UK 2025 Cellular Network Field Engineer Apprenticeship

Summary

Start your career at Vodafone! Embrace new advancements. And we'll develop your skills. With hands-on education, real-world qualifications, and programmes covering an array of new and exciting business areas, apprenticeships aren’t what they used to be. At Vodafone, they’re so much more.

Annual wage

£24,650 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Competitive annual salary plus annual performance bonus 28 days holiday, 5 days charity leave, plus quarterly Spirit days to focus on your wellbeing & development Industry leading learning tools, market leading parental leave policies

Training course

CNFE - Cellular network field engineer (level 4)

Hours

Please note that the Field Delivery team operates 24/7, 365 days a year, requiring a flexible attitude towards working hours. This may include shift work or standby rotations, encompassing weekdays, weekends, and night shifts.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Possible start date

Monday 8 September

Duration

3 years

Positions available

4

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Want to be part of something new and pioneering? Welcome to the Cellular Network Field Engineer, a new, innovative one stop, multi-skilled engineer.

The CNFE apprenticeship standard is the first of its kind within the telecommunications industry, giving you the foundation to ignite a career in a rapidly evolving environment.

Imagine yourself at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, as you embark on a transformative path to becoming a skilled and sought-after telecommunications engineer.

But this is more than just a job – it's a chance to be a brand ambassador, representing Vodafone's values and providing exceptional service that leaves a lasting impression on our business customers. We're on the hunt for curious minds, those who thrive on solving puzzles, possess the gift of clear communication, and know how to power up the magic of teamwork. Your dedication to creating the ultimate customer experience is what sets you apart and makes you a true champion in the industry.

Safety is our top priority, and we've got your back every step of the way. You'll receive comprehensive training and top-notch personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure you're equipped to tackle any challenge safely. Plus, we've infused our technology with safety features like collision detection systems, dashcams, and a ground-breaking lone worker solution for remote support – so you can explore with confidence.

The cellular network field engineers provide an essential role in supporting the UK’s 5G rollout, thereby facilitating a reduction in the UK’s carbon footprint and its drive to carbon zero. Cellular network field engineers are highly skilled leaders of the field-based team who install and maintain 4G and 5G electrical and electronic technology on masts in a range of locations and environments. The broad purpose of the role is to develop, maintain and optimise the UK’s mobile network and its infrastructure. This is a highly regulated occupation and the cellular network field engineers will lead the installation of a complete mobile solution. This involves DC and AC electrical systems, fibre cabling, active radio modules and radio frequency (RF) systems being installed whilst working at height.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with all external partners in acquisition, design, build, maintenance, and facilities management. They shall communicate with both internal and external functions. Internally they interact with Project Managers, Project Co-ordinators, Rigging Managers, Resource Controllers, Administration, Finance. Externally they will communicate with Site Providers, Landlords and members of the public.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for installing, optimising, and restoring service across mobile technologies. They maintain the lifecycle of the telecommunications infrastructure for Vodafone UK. They will deliver proactive and reactive management of the mobile telecommunications infrastructure (power, environmental, network equipment, safety systems).

So, if you're ready to redefine what's possible and create a legacy in the digital world, take the leap and unlock a realm of limitless potential through our captivating CNFE apprenticeship. Your adventure starts here.

Where you’ll work

Vodafone House

The Connection

Newbury

Berkshire

RG14 2FN

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE EDUCATION AND SKILLS PARTNERSHIP LTD

Your training course

CNFE - Cellular network field engineer (level 4)

Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)

Course contents

Compile and verify a construction phase plan (CPP)
Conduct, produce and write a risk assessment and method statement at site level
Recognise, record and monitor risks, escalating to relevant personnel
Comply with health and safety regulations
Identify and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Comply with electrical regulations
Delegate and assign tasks according to scope of works and specific skillset and Health and safety
Conduct site surveys to meet client’s installation criteria
Review and compile information to produce handover pack
Select, implement and evaluate control measures
Install electrical systems
Inspect and test electrical systems
Isolate electrical circuits
Maintain cell site apparatus
Find faults and repair cell site apparatus
Decommission cell site apparatus
Commission and conduct integration testing on Base Station Sub-System (BSS)
Select and use work restraint, work positioning, and fall arrest equipment
Climb site towers
Use lifting and lowering techniques using slings, knots and attachments
Select and use tools and equipment when working at ground level and at height
Conduct tower rescue and casualty management
Apply sustainable principles and low carbon processes to implement site environmental solutions and disposal of waste
Apply equity, diversity and inclusion principles
Communicate with internal and external stakeholders using sector specific terminology through written or verbal means
Interpret design drawings
Use Radio Frequency (RF) monitor
Conduct site inspections
Compile and verify a construction phase plan (CPP)
Conduct, produce and write a risk assessment and method statement at site level
Recognise, record and monitor risks, escalating to relevant personnel
Comply with health and safety regulations
Identify and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Comply with electrical regulations
Delegate and assign tasks according to scope of works and specific skillset and Health and safety
Conduct site surveys to meet client’s installation criteria
Review and compile information to produce handover pack
Select, implement and evaluate control measures
Install electrical systems
Inspect and test electrical systems
Isolate electrical circuits
Maintain cell site apparatus
Find faults and repair cell site apparatus
Decommission cell site apparatus
Commission and conduct integration testing on Base Station Sub-System (BSS)
Select and use work restraint, work positioning, and fall arrest equipment
Climb site towers
Use lifting and lowering techniques using slings, knots and attachments
Select and use tools and equipment when working at ground level and at height
Conduct tower rescue and casualty management
Apply sustainable principles and low carbon processes to implement site environmental solutions and disposal of waste
Apply equity, diversity and inclusion principles
Communicate with internal and external stakeholders using sector specific terminology through written or verbal means
Interpret design drawings
Use Radio Frequency (RF) monitor
Conduct site inspections

Your training plan

Cellular Network Field Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard
At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying

Requirements

Essential qualifications

Other in:

Driving (grade Full)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 4 or Above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Team working
Non judgemental

About this company

We’re a global technology communications company that empowers people and businesses to stay connected and thrive in a digital world. With a focus on innovation, sustainability and earning customer loyalty, we leverage cutting-edge technology to offer products and services that enhance communication and improve lives. At Vodafone UK, diversity isn’t just a buzzword, it is core to who we are as a company.  We’re proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work and are committed to driving inclusion for all; creating a workplace that is fully representative of the communities and customers we serve.

https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/routes-into-vodafone/apprenticeships/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

An extensive and flexible benefits package including employee discounts, enhanced pension contributions and retail discounts. We offer flexible working options that enable you to excel in a way that suits your needs.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Once you have successfully completed the apprenticeship and have your qualification we will continue to support your career journey with Vodafone UK

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

VODAFONE LIMITED

Youth Recruitment

youth.recruitment@vodafone.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000284434.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 28 February

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

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