Digital Industries Trailblazer Apprenticeship Network Engineer - Occupational Brief 1
Table of Contents 1 Introduction... 3 Typical Job Roles... 3 Assessment... 3 Certification... 4 BCS registration... 4 Appeals... 4 2 Network Engineer Programme Coverage... 5 2
1 Introduction It is recognised that people work in a variety of context but this standard allows for a full range of skills across a variety of businesses and industries to demonstrate full competence, confidence and transferability. Therefore, the primary role of a Network Engineer should enable them to demonstrate competencies in design, installation, maintenance and support communication of networks within an organisation or between organisations. The employer, apprentice and provider should cover the standards criteria to ensure all areas of the outcomes are covered in the apprentice job role. Parties should then identify tasks and select relevant projects that will meet the outcomes and complete an assessment plan. Typical Job Roles The network Engineer standard is designed for typical roles such as: Network Technician Network Engineer Systems Engineer Network Administrator Assessment Formative assessment should take place throughout the apprenticeship and be recorded in the e-portfolio. This will culminate in a Summative Portfolio being submitted based on relevant assessment/projects selected by the apprentice, employer and provider. The Knowledge certificate will be modulated and incorporate any vendor or professional qualification. All of the modules will need to be completed prior to taking the synoptic project. 3
The final synoptic project will be undertaken away from the main place of work and will be a pre defined project set by employers that will be graded by an Independent Moderator based on criteria defined by the employers to achieve a pass, merit or distinction. This will be achieved by reviewing the project with a discussion between apprentice and moderator. Examples of vendor qualifications (TBC) CISCO Microsoft CCNA 1,2,3,4 CCNA Router CCNA Switch 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services Certification Certification is claimed at the end of the apprenticeship when all components are complete. The relevant documents will then be required to be uploaded onto the ACE system for confirmation prior to the apprenticeship certificate being issued. BCS registration On completion the apprentice will be recognised by BCS for entry onto the register of IT technicians confirming SFIA level 3 professional competence. Apprentices should contact BCS to apply for registration. Appeals TBD 4
2 Network Engineer Programme Coverage The table below lists the skills topics to be covered in the Network Engineer Apprenticeship. It is not intended that the list is used as a proforma curriculum. Each provider will have its own approach to delivering the programme. But all outcomes for the standard at Annex A must be covered. Outcome Examples to meet outcomes 1. Technical Competencies Can design simple networks from a well-defined specification and apply appropriate security products and processes Can install and configure network components, including switches, routers and firewalls a) illustrate understanding of hierarchical network design including IP v4 and 6 b) demonstrate understanding of VPNs, IPSEC can operate using secure remote access solutions including cloud c) can plan a network infrastructure, taking into account business requirements and cloud a) can implement switch security using VLANs, ACLs, etc. b) can apply network access restriction c) understands and can support campus switched networks d) can manage Wireless access points can manage Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) e) can setup and administer network firewalls f) voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) g) can setup and configure routers Can optimise the performance of network systems a) use redundant active network equipment 5
and services Can monitor, test and adjust network systems and performance to meet accepted standards using diagnostic tools, analysers and other equipment Can apply diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the causes of network performance issues Can apply structured approaches to troubleshooting network issues and repair faults in hardware, software products and the network b) use first hop redundancy protocols c) understand link aggregation a) ability to use and understand syslog b) ability to use and understand SNMP c) ability to use network monitoring tools e.g. cacti, observium, etc. d) ability to use and understand NetFlow a) ability to use and understand tools such as: Wireshark, nmap b) ability to performance monitor c) ability to manage and monitor intrusion detection and prevention systems d) ability to use and understand relevant tools e) ability to define standard tests to measure the requirements a) can gather and record symptoms b) can Isolate the problem c) can implement corrective action d) accurately record and document problem and corrective action e) ability to identify where problem is not fixed and return to start conditions start again and what process to follow to escalate problems Can undertake system upgrades to network hardware, software and operating systems a) can install new hardware including switches, hubs, routers b) install fibre cables and networks cables according to company needs c) can apply patches, firmware upgrades to existing software d) can execute regression testing with newly upgraded hardware and software e) manage downtime during upgrades 6
Can integrate network related software into an existing network environment Can interpret written requirements and technical specifications for network activities and maintain accurate records of network maintenance activities Can log and respond to network service calls and provide technical network support to end users as required Can document work done in accordance with agreed procedures a) can develop network integration plans b) can select from a range of options to meet the needs of the network environment, including cloud a) can use and understand network monitoring software such as Nagios, Cacti, MRTG, RRDTool, Cyfin b) can conduct feasibility studies on design of networks and evaluation of network services/technology for current and future network development. c) can use network planning tools such as Net2Plan Visio, etc. a) can follow IT service management protocols from 1st line to 3rd line b) can clearly communicate with technical and non-technical end users when providing support c) able to escalate and prioritise network service calls (VIP users, cost associations etc.) d) adhere and work towards SLA and KPI a) can use network inventory systems b) can use a ticketing system c) can maintain company records as specified d) can document in compliance with company procedures and service level agreements 2. Technical Knowledge and Understanding Understands and applies the principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies (specifically this should include the latest published versions of OSI layer model, IP, TCP/IP, routing and switching, WANs, LANs) a) IP v4 addressing b) IP v4 subnetting and supernetting c) IP v6 addressing d) route summarisation 7
