Microsoft IT Support Technician
Our Level 3 IT Support apprenticeship creates expert IT Technicians with exceptional problem-solving skills. Apprentices will learn to optimise systems, configure devices, and provide outstanding customer service.
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COMPTIA NETWORK ENGINEER APPRENTICESHIP
Our Level 4 CompTIA Network Engineer apprenticeship bridges the gap between network support and network management. We ensure our learners can support advanced networks and implement best practices to keep systems optimised for peak performance.
Employer
I’m looking to train future digital talent
Apprentice
I’m looking to develop digital skills
Level 4 CompTIA Network Engineer Apprenticeship
Portrait,Of,Young,Network,Engineer,Standing,By,Server,Cabinet,While
The Value
Duration: 15 Months and up to 5 Months End Point Assessment.
Build network management skills for the future of your business. Our Level 4 apprenticeship develops IT technicians into expert Network Engineers; we teach people to install, maintain and optimise secure networks.
With essential skills in designing and implementing network solutions, including selecting hardware and software components, configuring devices, troubleshooting network issues, and implementing security measures to protect networks from cyber threats, a Network Engineer apprentice is guaranteed to have a significant impact on your overall operational efficiency.
Our programme offers a comprehensive training plan, delivering the latest industry knowledge alongside practical skills for proactive network management. Learners are empowered to work independently, implement best practices, and ensure your systems can run at peak performance.
Download Employer GuideProgramme Outline
LEVEL 4 COMPTIA NETWORK ENGINEER APPRENTICESHIP
This guide outlines everything you need to know about our Level 4 CompTIA Network Engineer apprenticeship programme, including:
- Role Overview
- Training Components
- Technical Training
- Career Journey Timeline
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Who’s It For?
Our Level 4 CompTIA Network Technician apprenticeship isn’t just for career starters; our programme can act as a powerful professional development route for those already working within the industry.
Whether your business is looking to recruit and train new IT talent or upskill your current IT team as part of their professional development plan, our Level 4 CompTIA Network Technician apprenticeship offers a dynamic and inclusive learning pathway for individuals at various stages of their careers.
We adopt a learner-focused approach; we know each learner will come with different levels of existing industry knowledge, learning styles, and learning preferences. That’s why all our programmes are flexible, to ensure we can work with you and your apprentice to build the skills relevant to your business.
Download Employ an Apprentice GuideEmployer Resource
GUIDE TO EMPLOYING AN APPRENTICE
This guide outlines everything you need to know about employing an apprentice. In this guide, we cover:
- An Introduction to Apprenticeships
- The Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice
- The Costs of Hiring an Apprentice
- Apprentice Wage Recommendations
- Choosing an Apprenticeship Standard
- Choosing a Training Provider
- Creating the Job Description
- Advertising Your Apprenticeship Vacancy
- Apprenticeship Interview Tips
- Choosing the Right Candidate
- Next Steps & Checklist
Workers brainstorming ways to use AI
Introduction to AI
We’re committed to building sought-after critical AI skills and preparing our learners for the new digital economy, so all our apprentices are enrolled on our Introduction to AI course.
The most notable barrier for businesses looking to introduce AI into daily operations is a lack of internal AI skills, with a quarter of organisations reporting that they struggle to find employees with the necessary skills to implement and manage AI technologies.
Our interactive 3-part course provides our learners with a comprehensive overview of AI; understanding its origins, categories, and capabilities. Learners will understand use cases for AI models, and be able to successfully implement appropriate models into their role while following relevant ethical regulations.
Download Manage an Apprentice GuideEmployer Resource
GUIDE TO MANAGING AN APPRENTICE
This guide outlines everything you need to know about managing an apprentice. In this guide, we cover:
- Onboarding your Apprentice
- Apprentice Employment Rights
- Setting Goals & Objectives for an Apprentice
- The Role of a Workplace Mentor
- Collaborating with your Training Provider
- Off the Job Hours
- Review Calls & Why They Are Important
- What Happens After the Apprenticeship
CompTIA Network+
We’ve partnered with CompTIA to elevate our apprenticeship training. CompTIA is a global leader in tech training, shaping the future tech workforce through groundbreaking industry training and certifications.
Your apprentice will benefit from additional IT network training and gain an additional industry-recognised certification, ensuring they are at the forefront of modern industry advancements and well-equipped to make valuable contributions to your team.
