Network Engineer

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

on call flexibly

How To Become a Network Engineer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

network engineering
computer science
electronic engineering
network security
software engineering

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course, which may help you to get a network technician's job. Once working, you could do more training to qualify as an engineer. Courses include:

Level 4 Certificate in Networking and Architecture
Level 4 Certificate in Network Services
Level 4 Diploma in Network Security

1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a network cable installer advanced apprenticeship, a network engineer higher apprenticeship, or a degree apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as a network technician and take industry-recognised training and certification on the job, like Cisco Certified Network Associate or Professional or CompTIA Network+.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
analytical thinking skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day To Day Tasks

Your tasks may include:

designing the way data is sent or 'routed' across computer networks
setting up user accounts, permissions and passwords to allow access to the network
making sure security is at the right level to block unauthorised access
finding and fixing network faults
giving technical support to people who use the network
training staff on new systems
carrying out day-to-day administration
planning and implementing future developments
documenting the processes used in your job

Working Environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Experience in related areas like IT support or computer service and repair could be useful.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in networking from Tech Future Careers and The Chartered Institute for IT.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.