Network Engineer Apprenticeship

Overview

This apprenticeship will provide the skills 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.

Am I ready to start?

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include: A levels; a level 3 apprenticeship or other relevant qualifications; relevant experience and/or an aptitude test with a focus on functional maths.

How does an Apprenticeship Work?

Harlow College is conveniently based in the centre of Harlow.

The Apprentice will benefit from:

• The highest quality of teaching by qualified, experienced industry experts
• Modern well equipped classrooms.
• Classroom based study which further develops apprentice’s team working ability, confidence and communication skills.
• Maths and English teaching essential to underpin and support workplace knowledge
• Learning at your premises by agreement
• Preparation for end point assessment

As part of our employer service you will benefit from:

• a named advisor supporting and advising you through the training process to successful completion
• progress reports
• regular, clear and concise communications
• our employer forum

What does the course involve?

Technical competencies

• Design simple networks from a well-defined specification and apply appropriate security products and processes
• Install and configure network components, including switches, routers and firewalls
• Optimise the performance of network systems and services
• Monitor, test and adjust network systems and performance to meet accepted standards using diagnostic tools, analysers and other equipment
• Apply diagnostic tools and t echniques 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 •
• Undertake system upgrades to network hardware, software and operating systems
• Integrate network related software into an existing network environment
• Interpret written requirements and technical specifications for network activities and maintain 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
• Operate within the parameters of service level agreements, standards a nd/or agreed response times
• Operate effectively in the business environment and responds to business issues related to network engineering

How and when will I study?

Our Network Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship combines online learning, classroom training and on-the-job experience to develop real world skills using innovative technology.

What’s included?

On successful completion of the programme, you will gain minimum one of the following qualifications:

• Cisco CCENT
• Network+
• MCP Server 2012
• Security+

Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?

Possible careers include:

• Network Technician
• Systems Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Network Support
• Network Engineer

The average salary of an entry level network engineer is £19,000. With experience, you can expect to earn around £35,000 to £55,000+. Senior network engineers can earn £50,000 to £100,000+ a year.