ICT Network Engineer Apprentice

To support the maintenance, security and development of the school's ICT and network infrastructure, providing technical support to staff and students while developing the knowledge and skills required of a Level 4 Network Engineer.

What you'll do

• Support the installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting of the school's wired and wireless network infrastructure, including switches, access points and associated equipment
• Monitor network performance, availability and security, identifying and resolving faults or escalating where appropriate
• Assist with network configuration, including IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, VLANs and network-connected devices
• Diagnose hardware, software and network faults using appropriate monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Support the administration of Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365/Exchange and network user accounts
• Install, configure and test computers, printers, network devices and other ICT equipment
• Assist with network upgrades, installations and changes, following appropriate security and change-management procedures
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, including network diagrams, equipment records, configurations, faults and solutions
• Assist with maintaining network security, monitoring activity and escalating suspected security incidents
• Carry out preventative maintenance and testing of ICT and network equipment
• Liaise with suppliers and external support providers where required and maintain accurate records of work undertaken
• Provide technical support to staff and students and contribute technical expertise to ICT teaching and learning where appropriate
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and support the continuous improvement of the school's ICT and network infrastructure

Training

The programme integrates live and online workshops with self-paced learning, employing a guided discovery approach for individual learner contexts.

Learners are assigned a Digital Learning Consultant (DLC) for personalised coaching and support. These specialists ensure their successful progress, wellbeing, and readiness for assessments.

After the apprenticeship

90% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing: this is 20% higher than the national average.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills

Things to consider

The entry requirements for this programme are as follows:

• An A-Level in ICT
• OR an International Baccalaureate at Level 3 ICT
• OR an A-Level 3 apprenticeship in a similar subject
• OR a BTEC Extended Diploma in IT (180 credits)

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities
• A competitive salary whereby pay progression is possible on an annual basis
• Access to an attractive pension plan
• Access to a range of benefits and discounts through Medicash, the Trust's health cash plan
• A positive team working environment
• Free car parking
• On site catering

About the employer

Valley Park School is an academy school in Maidstone, Kent, England. It became a specialist Arts College in July 2007. It also has the Artsmark Gold award.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Network engineer (level 4), Digital
• Apprenticeship level: Higher (level 4)
• Training provider: QA LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• Hours: 37.5 hours a week. Working week: Days and shifts to be confirmed.
• Start date: 6 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £15,600 a year