IT Support Apprentice Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a IT Support Apprentice job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our IT Support Apprentice question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at apprentice/entry level.

Eight IT Support Apprentice interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Can you name the main components inside a computer and explain what each one does?

Why they ask: Tests the foundational hardware knowledge expected at the start of an IT support apprenticeship.

2. What is an operating system, and what are the main differences between Windows, macOS, Linux and Android?

Why they ask: Checks core software understanding and awareness of different platforms.

3. What is the difference between a router, a switch and a Wi-Fi access point, and what is an IP address?

Why they ask: Tests basic networking understanding, which underpins most support tasks.

4. How would you approach fixing a problem that you have never seen before?

Why they ask: Looks for a structured and humble approach to troubleshooting, a key apprentice skill.

5. What makes a strong password, what is multi-factor authentication, and how can you recognise a phishing email?

Why they ask: Checks basic cyber security awareness, which every IT support apprentice must model for users.

6. A colleague phones saying they are locked out of their account and asks you to reset the password right away, but you cannot confirm who they are. What would you do?

Why they ask: Tests security awareness and willingness to follow procedure under pressure.

7. Tell me about a time you fixed a computer or technology problem for someone, even if it was a friend or family member.

Why they ask: Looks for genuine interest and practical aptitude from outside formal work experience.

8. Why have you chosen an IT support apprenticeship rather than going to university, and what do you hope to achieve?

Why they ask: Checks that the candidate understands and values the apprenticeship route.

A sample answer to question 1

Can you name the main components inside a computer and explain what each one does?

The processor, or CPU, is the brain of the computer, carrying out instructions. The RAM is short-term memory, holding programs and data that are in use, so more RAM generally means smoother multitasking, but everything in it is lost when power goes off. Storage, either a hard disk drive or a faster solid-state drive, keeps the operating system, programs and files permanently. The motherboard connects everything together. The power supply converts mains electricity into the lower voltages that the components need. The graphics card, or integrated graphics, handles what appears on the screen, and the cooling system, such as fans and heat sinks, stops parts overheating. In a laptop, there is also a battery and a wireless card. I have taken apart and rebuilt an old desktop at home, which helped me understand how a fault in one part, for example failing RAM or a dead power supply, shows up in different symptoms. I always disconnect power before opening a machine.

Common mistake to avoid: Mixing up RAM and storage; reciting parts with no explanation of function

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the IT Support Apprentice interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.