practices. We specialise in Managed IT, Smart Technologies, Managed Print Services, Technology, Interiors, Office Supplies, and PPE, Facilities and Workwear. We invest in our people so they are experts in their field, excel within their environment and continue on a journey of growth and development, personalised to them. We are #commercialbynature. Benefits We commit to ensuring all our employees feel truly valued and appreciated for the work that they do, every day. As a member of the Commercial team, you will receive the following: · A base salary of up to £30,000 per annum · A generous holiday allowance of 25 days plus bank holidays, which increases with length of service · An enhanced family leave package to support you and your growing family · Life Insurance that offers a payment equivalent to four times your annual salary · Access to confidential support through our Employee Assistance programme and wellbeing support including a 24-hour GP service and physiotherapy · Free and expert mortgage and remortgaging advice for all members of the team, friends and families from leading broker Charles Cameron & Associates · Other benefits such as charity volunteering opportunities, pension, cycle to work scheme, flexible working structure and more Diversity & Inclusion Together, we are committed to attracting, including, inspiring, and developing our teams no matter their background, belief or way of life. We embrace everyone’s unique perspectives and create a genuine belonging for all. At Commercial, we look to hire the very best people for our roles. Our team members are who we are and create the brand we are today. We welcome all applicants regardless of your race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. Even if you don’t feel you completely fulfil all the requirements for this vacancy, we still encourage you to apply. It is our commitment to provide equal opportunities for all. Please visit our website for further information and to apply: https://commercial.bamboohr.com/careers/122

