Education

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• training with a private provider

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a job as a trainee network manager.

Relevant subjects include:

• computer networking
• network engineering
• computer science
• cyber security and networks

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

For 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/

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

• Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option

You could enrol on a Digital Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Postgraduate Apprenticeship, with a networking option, if you already have a relevant degree.

These apprenticeships can take up to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships

Work

You could move into network management if you have relevant computing experience.

For example from working as a:

• network engineer
• senior IT support technician
• IT delivery manager

Other routes

You might be able to get an industry recognised certificate, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+, through a private training provider. This may help you to find a trainee position with a company.

You'll normally need a good level of technical ability to complete these certificates.

More information

Career tips

There are many private IT training providers out there. If you choose this route, do your research to make sure it's the right option for you.

Further information

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

View all vacancies in this region

You'll need to keep your skills up to date, for example in mobile and 'cloud' technologies. You can do this through training and industry certifications.

With experience, you could move into:wider IT project management; service planning and delivery; information security; business analysis; freelance consultancy

The Tech Partnership has more information about careers in IT.