Network Engineer

Network Engineer

You’ll help design, install, maintain, and support communication networks within or between organisations on a network engineer apprenticeship course.

A network engineer creates, instals, maintains and supports communication networks inside or between organisations. In this role, you will provide networks and systems to assist different organisations in achieving their objectives.

You’ll verify that systems are running at maximum efficiency and resolve any problems. To do so effectively, you must learn to assess technical knowledge and understand organisational requirements and expectations.

You will help provide solutions to network and infrastructure difficulties while working with both hardware and software concerns.

You’ll play an essential part in restoring network integrity and performance when anything goes wrong. You’ll report network integrity or performance problems as soon as possible to ensure service is restored and downtime minimised.

Network engineers collaborate with technical and non-technical customers to build computer networks, manage them, and provide technical support to users.

What you’ll learn

On a network engineer apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

  • Use the tools and techniques for operating and testing networks securely.
  • Install and configure the components required to run and manage a secure network.
  • Provide methods for monitoring and documenting system performance based on given criteria
  • Use the tools and techniques to identify system performance issues.
  • Use the tools and techniques to gather information to troubleshoot issues and detect, correct, or escalate mistakes.
  • Upgrade, apply, and test system configuration components to verify that the system meets the organisation’s requirements while minimising downtime. Backup plans should be provided.
  • Record work information in line with organisational norms, whether face-to-face, remote, or in writing.
  • Monitor, identify and implement necessary maintenance procedures.
  • Arrange and rank requests from customers or stakeholders in line with SLAs and organisational processes
  • Engage with a wide range of stakeholders while maintaining the organisation’s cultural awareness and technical ability
  • Use the appropriate level of responsibility while planning and prioritising work tasks.
  • Meet the stated criteria, and utilise the appropriate numerical abilities (Binary, dotted decimal notation).

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • Depending on the employer, but likely A-levels or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience for a higher apprenticeship.
  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises two distinct assessment methods: 

  •  Simulated assessment and questioning
  • Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

  • Duration: 30 months
  • Level: 4 – Higher Apprenticeship
  • Relevant school subjects: Engineering, ICT and science
  • Potential salary upon completion: £35,000 per annum

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.

Updated on January 22, 2024

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