Network Engineer

What are the benefits of a Network Engineer apprenticeship?

Firebrand’s digital apprenticeships deliver new skills while supporting both the individual and their employer. Benefit from award-winning training supported by on-going guidance along the way with digital apprenticeships that create valuable, long-lasting employees.

Benefits to employers

Improved retention rate - 69% of companies say digital apprenticeships improve retention*. Apprentices are completely engaged by employers, knowing they’re highly valued employees. Employees find themselves in a marketplace where their hard-won digital skills are highly valuable and in demand.

Always learning - 73% of digital apprentices expect to undertake further study within two to three years*. With increasing digital transformation, apprentices continue to master new technologies and processes. Having digital workers that are focused on developing their skills will better position businesses around new technologies, like updated cloud platforms.

Tailor your training - Get business-specific skills alongside apprenticeship requirements. The flexibility of Firebrand’s delivery allows employers to select training options that align most closely with the existing technology stack to work on current projects. Where applicable, employers can embed specific vendor products, like Microsoft, into apprenticeships to deliver a greater depth of learning.

Happier employees - Apprentices feel valued with their new digital skills. 78% of digital apprentices reported improved job satisfaction, job security and career prospects*.This satisfaction increases productivity and happiness in the workplace, benefitting employers by increasing employee engagement.

Networking and peer learning - Firebrand’s residential training centre delivers award-winning public courses to industry professionals. Learning takes place alongside individuals from different organisations with varying levels of experience. Apprentices benefit from receiving a valuable insight into how their skills are applied in different contexts.

Watch the video below to see how Firebrand's digital apprenticeships help employers hire and train current and future staff:

Benefits to apprentices

Real world skills - Apprentices benefit from learning up-to-date digital skills in a time of rapid digitalisation. They develop technical knowledge and industry insight through practical learning and real life application. Become an expert in different technologies and a valuable asset to the team.

Investment in your career - Digital apprenticeships are a career investment – with Firebrand you’re committing to the highest quality IT training. This investment is the first step toward a rewarding future with an employer as they commit time and money in the learner's skills development. Digital apprentices feel so valued in their workplace that 89% of them said that they want to stay at the same employer for the next two to three years*.

Learn while at work - An apprenticeship combines a full-time job with formal learning. New and existing staff can benefit from the opportunity to learn while continuing to work, getting new skills without having to study on evenings or weekends.

Support a career change - Digital apprenticeships provide the skills to move into new IT roles, giving more control of the learner's digital career path. Move seamlessly between roles in an organisation without experience of a particular field, or using experience of other digital roles in a related field.

Never forget again - Digital apprenticeships reinforce learning. They’re built on the principle of learning and immediately using skills that will help apprentices do their job better. Quality programmes incorporate structured training and project activity to apply and demonstrate new skills. 90% of regular learning is forgotten within 3 to 6 days, unless it’s regularly reinforced. Firebrand’s training style helps gain skills more quickly, retaining and using them more effectively.

Watch the video below to find out how digital apprenticeships with Firebrand can kickstart careers:

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Network Engineer curriculum

Firebrand’s apprenticeship programme covers all mandatory knowledge and skills outlined in the apprenticeship standard. Every Firebrand apprentice attends a suite of market-leading training programmes, to cover knowledge required from the apprenticeship standard. This training is then fleshed out through a package of selected online learning, which also allows apprentices to explore any topics of particular interest/importance to them in greater depth.

How are apprentices taught?

Apprentices receive a range of market-leading training as part of their qualification – typically between three and five courses per apprenticeship - giving them fundamental skills at speed.

We'll deliver all the knowledge apprentices need to learn for each knowledge module in the Standard through our Lecture | Lab | Review delivery. Apprentices then attend a Syllabus Review Session to cover the knowledge content covered in the apprenticeship standard.

The information below outlines the training curriculum delivered for each Knowledge Module through Firebrand's residential classroom-based training and online learning modules.

Knowledge Module 1: Network Principles

Upon completion of this Knowledge Module, Network Engineer apprentices will:

• Understand and apply the principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies
• Understand and apply the applied maths required to be a Network Engineer

Read through the full curriculum for Firebrand's classroom-based training and supporting online learning modules below.

