Network Engineer Apprentice (Level 4) - Apprenticeship Scheme 2024 (FTA)

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative."

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• A starting salary of £18,000 with significant yearly increases.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% once you reach your third year.
• Dedicated support to help you to develop your career and experience.
• Encouragement & support to achieve your qualification.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Dedicated Early Careers events & team building opportunities.
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) , including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As a Network Engineer Apprentice , you will play a pivotal role in designing, installing, maintaining and supporting communication networks at UKAEA (whilst supported by experienced engineers, technicians and analysts). 

This apprenticeship sits within the Data Networks Engineering Section, who are responsible for the provision and management of highly available, highly resilient, and highly Secure Network and Telecoms Infrastructure Services and Products. 

During your time as an apprentice with the Data Network Engineers, you will:

• Manage, build and maintain, both virtual and physical networks.
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of network security measures.
• Perform routine network maintenance tasks, such as updates and patches.
• Monitor systems and services to ensure continued operation and work with team if issues identified.
• Support delivery of legislatively compliant solutions to challenges in network and infrastructure.
• Work with other members of the team to provide network installation/maintenance and support activities.
• Write, update, and maintain written processes and procedures.
• Adhere to the Computing change management processes

Additional Responsibilities:

• Complete national academic qualification as defined by the apprenticeship training standard; Network engineer / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
• Attend designated training provider, develop and attain a good knowledge of procurement skills.
• Represent the UKAEA Organisation and attend external outreach and careers events.

Essential Requirements:

• An A-Level/BTEC L3 (or equivalent) in ICT/IT or similar
• 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including Maths and English (or BSL for those whose primary language is BSL)
• Self-motivated and unafraid to use their initiative.
• IT literate and fluent in MS Office

A full list of our benefits can be found here

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.