Network engineering is the invisible backbone of the modern world, managing systems that connect billions of devices
Network engineering is a career where you get to build the invisible highways that keep the world connected. It’s fast‑paced, deeply technical, and full of moments where your problem‑solving skills make entire systems spring back to life.
The internet is controlled by around 75 million servers, forming the distributed systems that network engineers help manage.
Over 95% of the world’s internet traffic travels through a vast network of undersea fibre‑optic cables—more than 550,000 miles long—designed and supported by network engineers.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are the perfect way to get real-world experience and show employers that you can hit the ground running. With an apprenticeship, you combine on-the-job training with classroom learning to help you get ahead in your career.
As a result, you’ll gain practical experience with nationally recognised qualification and get paid to do it!
Earn while you learn
Apprenticeships allow you to learn valuable skills and gain critical work experience while earning a wage. Apprenticeships are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.
Supercharge your Learning
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job and off-the-job training. As a full-time apprentice, an average of 6 hours a week are dedicated to off-the-job learning. The combination ensures you have the knowledge and practical skills to excel in your chosen career.
Gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications
At the end of your training, you’ll have gained nationally recognised qualifications. Our team will be by your side throughout the journey, helping you overcome any barriers to success.
Secure your Career Prospects
Many employers often retain the vast majority of apprentices who have completed their training. In addition, many of these employees gain new responsibilities, promotions and pay increases.
How does The Apprenticeship work?
Please read the following to fully understand how the Apprenticeship works and the requirements to be eligible.
How long is this apprenticeship?
The Network Engineering Apprenticeship is between 12-15 months.
Who is the Awarding Body?
The Awarding Body of this Apprenticeship is City & Guilds, a highly prestigious Awarding Body, responsible for awarding over 95% of Apprenticeships in the UK.
What will I learn during this apprenticeship?
You will learn:
- Fundamentals of Networking – Learn about the basic and advanced principles and concepts of networking (e.g. LAN’s, WAN’s, MAN, WLAN, and VLAN’s).
- What are the regulations and laws surrounding networking- Understanding how to manage networks safely and lawfully.
- How to use network tools and techniques to interact with network equipment:
Cisco Packet Tracer – hands-on network simulations.
IP Scanners – how to scan network IP’s for troubleshooting and adopting devices.
Cable Testing – how to use cable testers for troubleshooting data transmission issues.
Command-Line Interface (CLI) – hands-on experience with CLI commands to configure, troubleshooting and manage network devices.
Software Defined Networks (SDN) – how to manage multiple network devices across multiple sites. - Configurations- Learn how to configure network devices in real lab simulations.
- Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN’s) – Learn how to adopt, configure and manage WLAN devices.
- Final Project – Complete a final project showcasing your Network Engineering expertise.
- Demonstrate over 450 hours of real-life applications and experience.
What are the Entry Requirements?
To be accepted onto the Network Engineering Apprenticeship, you must:
- Age: be 16 years old or over.
- Residency: Live in England and have the right to work in the UK.
- Education Status: Not be in full-time education.
- Employment: Be employed in a contract that allows for training.
If you fulfil all these requirements, you are fully eligible to enrol onto the Apprenticeship.
What qualification do I receive?
You will receive a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Network Engineering qualification, a lifetime qualification.
What do I need to do to complete the Apprenticeship?
To fulfil all the criteria for the Apprenticeship, you will need to complete:
- Summative Portfolio – a document showing your Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s) that meet the standards of the qualification.
- Final Project – a document showing demonstration of the standards in a final project of your choice.
- 450 hours of On-the-Job (OTJ) training – to be completed with your employer.
- End-Point Assessment (EPA) – where you present your final project to an examiner.
Will I receive support?
Yes, you will be supported by:
- Your Training Provider – you will check-in on you regularly.
- Your Tutor – who you must attend 1-to-1 meetings with regularly.
- Your Employer – who is required to allow you time to complete your apprenticeship.
What jobs can I expect to get after this Apprenticeship?
Network Engineering is a strong career choice, the demand is closely related to Cybersecurity, Data Centre Engineering, and Cloud Engineering:
- Network Administrator – An IT & Networking professional that deals managing, configuring and troubleshooting network issues.
- Network Engineer – An IT & Networking professional that installs, configures, troubleshoots, tests, optimises and manages complex network systems.
- Cybersecurity Engineer – With further training, the graduate can expect to enter roles that protect network systems from cyber attacks.
Begin Your Journey with Confidence
Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Book a free consultation and let our team guide you toward the right path for your future career.