The CompTIA Network+ certification covers the core skills required to support any network environment. Your apprentice will gain a CompTIA Network+ certification, an industry-recognised qualification designed to validate knowledge of essential networking tools and concepts.
Apprenticeship Funding
There is a range of government funding and local authority grant schemes available, which are designed to help you train the next wave of talent or invest in your team’s professional development.
Large organisations with an annual salary bill over £3 million are required to contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy. The Apprenticeship Levy is a dedicated apprenticeship fund, which employers can use to cover the costs of apprenticeship training and assessment.
For SMEs & Microbusinesses that do not pay into the Apprenticeship Levy, the Government will fund 100% of apprenticeship training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 16 – 21 and 95% for apprentices aged 22 and over.
Explore your Funding OptionsTECHNICAL TRAINING
The technical training component of our Level 4 CompTIA Network Engineer apprenticeship is split into seven practice-led courses. Each practice-led course is then delivered across two days.
COURSE 1
This course covers the fundamentals of networking; from theoretical frameworks to practical applications and security considerations. We cover network models (OSI & TCP/IP), addressing systems, switching and routing principles, and the use of network tools.
Over two days, learners will:
- Identify the roles and functions of various network protocols and understand how ports direct traffic to specific services.
- Grasp network hardware functions, deployment & maintenance best practices, and network software, understanding their role in functionality & management.
- Understand how switches manage data flow within networks and learn different switching techniques.
COURSE 2
This course prepares learners to step into management roles, building professional skills, service management practices, and advanced technical knowledge. We ensure Network Engineers can effectively prioritise and organise client & stakeholder requests and confidently negotiate service level agreements (SLAs).
Over two days, learners will:
- Learn to draft and negotiate SLAs that clearly define performance metrics, responsibilities, and service quality guarantees, and monitor and report on compliance.
- Develop effective communication and management skills tailored to a network engineering context.
- Design and configure network addresses to optimise network efficiency and scalability, preparing for the future needs of network expansion.
COURSE 3
In this practical course, we dive into advanced topics like cloud computing and network optimisation strategies to ensure participants can effectively manage modern network environments. We ensure learners can integrate new servers and update systems to minimise downtime and enhance performance and reliability.
Over two days, learners will:
- Master the use of various network devices (routers, switches, and firewalls) and media (twisted pair cables, fibre optical cables, wireless technologies) to build robust networks.
- Explore cloud computing concepts and technologies to increase scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in network management.
- Understand and manage essential network services, and develop the skills required to optimise and enhance network functionality.
COURSE 4
This hands-on course is designed to build practical skills in network management, focusing on maintenance strategies, system monitoring, and diagnostic tools. We ensure participants can utilise automated tools and diagnostic techniques, and evaluate new troubleshooting approaches, focusing on maintaining system performance and ensuring security compliance.
Over two days, learners will:
- Analyse and evaluate different maintenance strategies to determine their effectiveness in various operational contexts.
- Get hands-on experience with a variety of diagnostic tools used for monitoring network health and diagnosing issues.
- Learn to integrate and utilise automated tools in network tasks to increase efficiency and reduce manual errors.
COURSE 5
In this course, we explore critical network security topics and provide effective threat mitigation techniques that maintain performance standards while adhering to legal requirements. Participants will gain technical skills and knowledge, to ensure they can confidently safeguard IT assets against the evolving landscape of security threats.
Over two days, learners will:
- Identify and understand the various threats to networks and IT infrastructure, and recognise how these threats impact organisational security.
- Learn to implement and manage security measures like firewalls and anti-malware solutions to protect against unauthorised access and potential harm.
- Develop, implement, and enforce security-related organisational policies, such as computer misuse policies and internet access guidelines.
COURSE 6
To ensure your business is prepared for every outcome, we cover critical areas such as business continuity, disaster recovery, and change management. In this course, we ensure apprentices can align their work to your business goals, and teach reflection and feedback techniques to enhance performance and encourage personal and professional growth.
Over two days, learners will:
- Develop strategies and protocols to ensure your organisation can operate during disruptions and recover swiftly after an incident.
- Understand how to plan and implement change within an organisation, manage stakeholder expectations, and minimise disruption to ongoing operations.
- Develop self-assessment skills to ensure personal and project alignment with organisation goals, visions, and values.
COURSE 7
This course builds on the practical experience gained throughout the apprenticeship and ensures that participants feel confident with the practical aspect of their EPA. We ensure that during Assessment Method 1, apprentices can successfully use a network simulation tool to optimise a network and troubleshoot a network issue.
