The Network Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship develops the skills needed to design, build, and maintain secure and reliable networks. Learners will cover areas such as network cabling, switching, routing, IPv4 and IPv6, wireless technologies, and troubleshooting, gaining the practical expertise to keep modern systems running smoothly. 

The course also explores advanced topics including network security, business continuity, disaster recovery, and cloud architecture. Alongside technical training, learners build confidence in documentation, problem-solving, and professional communication, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of today’s digital workplace. 

• This occupation is found in large and small businesses, in all sectors, and within public, private, and voluntary organisations. Network Engineers are a key occupation in most organisations which are increasingly dependent on their digital networks.
• Organisations of all types are increasingly applying digital technologies across all their business functions to maximise productivity. Large organisations will have sophisticated complex systems whilst smaller consultancies offer support to clients on a contract basis.
• For example, a Network Engineer may work within a network of hotels to ensure that the booking system functionality and performance is maintained and customer access to courtesy systems such as Wi-Fi are managed appropriately for performance.
• In a large infrastructure project, a Network Engineer may work in a team to ensure that significant project milestones are reached in delivering network services both within the project and by servicing the project teams with reliable network capability to enable them to deliver that project successfully.
• Large communications organisations use Network Engineers to service world-leading global networks at the cutting edge – adapting and evolving with changes to new technologies to give customers the very best digital experience from delivering major communications installations to monitoring nationwide networks.
• The demand for people who can manage, build, maintain virtual and physical networks is increasing. This is because of technological developments such as, 5G and Cloud. The broad purpose of the occupation is to install computer networks, maintain them, and offer technical support to users where necessary.
• A Network Engineer provides networks and systems to deliver the objectives of varied organisations. They will make sure that systems are working at optimum capacity and problem solve where they are not. To be able to do this effectively a Network Engineer must interpret technical information and understand organisational requirements and expectations. They support delivery of legislatively compliant solutions to challenges in network and infrastructure.
• Network Engineers deal with both hardware and software issues. They are a key part of putting things right quickly when networks fail, and they communicate problems that they have identified with network integrity or performance rapidly to ensure service is resumed and downtime minimized.
• Network Engineers help customers both technical and non-technical to install computer networks, maintain them, and offer technical support to users where necessary.
• Network Engineers can be customer facing or internal. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with management within organisations, team members, staff, clients, customers, and suppliers. They may interact face to face or remotely by using a range of technologies. They may be working independently or collaboratively as part of a team. They will be aware of their organisational escalation routes and understand their role in their team.
• The work of a Network Engineer is office-based, although they may need to work across different sites depending on the size of the organisation and their network. When working as a consultant a Network Engineer may spend a lot of time at clients’ offices and on large installations, which may mean spending time away from home or their usual work base

• Desk based engineer
• Dynamic network engineer
• Field based engineer
• Infrastructure engineer
• Network administrator
• Network architect
• Network engineer
• Systems engineer.

The Information Communication Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed to provide learners with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours needed for a successful career in IT support and technical services. Covering everything from computer hardware and operating systems to networking, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, the course blends hands-on training with workplace learning. Apprentices will develop confidence in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and supporting both users and systems across a wide range of technologies. 

Alongside technical expertise, learners will build vital workplace skills including documentation, customer service, and professional communication. 

There are three available pathways on this apprenticeship:

• Support Technician
• Network Technician
• Digital Communications Technician.

• This occupation is found in organisations, large and small, in all sectors, and within public, private and voluntary organisations.
• Organisations increasingly rely on computer and communications systems in all areas of their operations and decision-making processes. It is therefore crucial to ensure the optimal performance and maintenance of systems. An ICT is critical to achieving this.
• The broad purpose of the ICT occupation is to deliver efficient operation and control of the IT and/or Telecommunications infrastructure (comprising physical or virtual hardware, software, network services and data storage) either on-premises or to end-users provisioned as cloud services that is required to deliver and support the information systems needs of an organisation.
• The occupation includes contributing to the preparation for new or changed services, operation of the change process, the maintenance of regulatory, legal and professional standards, the building and management of systems and components in virtualised and cloud computing environments and the monitoring of performance of systems and services in relation to their contribution to business performance, their security and their sustainability.
• The Information Communications Technician makes their contribution through the application of infrastructure management tools to automate the provisioning, testing, deployment and monitoring of infrastructure components.
• An ICT provides support to internal and/or external customers, by using tools or systems to problem solve and trouble-shoot routine and non-routine problems. This occupation supports clients/customers with their systems. They achieve this through monitoring and maintaining the systems and/or platforms to maximise productivity and user experience.
• An ICT could be installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing hardware and/or software faults, solving technical and applications problems, either remotely or in person. Some examples of these issues are slow performance, connection problems, and an inability to access data.
• The work of an ICT involves undertaking a vast array of specialist roles supporting business critical requirements and focus on customer solutions. Networking, Server, IT Essentials, Secure Communications, programming, and databases are just an example of typical tasks and projects undertaken within the likely areas of employment.
• In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide variety of internal or external users of digital systems, through digital channels, remotely and/or face to face services in relation to their contribution to business performance, their security and their sustainability.