Knowledge Module 2: Network Systems and Architecture

Upon completion of this Knowledge Module, Network Engineer apprentices will:

• 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

Read through the full curriculum for Firebrand's classroom-based training and supporting online learning modules below.

Knowledge Module 3: Network Security

Upon completion of this Knowledge Module, Network Engineer apprentices will:

• Understand and respond to security threats, firewalls and vulnerabilities

Read through the full curriculum for Firebrand's classroom-based training and supporting online learning modules below.

Additional Courses

Choose from one of Firebrand's accelerated courses listed below to add to this apprenticeship programme. These courses are delivered when apprentices have submitted evidence to their End Point Assessment gateway.

These additional courses support apprentices in achieving a Distinction grade at End Point Assessment.

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When do Network Engineer apprentices train?

Firebrand’s apprenticeship programmes are based around a core suite of residential training programmes delivering fundamental knowledge and skills to support on-the-job activity. All training courses are held at our dedicated training centre in Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire.

Basing delivery around our public training schedule allows Firebrand to offer apprenticeship delivery on an open cohort basis. However, where an employer can provide enough apprentices to form a closed cohort (typically between 8 and 15 apprentices per cohort) we can schedule closed-cohort training at our delivery centre. We run both open- and closed-cohort training for current employers; the delivery option selected depends on business needs, in terms of both required skills and operational logistics.

Below we've listed the course dates for the training delivered at Firebrand's training centre against this programme.

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Who can enroll on a Network Engineer apprenticeship?

Apprentices don’t need lots of experience to enroll on a digital apprenticeship with Firebrand. Our digital apprenticeship programmes give individuals all the skills needed to be a digital expert in their new role.

We've provided answers to common questions from both employers and apprentices to help establish whether an individual is eligible to enroll on a programme:

Is there an upper age limit for someone that wants to go on an apprenticeship programme?

Individuals can enroll as long as they’re over 16 - there’s no upper age limit. With a desire to learn and a real interest in IT, Firebrand will teach individuals everything else they need to know to succeed.

What's the minimum educational criteria for entry onto Firebrand's apprenticeship programme?

We recommend having five GCSEs, including English and Maths, though we'll help apprentices meet the minimum criteria before the apprenticeship starts. However, there are alternatives open to apprentices if the criteria hasn’t been met.

I have someone that I want to put on an apprenticeship but they have no GCSEs in English and Maths. Can they still enroll on an apprenticeship programme?

Individuals can enroll on an apprenticeship without GCSEs. They'll need to achieve a Level 2 or above in a Functional Skills test prior to the apprenticeship. We'll arrange the delivery of the test to apprentices before they start.

My potential apprentice has an IT based degree. Are they eligible?

Individuals need to be learning new digital skills, not re-learning old ones. Firebrand’s digital programmes may not be suitable if candidates have extensive work experience or an IT-based degree in the area that is being upskilled.

My apprentice doesn't want to learn through residential training. Can we still use Firebrand as a provider?

Firebrand’s apprenticeship programmes are based around a core suite of residential training programmes delivering fundamental knowledge and skills to support on-the-job activity.

Our block-release approach allows apprentices to acquire an entire skillset in one out-of-office period, rather than gaining skills incrementally in a day-release model. Residential training allows apprentices to immerse themselves in a specific product and understand how it can be effectively applied to tasks in their workplace, making them instantly more skilled and productive on their return.

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How much does a Network Engineer apprenticeship cost?

The total cost of this apprenticeship programme is £17,000. How much you pay as an employer will depend on whether your business pays into the Apprenticeship Levy. Read below for to learn more about how apprenticeships are paid for.

Firebrand’s approach to apprenticeships and the breadth and depth of our course content means we deliver knowledge beyond the standard for every apprentice. Apprentices on our standard programmes receive exactly the same training, from the same skilled instructors, as industry professionals attending on a commercial basis; this is reinforced by more than 3000 online learning course options and support from Learning Mentors and Subject Matter Experts with senior-level industry experience. Set against the funding cap, this overall training package represents exceptional value for money.

Our standardised cost model accommodates a high degree of flexibility, allowing employers to adjust the content of their training package to include required skills or products. We'll work with employers to make sure their package is comprehensive, covering business training needs while minimising any incremental costs incurred through change requests.

Are employers or apprentices charged for the accommodation at Firebrand's residential training centre?