We have an exciting new vacancy for a Senior IT Technician based at The High School Leckhampton! You will be responsible for providing comprehensive IT support to all stakeholders, including teaching and support staff, students, visitors, and guests. The role ensures the smooth operation of the school's ICT systems, supporting a range of state-of-the-art facilities. The Senior IT Technician will work closely with the Trust Network Manager, based at Balcarras School, to manage and develop the school's computer network and ICT services. This partnership will be essential as the school expands to full capacity by 2029. The role involves working with the Trust Network Manager, the Headteacher, and other school leaders to ensure that the school's ICT infrastructure and services effectively support the delivery of the School Development Plan and the strategic use of resources. Your responsibilities as a Senior IT Technician will be: Support and maintain the school's IT network, including infrastructure, workstations, peripherals, and software. Deploy, configure, and manage end-user hardware such as desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, Classroom AV equipment, and other peripherals. Maintain Audio/Visual equipment, including audio recording devices, projectors, interactive touchscreens, and more. Provide day-to-day technical support, diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues promptly. Manage the ICT Help Desk, prioritising and resolving issues to ensure minimal disruption to school operations. Assist staff and students with IT-related inquiries and provide guidance on effective use of technology. Install and upgrade software applications as needed, ensuring compatibility and compliance with licensing agreements. Manage user accounts and permissions for systems such as Office 365, SharePoint, and other school systems. Maintain the IT asset register and ensure accurate documentation of all hardware and software. Implement and maintain security measures, including antivirus and firewall protections, to safeguard the school's IT environment. Monitor and manage internet filtering and monitoring systems to ensure safe and appropriate use of IT resources. Report and manage any security incidents in compliance with school policies and regulations, including GDPR. Provide IT and AV support for school events and activities, ensuring all necessary equipment is available and functioning. Set up and manage IT resources for presentations, meetings, and other events as required. Conduct training sessions for staff and students on the use of IT equipment and software. Provide ongoing support and technical assistance for staff, including new employees and Governors, as part of their onboarding process. Work closely with the Trust Network Manager, Headteacher, and other stakeholders to support the school's digital strategy and IT management plan. Assist in managing GDPR-related tasks, including handling Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information Requests. Maintain comprehensive documentation of IT systems, processes, and procedures. Keep the IT hardware and software inventory up to date and assist with audits as required. About you Strong logical approach to problem-solving and excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively. Demonstrated experience in supporting IT infrastructure, with a focus on end-user devices and support within an educational environment. Proficient in troubleshooting and diagnosing issues across a range of technologies. In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating systems, desktop applications, and associated hardware, including laptops, desktops, printers, and peripherals. Experience working within a structured IT support/helpdesk environment. Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences, including senior leadership, teachers, support staff, and students. Capable of managing multiple work streams and projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong time management and organisational skills. Technical proficiency in IT infrastructure, networks, and systems, with the ability to manage and troubleshoot issues efficiently. Experience with system installation, configuration, and analysis, as well as a thorough understanding of networks and cloud computing. A problem-solving aptitude with an approachable and professional demeanour, able to maintain calm under pressure. Experience in key technologies, including but not limited to: Windows 10, 11 Microsoft Office 365 and Desktop Office Suite Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure Active Directory) Azure Services (Basic understanding required) Intune for Mobile Device Management Networking (DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP, VLAN, Switching, Wireless, WAN) Firewall Management Audio & Visual Equipment, Anti-Virus Technologies It would also be beneficial to have experience in: Azure & Endpoint Manager Web and Email Security, as well as child safeguarding Teaching and learning applications and hardware Educational MIS systems (Bromcom, iSams, etc.) Print Management Systems About us We are proud to be a successful, purpose-driven organisation that is on an exciting journey to achieve an annual turnover of £100m by 2025. Commercial are business transformation specialists. We transform business impacts and experiences by applying original thinking to everyday practices. We specialise in Managed IT, Smart Technologies, Managed Print Services, Technology, Interiors, Office Supplies, and PPE, Facilities and Workwear. We invest in our people so they are experts in their field, excel within their environment and continue on a journey of growth and development, personalised to them. We are #commercialbynature. Benefits We commit to ensuring all our employees feel truly valued and appreciated for the work that they do, every day. As a member of the Commercial team, you will receive the following: A base salary of up to £32,000 per annum A generous holiday allowance of 25 days plus bank holidays, which increases with length of service An enhanced family leave package to support you and your growing family Life Insurance that offers a payment equivalent to four times your annual salary Access to confidential support through our Employee Assistance programme and wellbeing support including a 24-hour GP service and physiotherapy Free and expert mortgage and remortgaging advice for all members of the team, friends and families from leading broker Charles Cameron & Associates Other benefits such as charity volunteering opportunities, pension, cycle to work scheme, flexible working structure and more Training and Development We are committed to offering training and development opportunities for career growth, 86% of our Senior Managers and 80% of our Directors have been promoted within. This role could be a great starting point for someone who is looking to progress their career within an ambitious and growing company. Diversity & Inclusion Together, we are committed to attracting, including, inspiring, and developing our teams no matter their background, belief or way of life. We embrace everyone’s unique perspectives and create a genuine belonging for all. Our employees are who we are and create the brand we are today; we make better decisions and create a consumer-focused environment. At Commercial, we look to hire the very best people for our roles. We welcome all applicants regardless of your race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. Even if you don’t feel you completely fulfil all the requirements for this vacancy, we still encourage you to apply. It is our commitment to provide equal opportunities for all. Please visit our website for further information about us and to view our job applicant privacy notice: https://commercial.bamboohr.com/careers/98