• This occupation is found in organisations, large and small, in all sectors, and within public, private and voluntary organisations.
• In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide variety of internal or external users of digital systems, through digital channels, remotely and/or face to face services in relation to their contribution to business performance, their security and their sustainability.
• The Support Technician makes their contribution through the application of infrastructure management tools to automate the provisioning, testing, deployment and monitoring of infrastructure components.
• A Support Technician provides support to internal and/or external customers, by using tools or systems to problem solve and trouble-shoot routine and non-routine problems. This occupation supports clients/customers with their systems. They achieve this through monitoring and maintaining the systems and/or platforms to maximise productivity and user experience.
• A Support Technician could be installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing hardware and/or software faults, solving technical and applications problems, either remotely or in person. Some examples of these issues are slow performance, connection problems, and an inability to access data.
• The work of a Support Technician involves undertaking a vast array of specialist roles supporting business critical requirements and focus on customer solutions. Networking, Server, IT Essentials, Secure Communications, programming, and databases are just an example of typical tasks and projects undertaken within the likely areas of employment.

• This role is usually desk based but may involve visits to client’s premises to resolve issues. For example, a Network Technician working in a university or a college they may be installing a computer lab as a training suite including cabling and hardware requirements. They may be required to install cloud services to support a business expansion and provide better network services.
• In a contact centre environment, they may use network management tools to collect and report on network load and performance statistics to improve commercial outcomes. In a retail bank they may contribute to the implementation of maintenance and installation work using standard procedures and tools to carry out defined system backups, restoring data where necessary.

• 1st and 2nd line Support Telecoms Technician
• Cloud Technician
• Communications Technician
• Cyber or Security Support
• Data Centre Technician
• First-Line Support
• Helpdesk Support
• IT Field Technician
• IT Support Analyst
• IT Support Officer
• Maintenance Support Technician
• Network Field Operative
• Network Support
• Office IT Technician
• Telecommunications Technician.

The AI & Automation Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to analyse business processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement automation and AI solutions that improve performance. 

Learners will explore core areas such as workflow automation, data handling, system integration, and the use of industry tools including Power Automate, low-code platforms, and AI-powered applications. They will develop the ability to connect systems, streamline processes, and reduce manual workload across a range of business functions. 

The programme also covers essential topics including responsible AI, data protection, ethical considerations, and risk management. Learners will understand how to design solutions that are not only effective, but also compliant with legal and organisational standards. 

Alongside technical capability, apprentices build skills in problem-solving, stakeholder communication, and project delivery. They learn how to translate business needs into practical solutions and support organisations in adopting new technologies with confidence. 

This role is found in organisations of all sizes across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. As businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies, there is growing demand for individuals who can implement automation and AI solutions to improve efficiency and support growth. 

AI & Automation Practitioners play a key role in helping organisations move from manual, time-consuming processes to streamlined, automated workflows. They work across departments such as operations, finance, HR, and customer service to identify opportunities where technology can reduce workload, improve accuracy, and increase productivity. 

For example, an AI & Automation Practitioner may work within a professional services firm to automate reporting processes, reducing the time required to produce monthly performance data. In a logistics organisation, they may design workflows that connect multiple systems, improving the accuracy and speed of information flow across the business. In a growing SME, they may integrate CRM, finance, and booking systems to remove manual data entry and improve customer experience. 

Organisations are increasingly seeking ways to improve productivity without increasing headcount. This role supports that objective by identifying inefficiencies, analysing processes, and implementing solutions that reduce manual work and allow staff to focus on higher-value activity. The practitioner is not replacing roles, but enhancing how work is carried out across the organisation. 

In their day-to-day role, individuals work closely with managers, team members, and non-technical staff to understand business needs and deliver practical solutions. They translate technical concepts into clear, accessible language and support colleagues in adopting new tools and processes. 

They are also responsible for ensuring that automation and AI solutions are implemented safely and responsibly. This includes considering data protection requirements, ethical implications, and organisational policies, ensuring that systems are transparent, compliant, and aligned with business standards. 

AI & Automation Practitioners may work independently or as part of a wider team, often collaborating across departments to deliver improvements. They will be aware of organisational processes, escalation routes, and governance requirements, ensuring that all solutions are sustainable and fit for purpose. 

The role is typically office-based, although practitioners may work across multiple sites or remotely depending on organisational needs. They may also work with external partners or clients when supporting wider digital transformation or process improvement initiatives. 

• AI Automation Practitioner 

• Automation Analyst 

• Data Analyst  

• Digital Process Specialist  

• AI Integration Officer 

• Business Automation Coordinator 

• Digital Transformation Coordinator  

• Process Improvement Analyst 

• Technology Operations Coordinator 

• Junior Innovation Consultant.