Network Engineer

Course Duration: 27 months (24 months training + 3 months End Point Assessment)

Course Level: Level 4

Accredited By: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

Programme Type: Skills (Apprenticeship)

Audience: The Network Engineer apprenticeship suits individuals with some IT experience, often progressing from a support or technician role, who want to specialise in network infrastructure. Employers set their own selection criteria, which typically include five GCSEs, A levels, a Level 3 apprenticeship or relevant experience. We will assess prior learning and experience before enrolment to confirm this is the right apprenticeship.

Course Overview: Network Engineers design, install and maintain the networks that organisations depend on, making sure they are secure, reliable and performing at their best. This apprenticeship builds advanced technical skills in network configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting and cloud technologies, preparing apprentices to minimise disruption and keep businesses connected.

Benefits for Employers:

• A skilled engineer protecting your network performance
• Reduced disruption through faster diagnosis and fixes
• Stronger network security and compliance
• A cost-effective alternative to recruiting experienced engineers

Benefits for Learners:

• Gain a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification
• Develop advanced networking and cloud skills
• Build hands-on experience of live network environments
• Open a clear pathway into a high-demand career

Delivery Arrangements: Apprentices receive monthly visits from a dedicated tutor, delivered remotely or in the workplace, alongside an online portfolio that lets apprentices, tutors and managers track progress in one place. A workplace mentor provides on-the-job support, and masterclasses help apprentices deepen their knowledge and connect with peers. This apprenticeship includes a minimum of 418 hours of off-the-job training, agreed with the employer at the start. Once all training is complete, apprentices move through Gateway into their End Point Assessment.

Course Breakdown: 

As an apprentice, you will work towards:

• The Level 4 Network Engineer apprenticeship standard
• Functional Skills in English and maths, where required
• Level 4 knowledge modules in Network Principles, Network Systems and Architecture, and Network Security
• End Point Assessment, completed after Gateway

Key Skills: 

During the apprenticeship, you will develop your ability to install, configure and optimise networks, your monitoring and troubleshooting skills, and your understanding of network security. You will also strengthen your:

• Network design and performance analysis
• Cloud and virtualisation technologies
• Incident management and problem resolution
• Communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Method of Assessment: Throughout the apprenticeship, apprentices build a portfolio of evidence. The End Point Assessment includes:

• Simulated Assessment & Questioning
• Professional Discussion underpinned by Portfolio

Progression Route: On completion, apprentices are well placed to progress into Senior Network Engineer, Network Architect or Infrastructure Manager roles.

Typical Job Roles:

• Network Engineer
• Network Technician
• Infrastructure Engineer

Professional Recognition: On completion, apprentices are eligible to apply for RITTech (Registered IT Technician) professional recognition with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Cost: For levy-paying employers, the maximum funding band for this apprenticeship is £19,000. Non-levy employers contribute 5% (£950), with the government funding the remaining 95%. Apprentices aged 16 to 21 are fully funded for non-levy employers.

Category: Digital & IT