Apprentice Network Engineer

Summary

The role sits within the infrastructure team who deliver reliable, secure network infrastructure and connectivity to the firm’s global office estate. The role will provide a hands-on opportunity to work with enterprise network technology, engage with key stakeholders within the firm, and develop new skills.

Wage

£26,000 a year

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Training course

Network engineer (level 4)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

35 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 9 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The duties of the team include ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of IT systems supporting business applications, and implementing advanced technologies to enhance productivity and client service.

They also work closely with the InfoSec team to protect sensitive legal information, provide technical support, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards. By maintaining robust and efficient IT infrastructure, the team enable the firm to operate smoothly, adapt to technological advancements, and deliver high-quality legal services to our clients.

What you'll do:

Configure and install network hardware including switches, firewalls and wireless access points
Monitor and review network infrastructure to ensure effective operational uptime and effectiveness of the network
Create and maintain technical documentation and diagrams outlining the network architecture and procedures
Maintain accurate inventory records and perform audit functions
Provide technical support to localised IT Teams and assist with network-related inquiries
Perform routine maintenance and upgrades on network equipment
Respond to security incidents to ensure the integrity of the network
Deploy and maintain virtual network infrastructure in cloud environments
Administration of the server environment including DHCP, DNS, and virtualisation

About you:

A positive, flexible approach to work and changing priorities
Good coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks across different service lines
A team player with solid communication skills
A keen interest in technology, and an eagerness to learn

Where you'll work

12 New Fetter Lane
London
EC4A 1JP

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

JUST IT TRAINING LIMITED

Your training course

Network engineer (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

apply the appropriate tools and techniques when securely operating and testing networks
install and configure the elements required to maintain and manage a secure network
implement techniques to monitor and record systems performance in line with defined specifications
maintain security and performance of the system against known and standard threats
apply the appropriate tools and techniques to identify systems performance issues
apply the appropriate tools and techniques to gather information to troubleshoot issues and isolate, repair or escalate faults
communicate outcomes of tasks and record in line with organisational procedures and SLAs including adherence to customer service standards
upgrade, apply and test components to systems configurations ensuring that the system meets the organisation’s requirements and minimises downtime. This should include backup processes
record task details whether face-to-face, remote or in writing in line with ogranisational requirements
interpret information received from a manager, customer or technical specialist and accurately implement the defined requirements
monitor, identify and implement required maintenance procedures
implement techniques to optimise systems performance in line with defined specifications
organise and prioritise clients or stakeholders’ requests in line with SLAs and organization processes
explain their job role within the business context to stakeholders to enable a clear understanding on both sides of what their remit is and convey technical constraints in appropriate language considering accessibility and diversity implications
operate securely and apply the appropriate process, policies and legislation within their business responsibilities
communicate with a range of stakeholders taking into consideration the organisations cultural awareness and technical ability
apply the appropriate level of responsibility when planning and prioritising work tasks
apply the relevant numerical skills (Binary, dotted decimal notation) required to meet the defined specifications
ensure compliance of network engineering outputs with change management processes
select the appropriate tools and comply with organisation policies and processes when upgrading systems
apply the appropriate tools and techniques when securely operating and testing networks
install and configure the elements required to maintain and manage a secure network
implement techniques to monitor and record systems performance in line with defined specifications
maintain security and performance of the system against known and standard threats
apply the appropriate tools and techniques to identify systems performance issues
apply the appropriate tools and techniques to gather information to troubleshoot issues and isolate, repair or escalate faults
communicate outcomes of tasks and record in line with organisational procedures and SLAs including adherence to customer service standards
upgrade, apply and test components to systems configurations ensuring that the system meets the organisation’s requirements and minimises downtime. This should include backup processes
record task details whether face-to-face, remote or in writing in line with ogranisational requirements
interpret information received from a manager, customer or technical specialist and accurately implement the defined requirements
monitor, identify and implement required maintenance procedures
implement techniques to optimise systems performance in line with defined specifications
organise and prioritise clients or stakeholders’ requests in line with SLAs and organization processes
explain their job role within the business context to stakeholders to enable a clear understanding on both sides of what their remit is and convey technical constraints in appropriate language considering accessibility and diversity implications
operate securely and apply the appropriate process, policies and legislation within their business responsibilities
communicate with a range of stakeholders taking into consideration the organisations cultural awareness and technical ability
apply the appropriate level of responsibility when planning and prioritising work tasks
apply the relevant numerical skills (Binary, dotted decimal notation) required to meet the defined specifications
ensure compliance of network engineering outputs with change management processes
select the appropriate tools and comply with organisation policies and processes when upgrading systems

Your training plan

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation
At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying
As part of the Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship Standard, you’ll be on a fast track to an industry recognised qualification and your dedicated industry coach will support you through a blended approach that will include remote, in person, 1-2-1 and group learning

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4/C and above)
Math (grade 4/C and above)

A Level in:

Any (grade 3 A-Cs)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative

About this company

Bird & Bird is an international law firm with offices across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. We’re one firm internationally, which is something our clients value because it brings consistency, collaboration, and clarity. Our vision is to be the number one law firm in the world for organisations being changed by the digital world or those leading that change. From commercial to intellectual property, and dispute resolution to financial regulation, we’re a full-service law firm with a stellar, global reputation for providing sophisticated, pragmatic advice to companies which are carving the world's digital future. We’re interested in the world, current issues, and emerging trends. We’re an outward looking, sector-focused firm, specialising in Automotive, Aviation & Aerospace, Defence & Security, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Media, Entertainment & Sport, Retail & Consumer, and Technology & Communications.

https://www.twobirds.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Over your apprenticeship, you'll gain the skills, confidence and experience you need to apply for a permanent position at Bird & Bird or elsewhere

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