Network Engineer Apprenticeship qualifications and training courses

Last Updated: 17 Sep 2026

Product code 9611

Network engineers play a critical role in ensuring organisations can operate securely, efficiently and effectively through reliable digital infrastructure. The Network Engineer apprenticeship develops professionals who can install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot network infrastructure across physical, virtual, cloud and hybrid environments. They help organisations maximise network performance, maintain connectivity and security, and provide technical support to users and stakeholders.

Aligned to the ST0127 occupational standard, the apprenticeship equips learners with the practical knowledge, skills and behaviours required to manage and support network infrastructure while meeting organisational objectives and compliance requirements. In real workplace contexts, apprentices contribute to maintaining resilient and secure digital services, resolving network issues and supporting business continuity.
Key facts

Level 4
ST0127
9611 Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship
Typical duration: 24 months
Typical assessment period: 3 months
Grades: Pass, Merit, Distinction

Assessment methods

Simulation with questioning (externally assessed)
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence (externally assessed)

General information

Who is this apprenticeship aimed at?

This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals working in networking, infrastructure, IT operations and technical support roles who want to develop and demonstrate occupational competence in network engineering. It is particularly relevant for professionals responsible for maintaining network performance, supporting users and ensuring the availability and security of network services.

Typical job roles include:

Network Engineer
Network Support Engineer
Infrastructure Engineer
IT Network Technician
Network Operations Technician
Systems and Network Support Engineer
Technical Support Engineer
Network Administrator

The apprenticeship is designed for professionals working across organisations of all sizes and sectors, including public, private and voluntary organisations. Apprentices develop practical skills that can be applied to on-premise, cloud and hybrid networking environments supporting a wide range of organisational needs.

What will apprentices learn?

Designed around the ST0127 occupational standard, the apprenticeship develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to install, maintain, monitor and troubleshoot network infrastructure while supporting secure and reliable digital services.

Apprentices learn how to:

Install and configure network infrastructure and associated technologies
Monitor network performance and maintain operational availability
Troubleshoot and resolve network and connectivity issues
Support secure networking practices and compliance requirements
Work with local area, wide area, virtual and cloud-based networks
Apply diagnostic tools and techniques to identify faults and performance issues
Provide technical support and guidance to users and stakeholders
Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with organisational procedures
Contribute to the continuous improvement of network services and infrastructure

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners gain practical experience applying networking principles and technologies within real workplace environments, supporting secure, scalable and resilient network services that enable organisations to operate effectively.

What career can this lead to?

The Network Engineer Apprenticeship supports progression into a range of networking, infrastructure and digital technology roles. Successful apprentices may progress into more specialist technical positions or broader infrastructure and technology-focused careers.

Typical progression opportunities include:

Senior Network Engineer
Infrastructure Engineer
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
Network Operations Manager
Cyber Security Technologist
Systems Engineer
Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist (Degree Apprenticeship)

The apprenticeship can also provide progression routes into higher-level digital, infrastructure and technology qualifications and apprenticeships.

Assessment

How will apprentices demonstrate occupational competence?

City & Guilds' assessment approach enables apprentices to demonstrate occupational competence through activities that reflect real network engineering responsibilities. The assessment methods allow apprentices to evidence their ability to maintain network infrastructure, respond to technical challenges, apply troubleshooting techniques and make informed decisions that support organisational performance and security.

The combination of a simulation with questioning and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence allows apprentices to demonstrate both technical capability and professional understanding. Assessment focuses on the practical application of knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication and professional judgement in workplace contexts.

The simulation with questioning provides opportunities for apprentices to demonstrate their ability to identify, analyse and resolve networking issues in a realistic environment. The professional discussion enables apprentices to showcase their experience, decision-making and application of knowledge gained during the apprenticeship.

Together, these assessment methods provide a holistic assessment of occupational competence, allowing apprentices to demonstrate their technical expertise, professional behaviours and effective application of knowledge in real workplace situations.

Apprentices will achieve one of the following grades:

Fail
Pass
Merit
Distinction

How to register

Approval to deliver

To deliver this apprenticeship assessment, organisations must be an approved City & Guilds centre. If you are not approved as a City & Guilds centre, you can:

Become an Approved Centre

If you are already approved as a City & Guilds centre, you can:

Apply for approval through the Quality Portal in Walled Garden by completing a Qualification Approval (QAP) form. To have the option of using the Flex assessment add the relevant Flex programme of study (POS) number to your application.
Apply for the Flex assessment only, to outsource the internal assessment to City & Guilds, go to the Quality Portal in Walled Garden and fill out an EPA-only application form.

Registration of apprentices

Registration of apprentices takes place in Proficient, our online administration platform.

There are no documents available.