Occupational Profile
The primary role of a network engineer is to design, install, maintain and support communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. Network engineers need to maintain high levels of operation of communication networks in order to provide maximum performance and availability for their users, such as staff, clients, customers and suppliers. They will understand network configuration, cloud, network administration and monitoring tools, and be able to give technical advice and guidance.
You will learn the skills, technical knowledge and understanding in a range of topics, including:
- Network Principles
- Network Systems and Architecture
- Network Security
This apprenticeship is recognised for entry onto the register of IT technicians, confirming SFIA (the Skills Framework for the Information Age) level 3 professional competence. Version 6 of SFIA, has been launched today at the Developing Digital Talent conference 2015 jointly hosted by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, the Tech Partnership and the SFIA Foundation. The globally relevant framework of IT skills provides employers and practitioners with support to help them fulfil their potential and gain competitive advantage. The updated version includes seven new skills including digital forensics, IT strategy and planning, penetration testing and product management, all reflecting the changing nature of the profession.
AI in Action
AI is revolutionising network engineering and as a Level 4 apprentice, you’ll learn how to harness it to build smarter, more secure networks. You’ll explore AI driven tools that automate network monitoring, predict and prevent outages, and optimise traffic flow in real time. From intelligent firewalls that adapt to threats, to AI-assisted configuration and troubleshooting, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the technologies shaping enterprise grade infrastructure. AI also supports performance analytics, anomaly detection, and even self healing networks giving you the edge in designing resilient, future-ready systems.
Duration
30 months (this does not include EPA period)
Options
Desk based engineer Dynamic network engineer Field based engineer Infrastructure engineer Network administrator Network architect Network engineer Systems engineer
Delivery
The delivery will be done mainly at the workplace, with the off-the-job training accounting for at least 6 hours a week. The assessor will regularly visit you at work to observe you performing relevant tasks and to carry out professional discussions. You will receive a login to an online portfolio.
You will complete Level 4 Network Engineer prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Upon completion you can progress onto an advanced or higher apprenticeship at level 3, 4 or 5.
End Point Assessment
The end-point assessment (EPA) for Network Engineer contains 2 methods of assessment which will be graded as Fail, Pass or Distinction:
- Stimulation Assessment and Questioning
- Professional Discussion Underpinned by Portfolio
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths, aged 16-18, will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
Under new rules, apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to achieve a Level 2 functional skills qualification in English and Maths to complete their apprenticeship. Although, the decision will be at the employers discretion, and apprentices are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their employer or training provider.
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum.
You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 21
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
Paying employer National Insurance contributions
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice, if the apprentice is:
- under 25 years old
- on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework (these can differ depending on country)
- earns less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year)
The apprentice, as an employee, will continue to pay Class 1 insurance contributions through their salary, this will only benefit the employer.
Read HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.