Network engineer

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 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:

• 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

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

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.

Entry requirements:

• 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

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+ .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• 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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• customer service skills
• active listening skills
• business management skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• a good memory

What you'll do:

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

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

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

Salary:

Starter : £25,500
Experienced : £52,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is on call flexibly

Career Path:

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