Network Engineer Apprenticeship

Overview

Firebrand’s sector-leading Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship develops apprentices to design, build and secure multi-vendor networks; explored throughout the programme with the delivery and assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours.

End Point Assessment (EPA) will be carried out covering a Simulation Assessment, Questioning and a Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence to be collected throughout the apprenticeship. Through our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), specialist Learning Mentors (LMs) and world-leading trainers, our programme trains learners to work across all sectors, providing valuable insight to all levels of an organisation.

Apprentices get a thorough understanding of how Networking Infrastructure is installed, secured and maintained both physical and software defined networks.

Firebrand deliver the program through a blended framework of Residential and Online Classroom learning, based on our Lecture, Lab and Review methodology. Apprentice's learning is supplemented with support from our SMEs, get full access to an e-learning platform that covers all areas of knowledge, as well as online labs to practice administration in a safe environment.

Please note: Pathways in CompTIA Network+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions are also available.

Audience

This apprenticeship is ideal if you’re interested in:

  • Embarking on a career as a Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Network Administrator or Network Architect
  • Developing your knowledge and understanding of key concepts of physical and virtual networks

Funding

£17,000.

Level

This is a Level 4 Apprenticeship.

Professional Recognition

Apprenticeship progression routes are also available to Learners with options like the Level 6 Cyber security technical professional (integrated degree) or Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist (Integrated Degree).

Duration

24 months total: 21 months Practical, 3 months EPA .

Curriculum

On this accelerated programme, you'll learn the following knowledge and skills:

  • Detecting and resolving Network Failures
  • Improving Network Performance
  • Install and Manage Network Architecture
  • Test and Analyse Network issues
  • Planning and working effectively

Please note: Pathways in CompTIA Network+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions are also available.

Prerequisites

Before attending this accelerated apprenticeship, you should have:

  • A minimum of 5 GCSEs or A-Levels, a level 3 qualification (apprenticeship or BTEC in a relatable subject) or relevant experience and/or an aptitude test
  • Should not have an existing qualification at the same level or higher that this apprenticeship in a similar subject

STEM subjects would also be beneficial to your application.

End Point Assessment

All Apprenticeships end with the End Point Assessment (EPA). This is completed by a third party, the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). The EPA encompasses the evaluation of all of the work completed throughout the duration of the Apprenticeship.

For the Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship, the EPA consists of a Simulated assessment and questioningand a Professional Discussion underpinned by portfolio with the independent assessor. 

The apprentice will only enter the EPA ‘Gateway’ once the Employer is content that the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. In making this decision, the in-work mentor may take advice from Firebrand, but the decision must ultimately be made by them.

The EPAO determines when all other Gateway requirements have been met, and the EPA period will only commence once the EPAO has confirmed this.

The EPA assessment period in Gateway can be anything from 4 weeks to 6 months.

Check out the EPA Fact sheet for more information on the Network Engineer EPA Plan.

Progression Plan

On completion of the Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship, progression routes available to learners include:

  • Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree)

Exams

On successful completion of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to gain the following qualifications:

  • CompTIA Server+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security +

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