For Network Engineers, the introduction of cloud technologies and more widespread remote working has led to fresh networking challenges and the evolution of new network security threats. Investing in additional training and professional development is an effective way to step up to these challenges and enhance your network performance – but which professional development options are best for you and your business?
In this blog, we’ll guide you through different professional development pathways for Network Engineers, helping you to choose a training plan that works for you.
Why is Professional Development Important for Network Engineers?
For anyone working in IT, professional development is an ongoing process. As organisations evolve and technologies advance, IT professionals constantly face new challenges and respond to fresh opportunities. Ongoing training and development are essential aspects of an effective Network Engineer’s job role.
Professional development can be formal or informal, encompassing anything that will improve performance in the workplace – covering everything from working on communication skills to gaining an industry-recognised qualification.
What Professional Development Training Options are Available for Network Engineers?
Whether you’ve been a network administrator for years or are still quite new to the industry, there’ll be a professional development option to suit you.
Training for Network Engineers can take many different forms, from work-based training and development programmes to exam-based certifications in a specific skill or technology.
When thinking about your options, you’ll need to consider a few questions:
- What previous IT training and experience have you already achieved?
- What are you hoping to get out of your training?
- What is your training budget?
Certifications for Network Engineers
For those looking to demonstrate their skillset or become an accredited user of a particular operating system, exam-based professional certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ are good options.
Certifications like these are widely recognised within the IT industry and can be used as shorthand on your CV to symbolise a certain level of skill. To achieve a certification, you usually need to pass an exam, which can be costly.
Apprenticeship Programmes for Network Engineers
Another professional development option is an apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeships are not just for training entry-level employees. They are a tried and tested method for developing IT professionals at all levels.
The Level 4 Network Engineer apprenticeship offers a complete training and development plan over 18-21 months, combining technical training with work-based projects.
What are the Benefits of a Network Engineer Apprenticeship?
There are many benefits of apprenticeship training for Network Engineers, including our top five advantages:
1.Apprenticeships Offer a Complete Training Plan for Network Engineers
A Level 4 Network Engineer apprenticeship is a comprehensive professional development qualification.
At Baltic Apprenticeships, our Network Engineer curriculum covers everything a Network Engineer needs to know, including advanced networking, network maintenance and security, and cloud computing and virtual networks.
2.Apprenticeships Can Provide you With The Opportunity to Gain Extra Certifications
It doesn’t have to be an either/or choice between a professional development apprenticeship and network certifications. Often, the technical training for a Network Engineer apprenticeship can help you prepare for certifications too.
Undertaking our Network Engineer apprenticeship will enable you to receive a choice of exam voucher to obtain a CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ certification.
3. Apprenticeships Are a Cost-Effective Training Route
Apprentices do not have to pay for their training, and for employers it is an extremely cost-effective option compared with other training methods. For small businesses, the government will contribute 95% towards the cost of training, leaving only 5% for employers to fund. For larger organisations with an annual salary bill of over £3m, training costs are pre-paid through your Apprenticeship Levy fund.
4. Apprenticeships Transform Technical Training Into Real-World Skills
Unlike other training methods, a Network Engineer apprenticeship puts theory into practice through work-based projects. These projects allow learners to practice their new skills and channel their knowledge into immediate business outcomes.
5. A Network Engineer Apprenticeship Encourages Lifelong Professional Development
An apprenticeship is a structured training and development programme that is woven into the fabric of a learner’s job role. Throughout the 18-21 month programme, learners with Baltic Apprenticeships receive one-to-one guidance and support to achieve their goals and make an impact at work.
On completion of our Network Engineer Apprenticeship, there are many options for continued professional development, including advanced professional certifications in cloud platforms, network security, and network administration. This Level 4 apprenticeship provides an ideal knowledge foundation to specialise in different areas of network management as individuals develop their careers.
Find Out More & Start Your Professional Development Journey with Baltic Apprenticeships
To learn more about our Level 4 Network Engineer apprenticeship, start a discussion with our knowledgeable and friendly team.