Network engineer
Network engineers design, set up and maintain physical and virtual IT communication systems for organisations.
What you'll do
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
We've identified this as a potential green job
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.
Career path and progression
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
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
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
More Information
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
More Information
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
More Information
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+.
Further information
You can find out more about computing careers and training through The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.