Over two days, learners will:
- Confidently detect, test, analyse, and resolve network failures within a simulation environment, and demonstrate an effective troubleshooting approach.
- Successfully install and manage network architecture within a simulation environment to optimise network performance.
- Undertake several practical exercises to ensure that they can resolve real issues, answer questions and discuss their approach to resolving issues.
Low angle portrait of African-American female network engineer standing by server cabinet and holding laptop while working with supercomputer in data center
CompTIA Network+ Masterclass
Within the Network+ masterclass, we teach a comprehensive skillset that empowers apprentices to make immediate contributions to your network initiatives, accelerating their transition into valuable IT professionals.
This instructor-led masterclass ensures participants can successfully support any network environment. Your apprentice will gain a CompTIA Network+ certification, an industry-recognised qualification designed to validate knowledge of essential networking tools and concepts.
Over 4 days, participants will:
• Understand and maintain network documentation
• Monitor network activity, identifying performance issues
• Manage, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructure
LET’S GET STARTED
Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch in the next 48 hours.
FACTS & STATISTICS
We help our apprentices build sought-after digital skills. We nurture the skills and behaviours that will directly benefit your company and strengthen your business’s overall skillset, and that will more generally benefit your sector and help repair critical industry issues. Don’t believe us? Let’s look at the data.
93%
Of employers report an overall skills gap in their IT professionals
84%
Of businesses say that cybersecurity and resilience is now priority to them
93%
Of our IT apprentices received a Pass or higher upon completion of their apprenticeship
99%
Of our 2021/2022 learners confirmed they are in paid employment or further education
Andrew Seaton Still
BENEFITS OF APPRENTICESHIPS
“Over 10 years ago, we quite quickly figured out that for the business to grow we needed to have some of the next generation of engineers. We looked around and apprentices seemed to be the best way to do that.
Any forward-thinking company, especially in the IT sector, needs to think about how they would attract and retain talent.
One of the key benefits that apprenticeships have had on Resolve is, is that we’ve had the ability to have young, fresh, new talent come into the organisation and then progress through the organisation.”
WE’RE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH
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ABOUT BALTIC APPRENTICESHIPS
At Baltic Apprenticeships, we believe that apprenticeships are the most powerful tool in the world when it comes to skills development.
We’ve been delivering apprenticeships across England since 2007, and we were the first training provider to offer a completely digital approach to apprenticeship training.
Although we’re advocates of technology, we know that teaching life-changing skills needs a human touch. At Baltic, everything we do is built on a foundation of complete care.
Learn More About UsAPPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES
Multi-Channel Marketer
Our Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer apprenticeship empowers learners to create platform-specific strategies, campaigns, and content, designed to increase brand awareness and drive revenue.
Content Creator
Our Level 3 Content Creator apprenticeship transforms creative flair into marketing skills. We empower people to produce high-quality content that maximises audience engagement on modern marketing channels.
Junior Software Developer
Our Level 3 Junior Software Developer apprenticeship connects software teams with aspiring developers. Apprentices will understand the full-software life cycle and know how to design, develop & test software components.
Data & Business Insights
Our Level 3 Data & Business Insights apprenticeship builds the skills needed to unlock data capabilities and spark digital transformation. By the end of this course, apprentices will have the confidence to make data-driven decisions.
CompTIA Network Engineer
Our Level 4 CompTIA Network Engineer apprenticeship bridges the gap between network support and network management. We ensure our learners can support advanced networks and implement best industry practices to keep systems optimised for peak performance.
Marketing Executive
Our Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship equips marketers with a deeper understanding of marketing approaches and strategy. We teach people how to plan and execute tactical and targeted marketing activities that lead to conversions.
Software Developer
Our Level 4 Software Developer apprenticeship is the solution for people looking for the next step in their software career. Building on existing knowledge, we teach advanced project management skills & development practices, creating future leaders.
CompTIA Data Analyst
Our Level 4 CompTIA Data Analyst apprenticeship teaches people to convert organisational data into powerful insights and stories. Apprentices will learn to extract meaning from the data at their disposal, informing strategic business decisions.
Level 4 CompTIA Network Engineer apprenticeship
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Role Overview
Duration: 15 Months and up to 5 Months End Point Assessment.
As a Network Engineer apprentice, you will work with hardware and software to set up networks and ensure systems operate effectively, anticipating and troubleshooting issues.
You will be responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks, evaluating the efficiency of current networks, and designing and implementing network solutions.
