Network Engineer Apprenticeship

An exciting opportunity to launch a career in network engineering with a company shaping the future of defence technology.

SKD Systems, part of the rapidly growing STARK group, is a European defence technology company developing next-generation AI-enabled unmanned systems and mission-critical software used by NATO allies and partner nations. Its technology is designed for the realities of modern defence — software-defined, scalable, and built to deliver technological superiority where it matters most.

As the company continues to invest heavily in innovation, engineering talent, and advanced production capabilities in the UK, this Network Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity for an aspiring technologist to begin their career in a highly innovative and fast-moving environment.

The successful apprentice will gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced engineers, supporting the infrastructure that powers cutting-edge systems. They will develop practical skills in designing, maintaining and troubleshooting secure networks while building a strong foundation for a career in network engineering.

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:

• Install, configure and maintain physical and virtual network infrastructure (routers, switches, firewalls, servers, access points).
• Support building new network environments, including being part of a team who helps with comms room and infrastructure setup.
• Work with hosted and virtual platforms such as VMware, Nutanix and device management systems (Intune, Jamf, Okta).
• Assist with cloud, identity and MDM configurations, assessing impact, risks and benefits before implementation.
• Monitor and analyse network, device and security logs to identify root causes and optimisation opportunities.
• Use tools such as PowerShell, Bash and Linux commands to support automation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with security teams on compliance requirements and secure configuration changes.
• Document research, impact assessments and change proposals, presenting findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Balance workload across support tickets, infrastructure improvements and data-driven projects.

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

Desired Qualities, Skills and Knowledge:

• Understanding of core networking principles (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing and switching).
• Knowledge of physical and virtual network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls and wireless access points.
• Awareness of cloud and hosted environments (e.g. virtual machines, identity providers, MDM solutions).
• Familiarity with network monitoring, log analysis and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Basic scripting knowledge (e.g. PowerShell or Bash) to support automation and diagnostics.
• Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, including access control, authentication, geolocation blocking and risk assessment.
• Awareness of compliance frameworks such as Cyber Essentials and ISO standards.
• Ability to analyse data, identify patterns and propose evidence-based improvements.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to document findings and present technical information to varied stakeholders.
• Strong organisation and task prioritisation skills when balancing support and project work.

Salary, Hours & Benefits:

• £25,000-£30,000 per annum.
• Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays!
• Health cash plan and rewards

This apprenticeship programme will provide you with everything you need to launch and develop your career as a Network Engineer.

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 IT. 

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 IT.

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. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and what you hope to gain from an apprenticeship with SKD Systems. If your application is then successful, one of our recruitment consultants will be in touch to discuss your application further.

Eligibility Criteria

You must have the right to work in the UK, and valid residency status to apply for this apprenticeship.  

INDIT