Job Description

Network Engineers will set up and maintain communication networks between computers, this could be in a single office, multiple offices or separate organisations. They will also diagnose and fix problems with network software and provide on-site help to the users.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this role through various ways:

Apprenticeship

There are various apprenticeships that you may be able to do, such as

Network Engineer Level 4
Field Telecoms Engineer Level 3
Network Service Technician Level 3

You will usually need

5 GCSE's at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including maths and English for a Level 3
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including maths and English and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

University

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

network engineering
computer science
electronic engineering
network security
software engineering

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

University Course Search

College

You could do a college course which may help you get a network technician role, once working your could do more training to qualify as an engineer.

The following colleges may offer relevant courses:

Work based route

You could start as a technician and take industry recognised training to qualify as an engineer.

Career Path and Progression

With experience you could progress to network management jobs or you could move into other areas of IT like project management, information security or consultancy.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Network manager
IT support technician
IT security coordinator

Required Skills

The ability to identify and solve technical problems
A good understanding of your employers business
Excellent communication skills
The ability to explain technical issues to non-technical staff
Attention to detail

Salary Range

£18,000 to £40,000

Network Engineer