u/-Duplex-

Just finished my GCSEs (predicted mostly 8s and 9s) and I’ll be taking Maths, Physics and Computer Science for A-level.
My goal is to get a Level 6 tech apprenticeship in two years, ideally in network engineering or a similar role. Right now I’m studying around 6 hours a day outside of school to build my skills and earn certifications.
If you were in my position, how would you spend the next two years to give yourself the best chance of getting a top apprenticeship? What should I prioritise, and what do you wish you’d done earlier?
One thing I’m worried about is that I’m not the strongest socially. I can talk to people and have friends, but I’m not very confident and I’m not great at small talk. Will that significantly affect my chances in interviews or the workplace?
I’d really appreciate any advice. Thanks!🙏

Just finished my GCSEs (predicted mostly 8s and 9s) and I’ll be taking Maths, Physics and Computer Science for A-level.

My goal is to get a Level 6 tech apprenticeship in two years, ideally in network engineering or a similar role. Right now I’m studying around 6 hours a day outside of school to build my skills and earn certifications.
If you were in my position, how would you spend the next two years to give yourself the best chance of getting a top apprenticeship? What should I prioritise, and what do you wish you’d done earlier?

One thing I’m worried about is that I’m not the strongest socially. I can talk to people and have friends, but I’m not very confident and I’m not great at small talk. Will that significantly affect my chances in interviews or the workplace?
I’d really appreciate any advice. Thanks!🙏

I currently use a Windows laptop but am planning to buy a new one. I’m considering a MacBook Air because of its build quality and performance.
Since I’m just starting to learn networking, I’m concerned that macOS may have limitations for networking labs, on-site work, or compatibility with software used by network engineers.
Do these limitations exist in practice?

I’m studying networking for ccna, and I’m struggling to understand the logical purpose of MAC addresses.
I understand the packet forwarding process like this:
A PC checks whether the destination IP is in its own subnet.
If it isn’t, the PC knows the destination is on a remote network.
It consults its routing table and determines that the packet should be sent via the default gateway.
The packet is sent out through the correct exit interface toward the router.
There can be just one device per interface so exit interface alone is enough to route it to the right next hop with no Mac.
Each router repeats the same process by examining the destination IP address, consulting its routing table, and forwarding the packet toward the next hop.
Eventually, the packet reaches the destination device, which sees that the destination IP matches its own and accepts the packet.
In this explanation, IP addresses alone seem sufficient for forwarding packets all the way to the destination.
So my question is: what is the logical reason that MAC addresses are needed at all?
I’m not looking for answers such as “switches operate at Layer 2” or “it’s because of the hardware.” Please ignore implementation details or existing hardware limitations—I want to understand the underlying networking logic. Imagine the hardware could be redesigned if necessary.
Is there a fundamental reason my IP-only approach would not work, or is the use of MAC addresses mainly a design and efficiency choice?

I don’t have boson ccna practice exam and I am wondering is Jeremy’s anki flashcard enough for practice questions and are there any free exams that is similar to the real ccna exam questions.
Thank you

I am deciding between whether to do a cybersecurity or network engineering apprenticeship. Currently only have Python and Linux knowledge but have two years to learn.