Network Engineer Apprenticeship Standard

The curriculum is built around advanced networking concepts and modern infrastructure:

Technical Knowledge: Networking fundamentals (OSI and TCP/IP models), network architecture, protocols (routing and switching), and cloud services. 

Security & Compliance: Cyber security, risk mitigation, and modern security approaches like Zero-trust networking and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).

Operations & Troubleshooting: Fault isolation, performance optimisation, and business continuity/disaster recovery planning. 

Emerging Technologies: The use of AI in networking for automated monitoring and predictive maintenance. 

Professional Skills: Managing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), stakeholder communication, and project planning.

After completing the Gateway stage (which requires a minimum of 12 months on the programme), apprentices undergo an End-point Assessment (EPA):

Simulated Assessment and Questioning: A Practical Assessment conducted in a virtual lab environment, ofen covering network failure and optimisation scenarios. This is followed by a questioning session with an independent assessor. 

Professional Discussion: A 60-minute structured conversation underpinned by a portfolio of evidence compiled by the apprentice during their training. 

Grades: Apprentices can achieve a Fail, Pass or Distinction

T: 01782 254287 (Newcastle office) T: 01785 275660 (Stafford office) E: apprenticeships@nscg.ac.uk

If you successfully achieve all parts of the apprenticeship, your assessor will discuss with you and your employer the next steps to take. Dependent on your roles and responsibilities, this may be the next level of the subject you have been studying already or a different pathway. 

While you are on an apprenticeship your employer pays you a salary and supports you whilst you undertake your training.