IT Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship - Specialist Network Operations

Higherin; Oswestry; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Paid study time

Volunteer day

Career development support

Job summary

SNO is seeking ambitious IT Engineering Apprentices to start a career in IT infrastructure, networking and cloud technologies. You will learn alongside experienced engineers, gain hands-on experience, and work on real projects for SNO and its customers.

You’ll develop in areas including IT and network deployment, cloud platforms, and vendor networking tech, with mentoring and dedicated study time. Roles are on-site in Oswestry as part of a structured apprenticeship program.

Qualifications

• No professional IT experience required.
• Interest in IT, networking and technology and willingness to learn.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both written and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development, testing and deployment of IT and network solutions.
• Support NOC with troubleshooting and second/third line support.
• Work with Microsoft technologies (365/Azure).
• Gain exposure to networking vendors (Ubiquiti, Cisco/Meraki, Nokia, Fortinet).
• Contribute to investigations and root cause analysis.
• Maintain documentation and internal knowledge base.
• Produce reports and support operations.
• Engage in projects to build knowledge and experience.

Skills

Curious about technology

Problem solving

Good communication

Team player

Education

3 GCSEs (4+)

GCSE Maths and English (3+)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Azure

Networking gear (Ubiquiti/Cisco Meraki/Nokia/Fortinet)

Job description

Launch your IT systems and network engineering career with SNO! Earn while you learn, gain hands‑on cloud and networking experience, and grow with support from expert IT professionals.

Are you curious about how networks, cloud platforms and IT systems keep modern businesses connected and running?

We're looking for an ambitious IT Engineering Apprentice to join our growing team and start building a career in IT infrastructure, networking and cloud technologies.

This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience, work alongside experienced engineers, earn industry‑recognised qualifications and build the skills needed for a long‑term career in systems engineering, cloud computing and network operations.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll work alongside experienced IT professionals to support the development, deployment and maintenance of IT and network solutions for both SNO and our customers.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the development, testing and deployment of new IT and network solutions.
• Supporting the Network Operations Centre (NOC) with technical troubleshooting and second- and third-line support activities, with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Working with Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft 365 and Azure.
• Gaining exposure to networking technologies from vendors including Ubiquiti, Cisco/Meraki, Nokia and Fortinet.
• Assisting with technical investigations and root cause analysis of issues.
• Maintaining documentation and contributing to the internal knowledge base.
• Producing reports and supporting operational activities.
• Working on technical projects designed to build your knowledge and practical experience.

What we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience to apply. We’re looking for individuals who are curious, enthusiastic and have a genuine passion for technology.

We’re looking for candidates who:

• Have a genuine interest in IT, networking and technology, with a willingness to learn.
• Have strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Can organise their workload and manage their time effectively.
• Have a basic understanding of networking and operating systems (beneficial but not essential).
• Have familiarity/experience with Python or JavaScript (desirable but not essential).
• Have a full, clean driver’s licence and access to a vehicle (desirable but not essential).
• Are located in or can consistently travel to Oswestry, Shropshire (essential).

The entry requirements for this programme are as follows:

• 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ (A‑C) in any subject
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents) at grades 3+ (D or above)
• Prospective apprentices must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level as this apprenticeship in a similar subject

Working hours

37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with 30 minutes lunch break)

What we offer

• 20 days holiday allowance, increasing to 25 with service, plus UK bank holidays.
• Structured learning and development plan, including paid study time and support for professional qualifications.
• Hands‑on experience with enterprise networking, cloud and IT technologies.
• Support and mentoring from experienced IT and network professionals.
• Company pension scheme.
• One additional paid volunteering day each year.
• Competitive apprenticeship salary with potential for progression upon completion.

Future prospects

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

About the Company

SNO is a trusted provider of network operations, managed IT services, cloud solutions and cyber security services. Since launching in 2017, we’ve grown into an international organisation supporting customers across the UK, US and beyond. Our team of more than 100 specialists help businesses stay connected, secure and future‑ready through innovative technology solutions.