Understands the causes and consequences of system failure including load balance and storage protocols and responds appropriately Understands the architecture of a typical business IT system, including hardware, OS, server, virtualisation, middleware and applications Consequences of: a) security layers b) storage (including cloud) c) load balance a) active Directory b) HyperV, VMWare c) operating systems and applications d) servers e) middleware Understands and responds to security threats, firewalls and vulnerabilities Understands the importance of service level agreements, standards and/or agreed response times and operates within these parameters a) implications and responses to security threats, known, current and new b) assessing risk c) malware a) what is a service level agreement b) how to interpret content within a service level agreement c) what is a group policy Understands and operates effectively in the business environment and responds to business issues related to network engineering a) business needs b) down time c) security of data d) access control 8
Understands and applies the applied maths required to be a network engineer (e.g. algorithms, data, binary, probability and statistics) a) binary b) decimal c) hexadecimal d) conversion between all above Occupational Behaviours Description Attributes to be explored Assessment techniques a. Thinking and problem-solving Apprentices should demonstrate the ability to use both logical and creative thinking when undertaking work tasks, recognising and applying techniques from both. Apprentices should show that they recognise problems inherent in, or emerging during, work tasks, and can tackle them effectively. a. Logical thinking: Understanding initial premise(s) and preconditions Analysing situations from known facts Recognising the conclusion to be reached Proceeding by rational steps Evaluating information, judging its relevance and value Supporting conclusions, using reasoned arguments and evidence b. Creative thinking: Looking at situations from a fresh perspective Exploring ideas and possibilities Behavioural questioning, e.g. : Tell me about how you approached this task How did you recognise the problem? Give me an example of thinking differently about a task. Describe a decision that you made using a logical approach. 9
Description Attributes to be explored Assessment techniques b. Customer, stakeholder and client relationships Making connections between different aspects Questioning assumptions Generating solutions that may be imaginative or unconventional Devising new approaches Adapting ideas and approaches as conditions or circumstances change c. Problem-solving: Analysing situations Defining goals Developing solutions Prioritising actions Dealing with unexpected occurrences Apprentices should demonstrate the ability to manage relationships with work colleagues (including superiors), customers/clients and other stakeholders, so as to gain their confidence, keep them involved and maintain their support for the task/project in hand. Apprentices should show that they understand how to establish and a. Managing relationships: Understanding the value and importance of good relationships Adopting a way of working that maintains and improves relationships Involving other people in decisions and actions Influencing others by listening to and incorporating their ideas and views Acknowledging other people s accomplishments Process questioning, e.g. : What are the most important ways that you have found to manage relationships in your work? Who do you manage relationships with? What do customers and clients respond to well? In what ways do you try to make 10
Description Attributes to be explored Assessment techniques maintain productive working relationships, and can use a range of different techniques for doing so. and strengths Overcoming barriers that prevent productive action Managing conflict constructively Promoting teamwork by encouraging others to participate b. Customer/client relationships: Establishing contact with customers/clients and keeping in touch Keeping customers/clients informed ( no surprises ) Understanding their requirements, including constraints and limiting factors Setting reasonable expectations Involving them in decisions and actions ( coproduction ) Interacting positively with them Communicating in different ways Providing a complete answer in response to queries ( transparency, full disclosure ) Actively seeking feedback c. Stakeholders: Understanding who they are and what their stake is relationships with customers and clients more productive? What are the main differences between customers/clients and other stakeholders? How do you manage the various stakeholders? 11
Description Attributes to be explored Assessment techniques Prioritising stakeholders in terms of their importance, power to affect the task and interest in it Using stakeholders views to shape projects early on Gaining support from stakeholders, e.g. to win resources Agreeing objectives Managing expectations c. Communication skills Apprentices should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people at work, one-to-one and in groups, in different situations and using a variety of methods. Apprentices should show that they recognise the limits of various methods of communication, the factors that may disrupt it, and the importance of checking other people s understanding. a. Intention/purpose: b. Method: Understanding the purpose of communicating in a particular situation or circumstance (e.g. inform, instruct, suggest, discuss, negotiate etc.) Checking that the person/people with whom one is communicating also understand the purpose Being sensitive to the dynamics of the situation Being aware of anything that might disrupt the effectiveness of the communication (e.g. status, past history) Knowing the range of possible communication methods (e.g. spoken, written, graphical, multimedia) Observation, e.g.: Examples of written, graphical and multimedia communication in the summative portfolio and synoptic project How the apprentice communicates verbally and nonverbally during the course of the interview, including listening and responding Funnelling questioning, e.g. : Tell me about a time when you needed to communicate something 12