Your role will vary across organisations – you can be customer-facing, or work on internal projects. As a Network Engineer apprentice, you can specialise in many different areas, such as infrastructure installation, customer support, Cloud networks, or network security.
View VacanciesMicrosoftTeams-image (48)
Salary Expectations
We are proud members of the Decent Wage Pledge and advocate for higher wages for our apprentices. The minimum salary we ask our employers to pay their apprentices is £13,000 though many of our employers pay their apprentices more than this!
Your salary as a Network Technician apprentice will vary dependent on your location, company size, and industry. The average salary for a Network Technician apprentice is between £16,000 to £21,000 per year. This salary amount will increase with experience, and apprentices who complete their training and obtain a permanent position can expect a salary increase!
View VacanciesDual,Band,Router,Or,Wireless,Ac,Router,With,Business,Man
Skills Expansion Packs
We understand every business, workplace and job role is different. That’s why we go above and beyond the Level 4 Network Engineer apprenticeship standard.
Each programme has a Skills Expansion Pack, which was developed to nurture the digital skills the industry is asking for and give you the opportunity to gain the specialist certifications you need to become an industry expert. Our Skills Expansion Packs mean that our apprenticeship programmes can be tailored and personalised to suit individual roles, goals, and business needs.
To support our Level 4 CompTIA Network Engineer apprenticeship programme, our Skills Expansion Pack provides a range of self-study resources from the Cisco Networking Academy and Microsoft 365 Training. This programme includes a free, optional Microsoft Certified Fundamentals voucher to help apprentices keep pace with the latest industry knowledge and techniques. Exam vouchers are available on request.
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Professional Development
Our Level 4 CompTIA Network Technician apprenticeship isn’t just for career starters; our programme can act as a powerful professional development route for those already working within the industry. If you currently work with IT networks and you want to develop your tech skills, you can enrol on this apprenticeship programme through your current employer.
Enrolling on a professional development apprenticeship is guaranteed to provide you with new progression opportunities and help advance your career. Our Level 4 CompTIA Network Technician apprenticeship will advance your IT skills, broaden your industry knowledge, and ensure you stay up-to-date with industry best practices. Our curriculum will support your current role and provide you with a vast understanding of a range of IT networks.
Learn more about Professional DevelopmentTECHNICAL TRAINING
The technical training component of our Level 4 Network Engineer apprenticeship is split into seven practice-led courses. Each practice-led course is then delivered across two days.
COURSE 1
This course covers the fundamentals of networking; from theoretical frameworks to practical applications and security considerations. We cover network models (OSI & TCP/IP), addressing systems, switching and routing principles, and the use of network tools.
Over two days, learners will:
- Identify the roles and functions of various network protocols and understand how ports direct traffic to specific services.
- Grasp network hardware functions, deployment & maintenance best practices, and network software, understanding their role in functionality & management.
- Understand how switches manage data flow within networks and learn different switching techniques.
COURSE 2
This course prepares learners to step into management roles, building professional skills, service management practices, and advanced technical knowledge. We ensure Network Engineers can effectively prioritise and organise client & stakeholder requests and confidently negotiate service level agreements (SLAs).
Over two days, learners will:
- Learn to draft and negotiate SLAs that clearly define performance metrics, responsibilities, and service quality guarantees, and monitor and report on compliance.
- Develop effective communication and management skills tailored to a network engineering context.
- Design and configure network addresses to optimise network efficiency and scalability, preparing for the future needs of network expansion.
COURSE 3
In this practical course, we dive into advanced topics like cloud computing and network optimisation strategies to ensure participants can effectively manage modern network environments. We ensure learners can integrate new servers and update systems to minimise downtime and enhance performance and reliability.
Over two days, learners will:
- Master the use of various network devices (routers, switches, and firewalls) and media (twisted pair cables, fibre optical cables, wireless technologies) to build robust networks.
- Explore cloud computing concepts and technologies to increase scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in network management.
- Understand and manage essential network services, and develop the skills required to optimise and enhance network functionality.
COURSE 4
This hands-on course is designed to build practical skills in network management, focusing on maintenance strategies, system monitoring, and diagnostic tools. We ensure participants can utilise automated tools and diagnostic techniques, and evaluate new troubleshooting approaches, focusing on maintaining system performance and ensuring security compliance.
Over two days, learners will:
- Analyse and evaluate different maintenance strategies to determine their effectiveness in various operational contexts.
