At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Network Engineer Apprentice, working on exciting projects and learning from industry experts.
- Company: The National Physical Laboratory sets global measurement standards, tackling climate change and advancing technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy mentoring, soft skills training, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Apply early for this two-year apprenticeship starting September 2025, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing invaluable skills in a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Qualifications: Level 3 ICT qualification or relevant experience; strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) helps set the standards by which everything is measured – combating global issues such as climate change, curing diseases, and developing cutting-edge communications technology. At NPL, our apprentices are making their mark and gaining real project experience while developing invaluable skills.
As an apprentice, you will be involved in delivering a resilient Time Scale facility that underpins our National Timing Centre infrastructure within the UK. You will learn from industry experts who will blend practical experience with guidance and theory.
As a Network Engineer Apprentice, you will collaborate with Scientists, Engineers, and Cyber Security Specialists to design and implement network infrastructure. You will undertake a work-based training programme, including off-the-job training and development. Network Engineer Apprentices at NPL study the Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship over two years. Further off-the-job training will be integrated into your workplace activities, including online learning or tasks set by NPL supervisors. Our goal is to ensure you are confident from day one, learning effective communication, time management, and teamwork, while developing self-awareness and confidence.
Your day-to-day tasks as a Network Engineer Apprentice will include:
- Attending training sessions to expand your technical skillset.
- Working on network engineering projects within the assigned Science Group.
- Participating in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project discussions.
- Involvement in NPL STEM Outreach activities.
- Designing and architecting networks, building and specifying networking equipment, configuring and implementing solutions, and conducting integration testing.
What we can offer you:
- A comprehensive programme providing a solid foundation in network engineering.
- Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry practices.
- Mentoring from passionate professionals.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth, continuous learning, and development.
- Soft skills training in communication, time management, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Application process:
- Submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the Network Engineer Apprenticeship at NPL.
- Complete an online assessment.
- Participate in a telephone interview with our Talent Acquisition team.
- If selected, attend an assessment centre at our Teddington site in Summer 2025.
Programme start date: September 2025.
You should demonstrate the following skills, behaviours, and qualifications:
- Level 3 ICT qualification, A Level in ICT/STEM, BTEC in IT, or 1+ years of relevant work experience.
- Practical ability and enthusiasm for understanding how things work.
- Professional work approach and adaptability to a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Teamwork, cooperation, and flexibility.
- Attention to detail and resilience.
- Good time management and organizational skills.
- Willingness to work on-site in Teddington, either commuting or relocating.
We actively recruit individuals from all backgrounds. Candidates will need to obtain BPSS security clearance, and for roles in the Time & Frequency department, SC clearance. Please review government guidance on vetting on the gov.uk website. Residency requirements for apprenticeship funding will also apply. Applications are reviewed continuously, so early application is encouraged.
Network Engineer Apprentice - Time & Frequency in London employer: National Physical Laboratory
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is an exceptional employer, offering Network Engineer Apprentices the chance to work at the forefront of scientific innovation in Teddington. With a strong emphasis on personal and professional growth, NPL provides comprehensive training programmes, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to global challenges. The collaborative work culture fosters teamwork and communication skills, ensuring apprentices gain invaluable experience while making a real impact in their field.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Engineer Apprentice - Time & Frequency in London
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what National Physical Laboratory values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges National Physical Laboratory might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at National Physical Laboratory!
✨Direct Apply to National Physical Laboratory
Let's not forget to apply directly through the National Physical Laboratory website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Network Engineer Apprentice - Time & Frequency in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at National Physical Laboratory.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at National Physical Laboratory. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
