Network Engineer Apprenticeship

Programme title: Network Engineer Apprenticeship

Level: 4

Salary: 23776

Location: Oakhanger Bordon Hampshire

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67825

If youre passionate about technology and intrigued by how digital devices connect our 3-year Network Engineer Apprenticeship offers the perfect foundation for your career. Youll earn while you learn with salary increases each year as you progress towards achieving the Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship standard.

About the programme

As an apprentice youll be part of Babcocks Skynet Service Delivery Wrap (SDW) program which plays a crucial role in providing essential communication capabilities to the UK and NATO armed forces. The Skynet system ensures that service personnel can stay connected anytime anywhere in any environment on Earth. By joining this program you wont just acquire specialised network engineering skills - youll also contribute to projects that are critical to the security of the UK.

You will work our Bordon location where our teams help to maintain and modernise the UKs sovereign space communications. Throughout your apprenticeship you will have the chance to rotate through different Skynet SDW Infrastructure teams gaining valuable insights into their operations and taking on increasingly complex tasks as your experience and skills grow.

Typical tasks include:

Troubleshooting and resolving network issues.
Providing technical support to customers and key stakeholders addressing queries and delivering effective solutions.
Interpreting technical information and aligning it with organisational requirements and expectations.
Learning and applying safe working practices in diverse environments including working at height and in confined spaces.

Your education/training

During your apprenticeship you will study and learn in the role of a Network Engineer.

The course includes a wide range of specialist modules designed to provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for your future career.

You will also develop practical skills including:

Installing configuring and testing network components or devices (both physical and virtual).
Collecting and analysing data to monitor network performance.
Improving and maintaining network systems or services to meet set standards.
Identifying and fixing network issues to restore operations escalating issues if needed.
Upgrading physical and virtual network systems.
Interpreting written requirements and technical documents to deliver network systems and services effectively.
Keeping accurate records in line with organisational policies.

Your apprenticeship will culminate in an End Point Assessment (EPA) where an independent assessor will evaluate your performance against the Knowledge Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) defined in the occupational standard. This final assessment allows you to demonstrate the expertise you have gained during the programme.

Future prospects

The space industry is on a remarkable growth trajectory with its global value projected to triple by 2035. As part of this booming sector the skills and experience youll develop in network cabling will remain in high demand for years to come.

Completing the apprenticeship programme is just the start of an exciting career journey with us. We are dedicated to your continued professional growth offering ongoing development opportunities at our Bordon site.

What youll need

5 GCSEs C/4 or above including Maths English and Science
Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth nationality citizenship or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels ().

What youll get

Well provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition youll benefit from:

Fully funded qualification
Personal development training and opportunities
Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
Competitive pension scheme
Employee share scheme
Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

Youll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

Its hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences youll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus when you join us youll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Application process and closing dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.