Due to an internal promotion within our Managed IT Division, we currently have a vacancy for an experienced IT Network Manager to join one of our Managed Service clients; a leading independent school based in Somerset. Your responsibilities as a Network Manager will be: The day-to-day provision of support and management of the school’s ICT resources ensuring that there is adequate provision to meet the needs of the staff and students Be responsible for the management and support of the client’s core infrastructure, services and data within defined SLA’s to ensure a continuity of service to all users including fault diagnosis, and resolution Prioritise workloads to maintain service levels and service KPI’s within a structured service framework Manage an onsite IT Technician including coaching, mentoring, development, and all necessary HR processes and procedures (1-to-1’s, annual appraisals etc) Drive the strategic planning of the IT provision in the school Work with the school management in the preparation and management of IT budgets Demonstrate exceptional customer service skills at all times. About you You will demonstrate proven experience of leading and developing IT support services demonstrating exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills This role requires line management of an on-site IT team; therefore, management\supervisory experience would be beneficial. Experience of ITIL based service management and/or development of IT services within the educational sector would be advantageous Attention to detail with a methodical and professional approach to service delivery including appropriate due diligence, planning, documentation and engagement with service management, offsite support staff and third parties. Experience of working within an education environment would be beneifical Certified with Office 365, Azure or Microsoft MCSA/MCSE would be desirable Involvement within customer facing hands-on support, maintenance and installation, ideally with exposure to the technologies listed below would be beneficial: Knowledge of virtualisation solutions, preferably VMware SAN Technologies (preferably HP Nimble) Excellent knowledge and understanding of Windows 10/11 and Windows Server 2016,2019 and 2022 Exchange, Office 365, Azure, Intune and Autopilot knowledge Server hardware (preferably HP) Active Directory, Group Policy and Domain Services Strong understanding of networking technologies including TCP/IP, VLAN, switching, routing and firewall configuration, VPNs and WAN environments Corporate networking systems (wired and wireless) Virtual server backup technologies such as Veeam Educational MIS systems (SIMS, Schoolbase, iSams etc.) Audio & Visual equipment, interactive screens, whiteboards and projectors About us We are proud to be a successful, purpose-driven organisation that is on an exciting journey to achieve an annual turnover of £100m by 2025. We are a Business Services Group made up eight divisions; Office Supplies, Managed IT, Managed Print Services, Smart Technologies, Technology, Interiors, Commercial Foundation and PPE, Facilities and Workwear. We invest in our people so they are experts in their field, excel within their environment and continue on a journey of growth and development, personalised to them. We are #commercialbynature. Benefits We commit to ensuring all of our employees feel truly valued and appreciated for the work that they do, every day. As a member of the Commercial tribe, you will receive the following: A basic salary of up to £41,000 per annum A generous holiday allowance of 25 days plus bank holidays, which increases with length of service Life Insurance that offers a payment equivalent to four times your annual salary Access to confidential support through our Employee Assistance programme and wellbeing support including a 24-hour GP service and physiotherapy Other benefits such as charity volunteering opportunities, pension, cycle to work scheme, flexible working structure and more Diversity & Inclusion Together, we are committed to attracting, including, inspiring and developing our teams no matter their background, belief or way of life. We embrace everyone’s unique perspectives and create a genuine belonging for all. Our employees are who we are and create the brand we are today; we make better decisions and create a consumer-focused environment. We welcome all applicants regardless of your race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. Please visit our website for further information about us and to view our job applicant privacy notice. To apply please visit: https://www.reed.co.uk or https://careers.commercial.co.uk

Oh I completely agree...but, how do you tell a flat earther that the world is round?

Morning all, Are there any French network admins who could help me with some information? I have received the following email from our headmaster: I am concerned about wi-fi transmission and EMF emissions across our site. A number of countries have banned/ dramatically reduced the use of wi-fi in primary settings for health reasons. I’d like to look at this issue more closely. https://www.emfhome.com/news/wifi-health-school What I would like to know is... have all French schools removed AP's, or have they just banned students from sing Wi-Fi? What is the reality of the ban? Any information would be gratefully received

Does anybody happen to know where I can get the latest Office 2019 UE-V templates? Or know of a template which enables me to roam recent documents?

As the title says, I have been asked to look at some school bus tracking systems and while there are solutions out there I was interested to see if anybody is actively using such a system and whether they are any good?

Leweston School - Situations Vacant IT Network Manager - Red Berry Recruitment

In frustration I phoned sales, partners and accounts department which all went dead. I finally managed to get through to a lady in Marketing who confirmed that the office hadn't burnt down and proceeded to try to transfer me to the support department however.... she was unable to get through.

Is anybody else fed up with listening to Smoothwalls hold music? "Your call is important to us so please listen to this repetitive rubbish for 30 minutes before we dump your call in our mailbox" Come on guys, years ago you promised that you were invested in improving your customer support (and to be fair it did improve briefly) but it seems to be worse than ever. Whats going on?

Smoothwall has the biggest chunk of the market with Lightspeed coming in a close second. I have never used Lightspeed but I'm sure the differences cannot be that drastic. Best thing to do is head to BETT and gleen as much information as possible from the sales spiel. Don't forget, its not just the product but the support too. Smoothwall has a chequered past when it comes to support and it hasn't improved. Best of luck

Nursery, Primary, Secondary and 6th Form boarding School. Me (IT Manager) and one technician, all in house.

We have created webpages to display on our digital signage as it gives us a lot more freedom. We have separate pages/slides for Twitter, Instagram, Google calendar (events), This day in history, Christmas/Easter countdown etc all split up by pictures of the school and videos from the last school production.