ICT Network Engineer Higher Apprenticeship - Valley Park School

QA Limited; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Open and collaborative environment

Career development opportunities

Free car parking

On-site catering

Pension plan

Medicash health plan

Job summary

Valley Park School in Maidstone is offering an apprenticeship to launch your network engineering career. Earn while you learn by supporting secure school networks and gaining hands-on experience with switches, access points, AD, and Microsoft 365.

You'll work 37.5 hours per week, under supervision, developing skills in maintenance, security, and documentation, with clear progression toward a Level 4 Network Engineer role.

Qualifications

• Entry requirements include A-Level ICT or IB Level 3 ICT, or an A-Level 3 apprenticeship in IT, or a BTEC Extended Diploma in IT.
• Programme supports maintenance, security and development of ICT and network infrastructure.
• Role provides hands-on experience and progression toward a Level 4 Network Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting of school wired and wireless networks, including switches and access points.
• Monitor network performance, availability and security; identify faults and escalate as needed.
• Assist with IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and VLAN configuration of network devices.
• Diagnose network, hardware and software faults using appropriate tools.
• Support Active Directory, Group Policy, and Microsoft 365/Exchange administration.
• Install, configure and test computers, printers and network devices.
• Assist with network upgrades and changes following security procedures.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and network diagrams.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Customer support

Network monitoring

Education

A-Level ICT

IB ICT Level 3

A-Level 3 apprenticeship in IT

BTEC Extended Diploma in IT

Tools

Active Directory

Group Policy

Microsoft 365/Exchange

DHCP

DNS

VLANs

Job description

Launch your network engineering career in with Valley Park School!

Earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience supporting secure school networks, and build skills for a rewarding future in tech.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Entry Requirements

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)

Working Hours

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week

Benefits

VIAT is a dynamic organisation with career opportunities for new and existing staff. Here are just some of the benefits the Trust offers:

• An open and collaborative working environment
• A career in an organisation that values individuality and diversity

Professional development opportunities:

• CPD opportunities available and actively supported
• Subsidised training opportunities with local and national universities
• Core skills training

Financial:

• A competitive salary whereby pay progression is possible on an annual basis, following successful performance
• Access to an attractive pension plan
• Access to a range of benefits and discounts through Medicash, the Trust's health cash plan

Facilities:

• A positive team working environment
• Free car parking
• On site catering

Future Prospects

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

About the Company

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.