How Ginger Nut Deliver

Our training delivery is based on a blended model of one-to-one sessions every 4 weeks, with group sessions, webinars, online courses, video, and additional support as required. This means that our learners have the guidance they need as well as the flexibility to learn around the requirements of their jobs. We find that this approach reduces disruption for the learners and their line managers giving everyone the best chance of benefitting from the training and completing the course.

To support learning, all learners are given access to LinkedIn Learning, including bespoke channels designed to support their apprenticeship and Perlego, which includes full searchable access to hundreds of thousands of textbooks to support study. In addition, learners are given access to the www.pluralsight.com video platform to ensure that they are able to keep up to date with industry knowledge and best practice.

Training is structured around a series of one-to-one visits covering the following core topics:

• Ports, protocols and network topologies
• Open systems interconnection model
• Properties of network traffic
• Routing and switching
• Configuring internet protocol addresses and Subnetting
• Authorisation, Authentication and Access
• Wireless technologies and protocols
• Securing a wireless network
• Troubleshooting methodologies
• Network Services including dynamic host configuration protocol and domain name system
• Cabling and connection media
• Install and configure network devices
• Utilise advanced network devices
• Virtualisation and network storage
• Troubleshooting wired and wireless connectivity issues
• Common network attacks and network hardening
• Business continuity and disaster recovery
• Scanning, monitoring and patching processes
• Remote access methods
• Cloud models and concepts

To support the learners’ knowledge, we deliver the following tailored training courses alongside the apprenticeship:

• Cisco Networking Academy
• Cisco Networking Devices and Initial Configuration

Learners are also trained in CompTIA Network+ but they are not certified unless the employer pays for the cost of the examination.

Project Activity and Portfolio Building

Evidence collected will cover knowledge, skills and behaviours and helps the learner build the experience and portfolios they need to successfully complete their apprenticeship.

Gateway and End Point Assessment

We give the learners mock synoptic projects and interviews to ensure they are ready for the End Point Assessment and know precisely what to expect at all points in the process. The End Point Assessment itself includes:

• Portfolio – Produced towards the end of the apprenticeship, containing evidence from real work projects 
• Simulation assessments – Network failure and network optimisation completed in controlled environment via virtualised network software
• Employer reference
• A structured interview with an assessor – exploring the portfolio and the project