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Network engineer

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

Annual Salary

£25,500 to £52,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

38 to 40 a week

You could work: on call; flexibly

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% more Network engineer jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

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

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a network engineer to be a green job, you could:

  • upgrade IT network systems to take advantage of more energy efficient hardware
  • shift towards green cloud providers that have lower carbon emissions
  • use methods like data compression and bandwidth management to reduce power use

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

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

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
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/
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

You'll usually need:

  • 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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • search for courses|/find-a-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

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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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+.

More information

Further information

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

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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

You can get more advice about careers in networking from Tech Future Careers and The Chartered Institute for IT.

A network engineer would ensure that the satellites that are part of the telecommunications network are secure from threats and monitor the networks for faults. 

Examples of post-16 courses you could study at a local school or college

  • A-Level Computer Science
  • T-Level Digital Support Services
  • Level 3 Certificate in Networking and Architecture
  • Level 3 Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security

Find a local provider

Examples of post-18 courses you could study at a local provider

  • BSc (Hons) Computing (Computer Networks and Cyber Security) at University of Wales
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Systems and Networks Engineering at Southampton Solent University

Search for a degree course

Apprenticeships you may be able to take with local employers

  • Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option

Search for apprenticeship vacancies

Employers in the South West 

  • BT
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Toshiba
  • Fujitsu
  • Airbus
  • Babcock

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Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

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
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