There's no additional charge for accommodation and food provided as part of our residential training delivery.

How does the Apprenticeship Levy work?

Where employers have an annual paybill over £3million, they'll pay 0.5% of that total paybill into the Apprenticeship Levy. Payments are made on a monthly basis, and they’ll show in the company's Apprenticeship Service account as soon as they’re made.

Through co-investment from the government, Levy-paying businesses receive an extra 10% top-up in their Apprenticeship Service accounts. This means every £1,000 will be increased to £1,100 in value. See how Levy payments work below:

If an employer's annual paybill is under £3million, the government pays for 90% of the total training costs, meaning you can access award-winning accelerated IT training at a fraction of the cost when you invest in apprenticeships. See how non-Levy payments work below:

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How are Network Engineer apprentices assessed?

An End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final step in the apprenticeship journey for employers and apprentices. The assessment allows apprentices to demonstrate that they've developed all the competencies (skills), knowledge and behaviours outlined in the Standard to prove they're able to do the job they've been training for throughout their programme.

Who delivers End Point Assessments?

EPAs are delivered by independent End Point Assessment providers. The British Computer Society (BCS) is the organisation that assesses all Firebrand apprentices - it's the Chartered Institute for IT and is the professional body for the digital industries. All successful apprentices appear on the BCS Professional Register for IT Technicians (RITTech) free of charge, and are entitled to use the RITTech letters after their name.

The EPA lets apprentices map out their digital skills by looking at examples of their best work. It’s designed to bring together all the completed work and skills they’ve learned into one portfolio. Upon completing their EPA, apprentices receive a grade for their hard work, either Pass, Merit or Distinction. The EPA is a chance for apprentices to prove to their employer, themselves and the assessor that they have certain knowledge and skills which have been officially recognised.

What’s included in the EPA?

Summative Portfolio

While working in a new role, Firebrand Learning Mentors will help apprentices collect evidence of their best work. This is called the Summative Portfolio and it’s submitted as evidence of their digital skill development. The Summative Portfolio can be written, image-based, audio or video – whatever medium helps apprentices get the point across best.

Synoptic Project

Apprentices complete a Synoptic Project as part of the EPA. ‘Synoptic’ means a general summary so it’s a learner's chance to test their new knowledge. The Synoptic Project applies new learning to problems outside a normal working environment. Apprentices spend three to five days away from work completing different skill-related projects. Firebrand Learning Mentors will then help submit the best project to the BCS as part of their overall portfolio.

Employer reference

All employers are required to write unique references for their apprentices. They should demonstrate how they've applied the knowledge, competencies and behaviours in the projects they've been given at work. Firebrand will work with employers with guidance and a template to help them complete this throughout the apprenticeship programme. It's a great opportunity for employers to detail the rewarding relationship they’ve built with the learner, which is a reflection on their time as a valuable member in the team.

Interview

All completed work is sent to the BCS, along with an employer’s reference. Apprentices then finish the EPA with an interview from an assessor at the BCS. This is a chance for apprentices to discuss all their completed projects and explain how they’ve developed the skills to meet the digital apprenticeship standard.

How do employers support?

Employers help prepare the apprentices for EPA, while also reinforcing their new digital skills. By writing a reference, employers get to detail what value-adding projects apprentices are working on and the benefits of their new professional relationship.

Engaging in regular one-to-one’s also keeps employers informed and lets apprentices provide updates on what skills they’ve learnt and how they plan to use them in their role

How does Firebrand support?

Firebrand’s Learning Mentors guide apprentices and employers along the way. The Learning Mentors make sure the learner’s EPA submission is the highest quality of work possible.

While also supporting the employee's learning, Firebrand provide various resources for employers, like a template for their employer reference. This makes the process easier and lets employers focus on writing the best reference they can.

Benefits of RITTech registration for individuals and employers

RITTech is recognised by employers and recruiters, demonstrating a higher level of skills and professionalism across digital and technology industries. With 'RITTech' after their name, it proves individuals are competent at what they do (RITTech is only awarded to people working at a SFIA Level 3 or above standard) and it shows they care enough to apply to be on this register.

RITTech status demonstrates quality and professionalism for the individual, who they work for and to their customers. Employees with RITTech have proven they care about what they do, and the people who employ them will care as well. Some organisations even use attainment of RITTech as part of their professional development measures.

