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Level 4 Network Engineer

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Level 4 Network Engineer

Level 4 Network Engineer

This occupation is found in large, medium and small businesses, across all sectors, and within public, private, and voluntary bodies. Network engineers are a key occupation in most organisations, which are increasingly dependent on their physical and virtual networks. Digital technologies are increasingly being applied across business functions, to maximise productivity. Organisations of all types are increasingly applying digital technologies across all their business functions to maximise productivity.

The demand for people who can manage, build, maintain on-site, cloud and hybrid networks are increasing. This is due to technological developments and emerging new technologies. The broad purpose of the occupation is to install networks, maintain them, and to offer technical support to users, where necessary.

A network engineer provides networks and systems to deliver the objectives of their organisation. They will make sure that systems are working at optimum capacity and problem solve where needed. To be able to do this effectively a network engineer must interpret technical information and understand organisational requirements and expectations. They support delivery of legislatively compliant solutions to challenges in network infrastructure.

The EPA is the culmination of the Apprentice’s training programme and provides them the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of knowledge, skills and behaviours in the published standard. You can find the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education assessment plan here.

Teaching

Having completed a minimum of 12 months on programme training and completed the required amount of off-the-job hours specified by the apprenticeship funding rules, the apprentice will undertake a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio and a simulated assessment.

01. Application

Once the Employer has decided to use the Academy4PM for the EPA of their learner, the Employer will be required to complete and submit the Academy4PM EPA Application Form which activates the EPA process and initiates EPA for the Apprentice.
02. Submission

At Gateway, this EPA requires the submission of a portfolio of evidence by the Apprentice in electronic form.
03. Review

The assessor panel, once selected and any identified conflicts of interest have been resolved, will review the submitted documentation in preparation for the professional discussion.

04. Panel

The assessment will be led by an Academy4PM assessor who will act as independent assessor, and may include representatives from the employer or learning provider free of any direct conflict of interest. The assessor panel will contain members who have:
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the apprenticeship standard
- Recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 4 gained in the last 4 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector.
The Academy4PM assessor will have the final decision on grading.
05. Assessment

The EPA will assess the full range of knowledge, skills and behaviours listed in the published Standard utilising the following:
- Simulated assessment and questioning lasting 4.5 hours
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence lasting 60 minutes
The above is an opportunity for the apprentice to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required in their day-to-day work.

Academy4PM End Point Assessment Process

Final Outcome

Once the lead Assessor has concluded the Apprentices Professional Discussion and simulated assessment with questions and answers, the Assessor Panel will review and finalise their marks and provide the Academy4PM with an overall grading recommendation. Both assessment methods are weighted equally in their contribution to final EPA grade.

All EPA methods must be passed for the EPA to be passed overall. Apprentices must gain a pass in both methods to gain a pass overall. Apprentices must gain a distinction in both assessment methods to gain a distinction overall.

Re-sits/Re-takes

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 4 months of the EPA outcome notification.

If the apprentice fails the simulated assessment method, they must do a brand new simulation. The apprentice will be given 2 weeks to rebook the Simulation.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of merit if they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

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