Network engineer
Network engineers design, set up and maintain physical and virtual IT communication systems for organisations.
Also known as: Network administrator
- Starter salary£25,500 a year
- Experienced£52,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 40 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
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
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
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
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
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
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
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+ .
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:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
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
Career path and progression
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
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleNetwork manager
- Job roleTelecoms engineer
- Job roleIT project manager
- Job roleTechnical architect
- Job roleIT security co-ordinator
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0