Career Suggestion

Network engineer

Network engineers design, set up and maintain physical and virtual IT communication systems for organisations.

Average salary (a year)

£25500.0 to £52000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

38.0 to 40.0 a week

You could work

on call flexibly

You can get into this job through:

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

University

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

  • network engineering
  • computer science
  • electronic engineering
  • network security
  • software engineering

Related subjects like physics, maths or electrical engineering can also be useful.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a college course which may help you to find a trainee network engineer position.

Courses include:

  • networking and architecture
  • networking and cyber security
  • IT-networking
  • network security
  • T Level in Digital Support and Security

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Software and Data Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

  • 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

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as a network technician and do an industry recognised certificate on the job, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+ .

More Information

Further Information

You can find out more about computing careers and training through The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills .

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

As a network engineer, you could:

  • design, install and upgrade network systems for clients
  • set up accounts, user permissions and firewalls
  • give technical support to staff
  • monitor network performance and fix faults
  • make sure systems meet all technical, security and data standards

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a network engineer to be a green job, you could:

  • upgrade IT network systems to take advantage of more energy efficient hardware
  • shift towards green cloud providers that have lower carbon emissions
  • use methods like data compression and bandwidth management to reduce power use

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

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

With experience, you could:

  • specialise in cyber security, data analysis or software development
  • become a network manager, business analyst or technical architect
  • set up your own business and work as a freelance consultant

Related careers

Back to course details