Network Engineer Apprenticeship

Are you passionate about technology and ready to launch your career in networking?

Apex Network Solutions Ltd is a well-established IT services provider based in Greater Manchester, with over 30 years of experience delivering innovative technology solutions, primarily within the education sector. The company specialises in providing reliable network infrastructure, cloud solutions, cyber security and managed IT support to schools, colleges and organisations across the North West, helping to improve teaching, learning and business operations through technology.

Apex Network Solutions is seeking a Network Engineer Apprentice with a genuine interest in IT and networking, along with a strong willingness to learn and develop new skills. This opportunity is ideal for someone who is enthusiastic, curious and motivated to build a career in network engineering while gaining hands-on experience in real customer environments.

The successful candidate will work within a supportive and experienced technical team, receiving day-to-day guidance and mentorship from skilled network and support engineers. The team encourages learning, collaboration and professional development, ensuring the apprentice is supported throughout their journey. In addition to on-the-job training, the apprentice will receive structured off-the-job learning through Baltic Apprenticeships, attending 2-day training blocks every 6–8 weeks. This combination of practical experience and formal training will provide a strong foundation in networking technologies and industry best practices.

In this role, you’ll work towards your Level 4 Network Engineer qualification, delivered by our expert training team at Baltic Apprenticeships.

A Typical Day in the Job:

• Assist with the installation, configuration, maintenance and optimisation of network infrastructure, including switches, wireless access points and related networking hardware.
• Support the deployment and management of virtual network environments using platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V.
• Contribute to the building, configuration and deployment of cloud infrastructure, including Azure, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
• Assist with cloud migrations for schools and organisations, including workstation integration, data migration and cloud service configuration.
• Use network diagnostic, monitoring and testing tools (such as packet tracing software, network testing applications and hardware testers like Fluke devices) to analyse performance and identify faults.
• Monitor network performance using alerting and monitoring systems to proactively detect and resolve issues.
• Support network upgrades and improvements, including replacing switches, deploying new wireless access points and enhancing infrastructure to improve performance, reliability and connectivity.
• Record system performance, incidents and escalations accurately within the organisation’s ticketing system (e.g. AutoTask).
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, including network diagrams, access point layouts, building plans and records of changes or upgrades completed.
• Assess and manage risks when implementing network changes by following organisational change procedures and consulting with senior technical staff.
• Prioritise tasks based on impact and urgency, giving precedence to issues affecting teaching, learning or critical business operations.
• Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including technical colleagues and non-technical users, via phone, email, face-to-face meetings and ticket updates.
• Provide clear, appropriate technical explanations tailored to the audience, ensuring users understand issues, actions taken and next steps.

Full training and support will be provided by your workplace mentor and from the team at Baltic Apprenticeships.

Desired Qualities, Skills and Knowledge

• At least 1 years’ experience in a similar IT support role.
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Ability to obtain an Enhanced DBS check.
• Networking, virtualisation, Microsoft Server/Desktop OS, Active Directory, antivirus and backup solutions, Azure, Office 365, Google Workspace, MDM platforms, and hardware support skills.
• Good problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organisation and workload prioritisation.
• Confident communicator with great customer service skills.
• Grade 4 in GCSE Maths & Grade 5 in GCSE English 

Salary, Hours & Benefits:

• £18,000-£21,000 per annum.
• 8am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Birthday Off.
• Access to self-paced IT Training Portal.
• Childcare Voucher Scheme.
• Mileage allowance.
• Workplace Pension Scheme.
• Workplace Perkbox Scheme

This apprenticeship programme will provide you with everything you need to launch and develop your career in Network Engineering.

Your Training with Baltic Apprenticeships

This Level 4 apprenticeship provides everything you need to immerse yourself in the exciting world of technology and launch a rewarding career in Network Engineering.

You’ll get hands-on experience in all areas of technical support, from configuring devices to supporting with software, optimising performance and setting up virtual environments. With our unique curriculum and one-to-one support, you’ll accelerate your skills and get the qualification and confidence you need to thrive in Network Engineering.

You’ll be based full time with an employer and will quickly become an important part of the team. Our training is 100% online, including real-time classes with our expert trainers and self-paced courses created by industry specialists.  

INDIT