- Get hands-on experience with a variety of diagnostic tools used for monitoring network health and diagnosing issues.
- Learn to integrate and utilise automated tools in network tasks to increase efficiency and reduce manual errors.
COURSE 5
In this course, we explore critical network security topics and provide effective threat mitigation techniques that maintain performance standards while adhering to legal requirements. Participants will gain technical skills and knowledge, to ensure they can confidently safeguard IT assets against the evolving landscape of security threats.
Over two days, learners will:
- Identify and understand the various threats to networks and IT infrastructure, and recognise how these threats impact organisational security.
- Learn to implement and manage security measures like firewalls and anti-malware solutions to protect against unauthorised access and potential harm.
- Develop, implement, and enforce security-related organisational policies, such as computer misuse policies and internet access guidelines.
COURSE 6
To ensure your business is prepared for every outcome, we cover critical areas such as business continuity, disaster recovery, and change management. In this course, we ensure apprentices can align their work to your business goals, and teach reflection and feedback techniques to enhance performance and encourage personal and professional growth.
Over two days, learners will:
- Develop strategies and protocols to ensure your organisation can operate during disruptions and recover swiftly after an incident.
- Understand how to plan and implement change within an organisation, manage stakeholder expectations, and minimise disruption to ongoing operations.
- Develop self-assessment skills to ensure personal and project alignment with organisation goals, visions, and values.
COURSE 7
This course builds on the practical experience gained throughout the apprenticeship and ensures that participants feel confident with the practical aspect of their EPA. We ensure that during Assessment Method 1, apprentices can successfully use a network simulation tool to optimise a network and troubleshoot a network issue.
Over two days, learners will:
- Confidently detect, test, analyse, and resolve network failures within a simulation environment, and demonstrate an effective troubleshooting approach.
- Successfully install and manage network architecture within a simulation environment to optimise network performance.
- Undertake several practical exercises to ensure that they can resolve real issues, answer questions and discuss their approach to resolving issues.
Oliver-Stills
FROM LEVEL 3 TO LEVEL 4 TO QUALIFIED IT PROFESSIONAL
“Every single person I’ve spoken to has been so supportive throughout the whole thing, and my trainers have been brilliant. I’ve loved the whole thing.
My apprenticeship has given me everything I need. It’s given me experience, qualifications, and lots of knowledge. My work is so varied – there’s something new every single day!
I genuinely couldn’t say a bad word about Baltic. From the day I started my Level 3 apprenticeship as a 16-year-old to finishing my Level 4 apprenticeship as a 21-year-old, it has been great.”
FACTS & STATISTICS
Our apprenticeships are made with your future employability in mind. We help you build the sought-after digital skills that will improve your overall employability, alongside benefitting your chosen sector and helping repair critical industry issues. Don’t believe us? Let’s look at the data.
93%
Of employers report an overall skills gap in their IT professionals
84%
Of businesses say that cybersecurity and resilience is now priority to them
93%
Of our IT apprentices received a Pass or higher upon completion of their apprenticeship
99%
Of our 2021/2022 learners confirmed they are in paid employment or further education
Focused,African,Business,Man,In,Headphones,Writing,Notes,In,Notebook
1-2-1 COACHING & SUPPORT
Everything we do is built with our learners in mind. To ensure our learners receive the appropriate level of coaching and overall support, each learner has a designated coach that will support them throughout the entirety of their apprenticeship.
Our approach is designed to empower our learners to achieve their full potential, and we take great pride in offering personalised and comprehensive support. We understand that each individual has unique learning needs, goals, and challenges, and we strive to provide tailored support to help our apprentices succeed in their apprenticeship journey.
Working alongside our coaches, we have a dedicated Safeguarding Team. Their main responsibilities are to keep each of our learners safe and protect them from physical abuse, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, cyberbullying, radicalisation, among other safeguarding concerns, and provide physical and mental health support and advice.
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BALTIC COMMUNITY
We know that apprentices don’t always get the opportunity to network with other apprentices. We wanted to change that! Who better to talk to about your apprenticeship programme than others on the same journey?
All our learners are invited to join our Baltic Community platform, which aims to build a sense of community and camaraderie for our apprentices. We have created a safe space for learners to connect with other like-minded professionals, access support from their peers and coaches, and generally make the most out of their exciting apprenticeship journey!
It is here that our apprentices can access a range of personal and professional development resources, enrol on our tailored training courses, and book Baltic Live events.
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