Network Engineer
Course details
Level
Level 4
Duration
15 months
One-to-one support
Every 4 weeks
You will achieve
Level 4 Network Engineer
BCS
Common job roles
- Network Technician
- Network Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Network Administrator
Roles you may progress into
- Senior Network Technician
- Network Controller
- IT Manager
- Network Engineer Contractor
- Network Security Contractor
Delivery of programme
Phase one
Induction
Before your induction we’ll take you and your employer through the apprenticeship standard and discuss your job role. You’ll also begin your personalised Vocational Scorecard, which assesses your current skill level so that we can develop an individual learning plan tailored to your needs.
Induction
Your induction will take place within the first two weeks of starting your employment. You’ll be taken through the dedicated support available to you throughout your learning journey and will be introduced to our Virtual Learning Environment and online portfolio platform.
Functional skills
We use BKSB tests to determine your current level of knowledge in English and/or Maths. If you require Functional Skills training you’ll undertake 3 remote sessions and workshops before sitting an exam.
Phase two
Modules
What you will learn
- Introduction to PC hardware
- PC Assembly
- Advanced computer hardware
- Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
- Networking concepts
- Applied networking
- Laptops and other mobile devices
- Printers
- Virtualisation and Cloud
- Windows installation
- Windows configuration
- Mobile, Linux, and OS X Operating systems
- Security
- The IT Professional
What you will learn
- Describe the role performed by a network of computers and shared devices
- Describe concepts of physical and logical networks and state their main features and the advantages and disadvantages of each
- Explain the typical infrastructure components of physical networks
- Understand network protocol suites and conceptual models
- Explore the fundamentals of network conceptual models
- Compare and contrast the layers and the functionality of the OSI and TCP/IP models and associated devices
- Understand the concepts of IP addressing and routing and IP addressing schemes, Routing concepts and protocols
- Describe the differences between a class based (IPv4) and Classless
- Inter Domain Routing scheme (CIDR)
- Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages offered by static and dynamic for a Local Area Network
Exam:
- CompTIA Network+
What you will learn
- Develop a knowledge of the hardware and software components that form a Server
- Install and configure a Server (or configure partition(s) within a server) and test connection to an existing network
- Explain how to configure the elements required to enable a Server to perform a specified role
- Describe the concept of virtualisation and VMs
- Install and configure one or more virtual machines and manage resource allocation using a Hyper-Visor
- Explain the roles and services provided by servers
- Describe how to configure a range of network services and test their operation
- Explain middleware and application services in a networking context through examples and case studies
- Describe the purpose, benefits and drawbacks of server workload balancing
- Describe a range of different storage solutions used in networks for online and offline storage
- Understand key storage protocols used for network attached storage
- Describe how to configure network storage devices and profile file
Exam:
- BCS
What you will learn
- Explain terminology for key IT security concepts
- Describe current vulnerabilities and threats associated with IT security
- Explain risk management methods and risk calculation tools
- Explain and know when to use IT security countermeasures and controls
- Understand how to configure Network Security
- Understand how to configure a network server to enhance security of the server, applications and data
- Describes elements of network security that can be configured on a server to enhance security
- Understand a range of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities and threats to a network server
- Understand the concepts of appropriate incident response for Information security incidents and identify different instances and escalate in an appropriate way
One-to-one support
Your Technical Trainer and Progress Management Co-ordinator (PMC) will be on-hand to support you throughout your apprenticeship. Your PMC will contact you every 4 weeks to discuss your progress made to date and your Technical Trainer will work with you to set and support you with your projects. Once your training is complete, a dedicated EPA facilitator will help get you prepared for End Point Assessment.
Your portfolio
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will contribute evidence towards your online e-portfolio. We use e-portfolios as they are accessible from anywhere, and enable you to track your progress throughout your apprenticeship. You’ll have access to your personal dashboard to monitor your progress and identify any gaps in your portfolio of evidence.
Off-the-job training
Off-the-job (OTJ) training is comprised of, but not limited to activities such as: training with Estio, shadowing, journal entries and projects for e-portfolio. Completed within working hours as agreed with the employer but average at 6 hours per week (20% of your time on your apprenticeship). You can track your OTJ progress on your e-portfolio.
Phase three
Assessment Gateway, preparation & administration week
The Gateway week is used to finetune your skills and offer a simulated Synoptic Project for systems familiarisation, and to ensure that your Summative Portfolio and Employer Reference are completed before entering into EPA.
Phase four
End Point Assessment
You will be assessed by an End Point Assessment Organisation, chosen by your employer. This independent assessor will feedback the results (Pass, Merit or Distinction) and the ESFA will provide your certificate.
Where can this apprenticeship take me?
The Network Engineer apprenticeship will give you the skills and experience needed to work in roles including Network Technician, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, and Network Administrator.
After achieving a recommended minimum of 2 years experience within your role after completion (this is subject to employers) you can begin a Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional apprenticeship.
Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional roles
Software Developer, Software Engineer, Software Tester, Application Specialist, Business Analyst, IT project Manager, IT Consultant, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Database Specialist, Data Analyst, Digital Media Technology Practitioner, Systems Designer.
More information can be found on the institute for apprenticeships website.
University study
Level 4 apprenticeships are the equivalent to a foundation degree. If you wish to study further whilst staying in work, some univeristies will offer the ability to learn remotely. If you wish to take a break from work, you may need to apply for a student loan whilst you study.
Current vacancies
Get in touch!
Call our team on 01133 500 333 or fill out our enquiry form below