Network Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship

Course overview

 Want a successful career in IT? If so, look no further than our Network Engineer Apprenticeship.

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.

This apprenticeship also concentrates on network design, advanced connectivity and advanced security and is perfect for those fresh out of an IT education or already employed in the tech sector looking to take the next step in their careers.

For further information regarding this apprenticeship standard please click here.

Course content

As a Network Engineer we will help you focus and train you for a highly successful career in IT. The Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship introduces more advanced technical skills, developing knowledge to a higher level and covers an array of technical and academic competencies. Our face-to-face training workshops and online learning develops the core set of skills you must be able to do well to be competent in your role.

You will therefore need to understand and apply the principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies (specifically this includes the latest published versions of OSI layer model, IP, TCP/IP, routing and switching, WANs, LANs) as well as:

• Understand and apply the applied maths required to be a network engineer (e.g. algorithms, data, binary, probability and statistics).
• Understand the causes and consequences of system failure including load balance and storage protocols and responds appropriately.
• Understand the architecture of a typical business IT system, including hardware, OS, server, virtualisation, middleware and applications.
• Understand and responds to security threats, firewalls and vulnerabilities.

Technical knowledge and understanding underpinning this apprenticeship includes:

• Designing simple networks from a well-defined specification and apply appropriate security products and processes.
• Installing and configure network components, including switches, routers and firewalls.
• Optimising the performance of network systems and services.
• Monitoring, test and adjust network systems and performance to meet accepted standards using diagnostic tools, analysers and other equipment.
• Apply diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the causes of network performance issues.
• Apply structured approaches to troubleshooting network issues and repair faults in hardware, software products and the network.

You will also be required to undertake system upgrades to network hardware, software and operating systems, and:

• Integrating network related software into an existing network environment.
• Interpreting written requirements and technical specifications for network activities and maintaining accurate records of network maintenance activities.
• Log and respond to network service calls and provide technical network support to end users as required.
• Document work done in accordance with agreed procedures and operate within the parameters of service level agreements, standards and/or agreed response times.
• Show evidence of operating effectively in the business environment and responding to business issues related to network engineering.