Hardware and Networking | Oldham College

What will I learn on my apprenticeship?

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Information Communications Technician

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Cyber Security Technician

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Digital Support Technician

Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship - Network Engineer

Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship - Cyber Security Technologist

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Information Communications Technician Overview

Information Communications Technicians (ICT) play a vital role in keeping an organisation’s technology running smoothly. As an ICT apprentice, learners support colleagues and customers with technical issues, help maintain IT systems and networks, and ensure devices and software operate effectively.
Typical job roles include:

First/ Second line IT Support Technician
Service Desk Analyst
Technical Support Engineer

What Skills and Knowledge Will an Apprentice Gain?

Throughout the programme, apprentices will develop strong technical and customer-service skills, including:

Technical Skills

Setting up, configuring, and maintaining hardware, software, and networks
Troubleshooting common IT issues
Supporting cloud services and modern workplace tools
Understanding cybersecurity basics and secure working practices
Managing user accounts, permissions, and access control

Knowledge Development

How IT systems, networks, and digital infrastructure operate
Fundamental networking concepts
Data protection, legislation, and organisational policies
Problem-solving and diagnostic techniques
Communication and professional behaviour in a technical environment

Professional Skills

Working effectively in a support role
Managing tickets, priorities, and customer expectations
Documenting processes and solutions clearly

Duration

This apprenticeship typically lasts 18 months, including time for training, workplace development, and preparation for the end-point assessment (EPA).

Level 3 Higher Apprenticehip - Cyber Security Technician Overview

Cyber Security Technicians play a key role in protecting an organisation’s systems, data, and digital infrastructure. As a cyber apprentice, learners help monitor security tools, identify potential threats, support incident response activities, and ensure secure working practices across the business.
Typical job roles include:

Cyber Security Technician
Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst – Junior
Information Security Administrator
Cyber Defence Support Technician
Security Support Analyst

What Skills and Knowledge Will an Apprentice Gain?

Technical Skills

Monitoring networks, systems, and security tools for unusual activity
Supporting incident detection, investigation, and escalation
Applying security controls such as firewalls, access policies, and patching
Handling basic malware, phishing, and vulnerability issues
Implementing secure configurations on devices and systems

Knowledge Development

Core cyber security principles and threat types
How networks, operating systems, and cloud environments are secured
Risk management and security incident processes
Legislation and frameworks such as GDPR, NCSC best practice, and organisational policies
Secure working practices, including identity and access management

Professional Skills

Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
Effective communication with technical and non-technical users
Maintaining accurate logs, documentation, and evidence
Working responsibly with sensitive or confidential information

Duration

This apprenticeship typically lasts 18 months, including structured training, workplace development, and preparation for the end-point assessment.

Level 3 Higher Apprenticeship - Digital Support Technician

Overview

Digital Support Technicians help organisations get the most out of their digital systems and processes. As a Digital Support apprentice, learners provide day-to-day assistance with business software, digital tools, data handling, and workflow solutions.
They support colleagues, implement digital improvements, and help ensure technology is used effectively across the organisation.
Typical job roles include:

Digital Support Technician
Digital Service Technician
Digital Applications Specialist
IT Support Officer
Operations Support Technician

What Skills and Knowledge Will an Apprentice Gain?

Technical Skills

Supporting users with business applications, software tools, and digital platforms
Maintaining and updating digital systems
Troubleshooting common software and workflow issues
Assisting with data management, reporting, and digital records
Using digital solutions to improve efficiency and productivity

Knowledge Development

How digital systems, software, and cloud services operate
Core IT fundamentals including data handling, security, and digital best practice
Change management and how digital improvements are implemented
Understanding user needs, digital accessibility, and service delivery processes
Organisational policies, data protection, and secure working practices

Professional Skills

Effective communication with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders
Managing priorities, tasks, and digital service tickets
Analysing digital workflows and suggesting improvements
Working collaboratively in a professional digital environment
Documenting processes, instructions, and support guides

Duration

This apprenticeship typically lasts 18 months, combining structured learning, practical workplace development, and preparation for the end-point assessment.

Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship - Network Engineer Overview

Network Engineers are responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, and supporting an organisation’s network infrastructure. As a Network Engineer apprentice, learners work with routers, switches, firewalls, cloud networking, and connectivity solutions to ensure systems remain reliable, secure, and high performing.
Typical job roles include:

Network Engineer
Network Technician
Network Support Engineer
Infrastructure Technician
Network Administrator

What Skills and Knowledge Will an Apprentice Gain?

Technical Skills

Configuring and maintaining network devices
Installing and supporting routers, switches, and firewalls
Monitoring network performance and diagnosing faults
Implementing secure network configurations and security measures
Supporting hybrid and cloud-based networking environments
Working with wireless networks, VLANs, VPNs, routing, and switching protocols

Knowledge Development

Network architectures, protocols, and topologies
IP addressing, subnetting, and network design principles
Cyber security fundamentals for network environments
Network monitoring, diagnostics, and troubleshooting methods
Industry standards, service management frameworks, and organisational policies

Professional Skills

Communicating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Documenting configurations, changes, and procedures clearly
Managing workloads, service requests, and priorities
Applying analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
Collaborating within IT, engineering, and operational teams

Duration

The apprenticeship typically lasts 18–24 months, combining structured technical training, workplace experience, and preparation for the end-point assessment (EPA).

Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Overview

Cyber Security Technologists play a critical role in protecting an organisation’s digital systems, data, and infrastructure. As a Cyber Security Technologist apprentice, learners help identify and analyse potential threats, support incident response activities, and implement security measures that help safeguard the business.
Typical job roles include:

Cyber Security Technologist
Security Analyst
Threat Analyst
Information Security Technician
Security Operations (SOC) Analyst – Level 1/2

What Skills and Knowledge Will an Apprentice Gain?

Technical Skills

Monitoring networks and systems for suspicious or malicious activity
Supporting cyber incident detection, analysis, and escalation
Applying security controls such as firewalls, access policies, endpoint protection, and encryption
Performing vulnerability scanning and assisting with remediation
Implementing secure configurations across systems, applications, and cloud environments
Supporting threat intelligence gathering and log analysis

Knowledge Development

Core cyber security principles, attack methods, and defensive techniques
Security architecture, secure design, and protection of networks, systems, and data
Risk assessment, threat modelling, and incident management processes
Legislation, compliance frameworks, and standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and NCSC guidance
Identity and access management, secure authentication, and least-privilege models
Secure working practices, digital forensics basics, and organisational security policies

Professional Skills

Communicating technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Documenting findings, incidents, and security reports accurately
Managing priorities in a fast-moving security environment
Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
Working responsibly with sensitive, confidential, or high-risk information
Collaborating effectively within security, IT, and operational teams

Duration

This apprenticeship typically lasts 18–24 months, including structured technical learning, hands-on workplace experience, and preparation for the end-point assessment (EPA).

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of the apprenticeship All apprenticeships are assessed through a combination of on-programme development and a final End-Point Assessment (EPA). Throughout the apprenticeship, learners build a portfolio of evidence, complete workplace projects, and demonstrate the practical skills required for their role.
At the end of the programme, apprentices complete an EPA conducted by an independent assessor. This usually includes a professional discussion, practical assessment or scenario-based test, and a review of their portfolio or project. The EPA is designed to confirm the apprentice’s competence, knowledge, and ability to perform confidently in their chosen occupation.

What will my apprenticeship lead to?

Career Progression Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Information Communications Technician After completing the ICT apprenticeship, learners can progress into roles such as:

IT Technician
Network or Systems Technician
Service Desk Specialist
Junior Network Engineer

Many apprentices continue their development through higher-level apprenticeships or certifications such as Network Engineer, Cyber Security Technician, Microsoft certifications, or CompTIA pathways.

Level 3 Higher Apprenticehip - Cyber Security Technician

After completing the Level 3 Cyber Security Technician apprenticeship, learners can progress into roles such as:

SOC Analyst Cyber Security Analyst Information Security Officer

Network Security Technician

Many apprentices continue their development with higher-level pathways such as the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist, or industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Security, or Cisco CyberOps.

Level 3 Higher Apprenticeship - Digital Support Technician

After completing the Level 3 Digital Support Technician apprenticeship, learners can progress into roles such as:

Digital Support Specialist
IT Support Technician
Systems Assistant
Data Support Technician
Business Systems Coordinator

Further progression may include Level 4 pathways such as Digital Support Professional, Data Analyst, Software Tester, or industry certifications across Microsoft 365, cloud services, data, or digital transformation.

Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship - Network Engineer

After completing the Level 4 Network Engineer apprenticeship, learners can move into roles such as:

Network Engineer
Network Operations Centre (NOC) Engineer
Systems Engineer
Network Security Technician
Infrastructure Engineer

Further progression may include higher-level apprenticeships, advanced vendor certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Network+/Security+, or specialist routes in cloud networking or cyber security.

Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship

After completing the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist apprenticeship, learners can progress into roles such as:

Cyber Security Analyst
SOC Analyst
Information Security Officer
Vulnerability Analyst
Cyber Defence Technician

Learners may also advance into specialist pathways or higher-level roles, supported by industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, Cisco CyberOps, Microsoft Security, or progression to degree-level cyber security qualifications.

Cost of my apprenticeship

Contribution Rules

16-18 Where the employer has under 50 employees and they are not a levy paying employer the learner is fully funded by the government, this rule also applies to 19-24 year old who are Care Leavers or in possession of an Educational Healthcare Plan
16-18 Where the employer has 50 or more employees and they are not a levy payer there will be a 5% charge with the government paying the remaining 95%. The 5% contribution will be invoiced as per the table above.
16-18 Where the employer is a levy payer, 100% of the funding will be claimed from their digital account on a monthly basis where the payments are scheduled according to the length of the learner's programme
19+ All employers that are not a levy payers there will be a 5% charge with the government paying the remaining 95%. The 5% contribution will be invoiced as per the table above.
19+ Where the employer is a levy payer, 100% of the funding will be claimed from their digital account on a monthly basis where the payments are scheduled according to the length of the learner's programme

Incentives

16-18 The employer will receive £1,000 incentive, 50% at 90 days following enrolment and 50% at 365 days following enrolment assuming the student is still employed and active on the Apprenticeship. The employer will need to invoice the college for this at that time and confirm their eligibility to make the claims at that point. This applies to Apprenticeship Frameworks only and not new Standards.
19-24 Where an employer has an Apprentice under the age of 25 where their earnings are below £43,000 per year the employer does not have to pay National Insurance Contributions (NIC's). Correct at the time of publication, check the HMRC section on gov.uk website

How to apply

You can apply for this programme via the Apply Now button, at the top.

If this course area is available as an apprenticeship, this will show under 'Study Option' on the right-hand side, just below the Apply Now button. You can view all of our apprenticeship vacanices and subjects by clicking the 'Apprenticeships' in the top menu.