Source: British Computer Society

Find out more about the End Point Assessment (EPA).

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What does a Network Engineer apprentice's journey look like?

Employers should know what’s happening at every step of the apprenticeship. That’s why Firebrand have identified how their employees learn and at which point they’ll get to apply their new digital skills.

How does Firebrand support learning?

Firebrand includes residential training, online training and plenty of work-based support from a dedicated Learning Mentor. Residential and online training is spaced throughout the programme to ensure the apprentice has time to learn and apply skills before moving onto something new.

How do I ensure my employees are always learning?

Firebrand schedules training carefully so that the learner gains skills they can use immediately at work. Residential courses happen from month 3 and are usually an average of 2 months apart. In between, there’s online learning and Learning Mentors activities (e.g. behavioural modules, Functional Skills). All apprentices complete several work-based projects for their portfolio. Learning Mentors support them with writing up each project over a 12-week period.

Help along the way

There are three main sets of people who support apprentices – Firebrand’s Learning Mentors, Course Instructors and Subject Matter Experts. All of them have different responsibilities, but the benefit of Firebrand’s model is that apprentices get really good technical expertise, plus strong guidance on how to complete their apprenticeship successfully.

Apprentices meet their Learning Mentors on the first day and discuss the full apprentice programme in depth. The Learning Mentors begin understanding the learner’s personal approach, level of knowledge and learning style.

Learning Mentors help if the learner is stuck on something. They use their industry experience to guide apprentices in the right direction, helping them solve tasks from a different perspective. While also providing support, Learning Mentors check to see if the required standards are being met when completing work-based projects.

Learning with Firebrand

Apprenticeships combine a full-time job with formal learning. Firebrand’s formal training includes between three and five specialist IT courses. These courses are decided by the employer during the on-boarding process.

When apprentices are on a Firebrand course, they’ll be in Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire at Firebrand’s all-inclusive training centre. They’ll receive accommodation, food and a free shuttle bus from the train station. They then return to work and apply what they’ve learnt, tailoring new knowledge to their organisation’s technologies.

Coming to the end

As apprentices reach the end of the apprenticeship, Firebrand’s Learning Mentors will help them get ready for the EPA.

See the End Point Assessment (EPA) section for more information.

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How do Network Engineer apprentices progress?

The pace of digital transformation means there’s always going to be new technologies and smarter processes in businesses.

Progress to the next level and learn even more new digital skills. Progression is a natural step in the IT industry and it keeps employee's skills refreshed.

Develop and reinforce technical knowledge by advancing to a higher-level apprenticeship or training on Firebrand’s public courses. Gain certifications on public courses from vendors like Microsoft, AWS and CompTIA.

Level 3

For apprentices at the end of their Level 3 apprenticeship, advancing to Level 4 is the next natural step. Learn further digital skills while in a more specific IT related role. Specialised Level 4 roles include being a Data Analyst, Cyber Security Technologist or Network Engineer.

Rather than just understanding an organisation’s technologies, learn to master them. Level 4 apprentices apply previous skills with new technical knowledge to gain greater responsibility in a digital role.

Take a look at our Level 4 apprenticeships to continue developing your IT career.

Level 4

After a Level 4 apprenticeship, apprentices can enhance certain specific skillsets and gain further product knowledge by taking Firebrand’s public courses. Public courses are the best option after successfully completing a Level 4 qualification. They align individual courses with desired IT skills.

There’s no limit to the number courses that apprentices can take. Continue learning with Firebrand and gain the certifications needed to move into top IT roles at twice the speed. Continue building a professional career in the right way with recognised industry qualifications

Start choosing certifications from over 700 public training courses.

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Exams

While apprentices benefit from new digital skills they can use in their job, almost all digital apprenticeships that Firebrand offer provide the chance to gain industry recognised qualifications.

Apprentices gain qualifications through either BCS or Vendor specific exams where applicable. These qualifications add to a professional career and can be used to help move seamlessly between roles in the IT industry.

All relevant exams that will be achieved during this apprenticeship are listed below:

1. CompTIA Network+
2. BCS Level 4 Certificate in Network Systems and Architecture
3. BCS Level 4 Certificate in Network Security