Network Engineer

⚡ Includes 2 x Free BCS AI & Data Awards

🎓 Level 4
⌛ 15 months + Assessment
💻 Live Virtual Learning (approx 2 hours training per week)
📊 Off The Job Training (approx 5 hours per week)
🏷️ £Free – £19,000 – Check Funding

Introduction

Network Engineers play a key role in most organisations which are increasingly dependent on their digital networks. They design and maintain network systems to meet an organisation’s goals, ensuring optimal operation. They interpret technical data and align solutions with organisational needs and legal standards. 

Handling both hardware and software, Network Engineers troubleshoot and resolve network failures promptly, minimising downtime. They communicate issues, ensuring swift service restoration and operational continuity. 

Our apprenticeship is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to ensure a reliable network infrastructure, address problems, and support organisational performance.

Who can do this apprenticeship?

This apprenticeship is designed for individuals interested in or working in a communication network support role.  

Apprenticeship candidates are likely to be working as: 

  • Desk / field-based engineer 
  • Dynamic network engineer 
  • Infrastructure Engineer 
  • Network Administrator / Engineer / Architect 
  • Systems Engineer 

Candidates will need to… 

  • Be employed in or being hired into a job role with infrastructure and communication network responsibilities 
  • Be working on real-world network projects to showcase their knowledge and skills 
  • Have support from their employer to dedicate approximately 8 hours a week to training 

🟢 Live online learning

Our interactive live, online training model is designed to create a flexible learning environment without losing any of the benefits of in-person teaching. An apprenticeship with LearnTech typically looks like… 

  • Live weekly online sessions – 2 hours per week
  • Off-the-job training (OTJT) - Weekly hours are programme specific (see top of page)
  • Immersive learning experience through Microsoft Teams Classroom 
  • Maximum classroom size of 12 ensures a highly effective trainer to student ratio 
  • Monthly 1 to 1 mentor meetings
  • Maths and English - if required

▶️ Discover more with our 5 minute Typical Week in Training video.

✅ Core content

  • Understand the use of Service Level Agreements 
  • Diagram network topologies 
  • Examine network protocols, vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques 
  • Plan / demonstrate networks diagnostics 
  • Troubleshoot using the OSI and TCP/IP models  
  • Ensure compliance with business legislation 
  • Apply network services in line with security protocols 
  • Select correct troubleshooting methods to problem solve 
  • Optimise a network based on data analytics 

For more information you can visit Skills England and browse the full Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship Standard.

🖥️ Tools and Technologies

The following systems, tools and software are required for apprentices to effectively participate in and complete their apprenticeship…

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
  • Microsoft Teams
  • OneFile e-portfolio (web-based) 
  • Web browser (for Mac users Chrome is recommended)  
  • Questionmark – for remote proctored examinations with BCS 
  • Practice Labs
  • Latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer (available to download via NetAcad accounts once created)
  • Wireshark
  • Hyper-V Manager (should be enabled to allow the creation of virtual machines, in line with minimum system requirements). Alternatively, VirtualBox may be used; however, all labs are delivered using Hyper-V.

The following tools and applications are recommended to support learners throughout their apprenticeship…

  • Sysinternals Suite
  • Microsoft Message Analyzer
  • PowerShell ISE
  • Python 3

⚡ Included BCS Data and AI Awards (free of charge)

The following BCS AI & Data Awards are now included with this apprenticeship:

Each award comprises of between 30 – 50 hours additional learning, of which 8 hours (4 x 2-hour sessions) are live online with a trainer. Mock exams, feedback and the BCS final exams are also included.

Neil Brighton

Head of Department Infrastructure,
Cyber and Networking

Neil is a Head of Department and a technical trainer at LearnTech, responsible for the development of infrastructure apprenticeships. Since starting a career in education in 2002, Neil has been dedicated to sharing his expertise in computing, teaching a wide range of subjects from ECDL and Level 3 qualifications to Postgraduate Degrees. 

Before joining LearnTech, Neil managed the Digital and Computing Department at his local college and university centre, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to student success. His interests lie in Cyber Security and Networking, plus he enjoys specialising in PC builds and installs. 

Neil’s blend of technical knowledge and hands-on teaching experience ensures his students gain both the theoretical understanding and practical skills they need to thrive in today’s IT industry. 

View Course Brochure

View Course Infographic

Key information all on one page…

Apprenticeship Timeline

The modules shown in the timeline below will be covered by all apprentices on this programme.

Use the arrows on each side below to navigate.

Initial Steps
Enquiry to Enrolment

📅 Typically 4 – 8 weeks

What happens:

The employer, apprentice and LearnTech design the bespoke apprenticeship training plan, and complete the required paperwork.

Training Module
Introduction to Networking

📅 15 weeks

Module focus:

An introduction to how networks operate, architectures, models, protocols and networking elements.

Training Module
Switching, Routing & Wireless Essentials

📅 18 weeks

Module focus:

Switching technologies, router operations, WLANs and security for small / medium business networks.

Training Module
Enterprise Networks, Security & Automation

📅 17 weeks

Module focus:

Architectures and considerations for designing, securing, operating and troubleshooting networks.

Training Module
Further Routing Protocols

📅 8 weeks

Module focus:

Advanced routing technologies and router operations that support small / medium business networks.

Training Module
PPDIOO (Network Documentation)

📅 8 weeks

Module focus:

Labs with basic requirements to complete real life scenarios, using knowledge from earlier modules.

Training Module
Gateway & Assessment Prep

📅 3 weeks

Module focus:

Gateway is the evaluation period between completing training and final preparations for assessment.

Assessment
Apprenticeship Assessment

📅 Up to 3 months

What happens:

The apprentice demonstrates their knowledge and skills against the apprenticeship criteria, through various methods, to gain their qualification.

Onward Journey
Alumni & Continued Development

📅 After successful completion

What happens:

We’re keen to offer your apprentice support to develop further & opportunities to share their skills.

Why employers choose LearnTech…

A banner illustrates four points: "Full access to our trainers if you want to talk tech" with a computer icon, "No salespeople" with a crossed-out figure, "Employer-designed delivery model" with a network icon, and "Science-backed training" with a brain icon.

Ready to find out more?

Contact us to book a no obligation Information Session…

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Employer Contact Form

 

Tech apprenticeships offer a great way for your business to develop skilled employees tailored to your organisation’s needs. We’re here to support you in all aspects of your tech and data apprenticeship needs.

If you’re ready for a no obligation Employer Information Session via Teams, or would just like more details at this stage, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch!

Potential Apprentice (Employed) Contact Form

 

If you're currently employed in a role that offers experience related to the apprenticeship you’re interested in, please fill in the contact form below and we'll be in touch soon!

An apprenticeship is a job with training leading to a qualification. So, if you’re NOT currently employed in a suitable role, here are the three main ways to start an apprenticeship...

1 - Apply for an apprenticeship vacancy. Visit our Apprenticeship Vacancies Page to view our current opportunities. You can also explore all available apprenticeship vacancies in England using the government website findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk, where you can filter by your interests and location, plus save your searches and get email alerts for new vacancies.

2 - Talk to your current employer. If you're interested in an apprenticeship as part of your career development, speak with your employer. Following this, you can contact us to book an information session to find out more about the programmes you’re interested in.

3 – Approach another employer. Consider approaching a potential employer with a proposal to join their team as an apprentice. Many have succeeded with this approach, showing their enthusiasm for work and learning.

For more information about becoming an apprentice, explore our Apprentice Guide.

We wish you the best of luck in your future career 🙂

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