Description Attributes to be explored Assessment techniques Choosing a good, appropriate method for the situation Being aware of the limitations of the chosen method, and the possible risks of miscommunication (e.g. ambiguity) Taking account of the affective dimensions of the method (e.g. body language, tone of voice, eye contact, facial expression etc.) c. Execution: Expressing oneself clearly and succinctly, but not over-simplifying Checking that the other person/people understand what is being expressed Taking account of the potential barriers to understanding (e.g. filtering, selective perception, information overload) Modifying the purpose and methods of communication during a situation in response to cues from the other person/people important, e.g. to Colleagues Superiors Customers/clients What worked well in this situation? What didn t work as well as you had hoped? What did you learn about communication from this situation (or any other)? d. Business and commercial understanding Apprentices should demonstrate an understanding of what their current job is, the skills, knowledge and behaviours it requires and how they fulfil the job role. a. The job: Understanding the scope of the job role Knowing what skills, knowledge and behaviours are needed to do the job well Factual questioning, e.g.: What are the main risks in your work? How does the regulatory 13
Description Attributes to be explored Assessment techniques Apprentices should recognise how the organisation as a whole works and their contribution to it, and understand the opportunities and constraints in the wider business environment. Being aware of their own strengths in the job role, and any areas for improvement Appreciating who else is important, for them to do their job and fulfil the role effectively (e.g. colleagues, managers, other stakeholders) Being aware of potential risks in the job role (e.g. security, privacy, regulatory) Using personal attributes effectively in the role, e.g. entrepreneurship Understanding how the job fits into the organisation as a whole Knowing what the next steps in their career might be b. The organisation: Understanding the goals, vision and values of the organisation Knowing how they contribute to these in their own work Being aware of the commercial objectives of the tasks/ projects they are working on Understanding the importance of meeting or exceeding customers requirements and expectations Being in tune with the organisation s culture Knowing how the organisation works, including environment affect what you do? What are the organisation s commercial goals? What factors are shaping your industry at the moment? Process questioning, e.g. : What are the key things that make a difference to how well you do your job? How do other people you work with, including customers and clients, affect the way you work? 14
Description Attributes to be explored Assessment techniques its informal culture, internal networks etc. c. The environment: Being aware of the position of the organisation in the economy and its contribution to society Understanding the key external factors that shape the way the organisation function, e.g. regulation Knowing how the organisation can gain advantage in the industry, e.g. through innovation, technology, customer service etc. 15
TRAILBLAZER APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD: DIGITAL INDUSTRIES OCCUPATION: NETWORK ENGINEER 1 Typical job roles: 2 Network technician, network engineer, systems engineer, network administrator 3 Duration: 4 24 months minimum 5 Apprenticeship level: 6 4 7 8 Developed by: 9 Digital Industries Trailblazer Steering Group Role Profile The primary role of a network engineer is to design, install, maintain and support communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. Network engineers need to maintain high levels of operation of communication networks in order to provide maximum performance and availability for their users, such as staff, clients, customers and suppliers. They will understand network configuration, cloud, network administration and monitoring tools, and be able to give technical advice and guidance. Entry Requirements Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include A levels, a level 3 apprenticeship or other relevant qualifications and experience and/or aptitude tests with a focus on functional maths. Technical Competencies Can design simple networks from a well-defined specification and apply appropriate security products and processes Can install and configure network components, including switches, routers and firewalls Can optimise the performance of network systems and services Can monitor, test and adjust network systems and performance to meet accepted standards using diagnostic tools, analysers and other equipment Can apply diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the causes of network performance issues Can apply structured approaches to troubleshooting network issues and repair faults in hardware, software products and the network Can undertake system upgrades to network hardware, software and operating systems Can integrate network related software into an existing network environment Can interpret written requirements and technical specifications for network activities and maintain accurate records of network maintenance activities Can log and respond to network service calls and provide technical network support to end users as required Can document work done in accordance with agreed procedures Technical Knowledge and Understanding Understands and applies the principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies (specifically this should include the latest published versions of OSI layer model, IP, TCP/IP, routing and switching, WANs, LANs) 16
Understands the causes and consequences of system failure including load balance and storage protocols and responds appropriately Understands the architecture of a typical business IT system, including hardware, OS, server, virtualisation, middleware and applications Understands and responds to security threats, firewalls and vulnerabilities Understands the importance of service level agreements, standards and/or agreed response times and operates within these parameters Understands and operates effectively in the business environment and responds to business issues related to network engineering Understands and applies the applied maths required to be a network engineer (e.g. algorithms, data, binary, probability and statistics) 10 Professional, interpersonal and business skills 11 Attributes and behaviours 12 Uses published standards and design guidelines Maintains a productive, professional and safe work environment Communicates effectively and works both independently and as part of a team Records and reports information accurately to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders Progresses allocated tasks in accordance with reporting and quality systems Applies strong interpersonal skills when dealing with colleagues, customers and clients Flexible attitude Ability to perform under pressure A commitment to quality A thorough approach to work Logical thinking and creative approach to problem solving Passion for IT Professional Recognition This apprenticeship is recognised for entry onto the register of IT technicians confirming SFIA level 3 professional competence and those completing the apprenticeship are eligible to apply for registration. Vendor and Professional Training and Certification Apprentices will achieve at least one current, internationally-recognised vendor or professional certification or equivalent as specified by the individual employer. 17