Digital, Cyber and IT - Network Engineer
Digital, Cyber and IT - Network Engineer
Red
Network engineers design, set up and maintain physical and virtual IT communication systems for organisations.
- 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
As an Network Engineer, you could work in an office or at a client's business.
Network Engineers could work between 38 to 40 hours a week. You could also work 'on call' which would require you to work at short notice.
Starting: £25,500
Experienced: £52,000
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. 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
You could do a college course which may help you to find a trainee network engineer position. Entry requirements will be dependent on the level of course chosen. Courses include:
- Level 3 Certificate in Networking and Architecture
- Level 3 Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security
- T Level in Digital Support Services
- Level 4 Certificate in Network Services
- Level 4 Diploma in Network Security
You could do an apprenticeship like:
- Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option
These can take between 1 and 3 years to complete. You'll usually need:
- 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
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+.