NETWORK ENGINEER
Network Engineer

Network Engineer

The primary role of a network engineer is to design, install, maintain and support communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. Network engineers need to maintain high levels of operation of communication networks in order to provide maximum performance and availability for their users, such as staff, clients, customers and suppliers. They will understand network configuration, cloud, network administration and monitoring tools, and be able to give technical advice and guidance.

Level 3

These qualifications can help you to progress in to a career in IT support, including:
  • Help Desk Technician
 
  • First or Second Line Support
 
  • IT Infrastructure Technician
 
  • Network Support
 

Level 4

A Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship will potentially allow a candidate to work as a:
  • Network Technician
 
  • Network Engineer
 
  • Systems Engineer
 
  • Network Administrator
  • The principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies (specifically this should include the latest published versions of OSI layer model, IP, TCP/IP, routing and switching, WANs, LANs)
 
  • The applied maths required to be a network engineer (e.g. algorithms, data, binary, probability and statistics)
 
  • The causes and consequences of system failure including load balance and storage protocols and responds appropriately
 
  • The architecture of a typical business IT system, including hardware, OS, server, virtualisation, middleware and applications
 
  • Understands and responds to security threats, firewalls and vulnerabilities
  • Design simple networks from a well-defined specification and apply appropriate security products and processes
 
  • Install and configure network components, including switches, routers and firewalls
 
  • Optimise the performance of network systems and services
 
  • Monitor, test and adjust network systems and performance to meet accepted standards using diagnostic tools, analysers and other equipment
 
  • Apply diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the causes of network performance issues
 
  • Apply structured approaches to troubleshooting network issues and repair faults in hardware, software products and the network
 
  • Undertake system upgrades to network hardware, software and operating systems
 
  • Integrate network related software into an existing network environment
 
  • Interpret written requirements and technical specifications for network activities and maintain accurate records of network maintenance activities
 
  • Log and respond to network service calls and provide technical network support to end users as required
 
  • Document work done in accordance with agreed procedures
 
  • Operate within the parameters of service level agreements, standards and/or agreed response times
 
  • Operate effectively in the business environment and responds to business issues related to network engineering