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Network engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Network administrator

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,500 Starter

to

£52,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

on call flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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

More Information

College

You could do a college course which may help you to find a trainee network engineer position.

Courses include:

  • networking and architecture
  • networking and cyber security
  • IT-networking
  • network security
  • T Level in Digital Support and Security

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Software and Data Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 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

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Network Cable Installer Apprentice

  • Wage: £16,640 a year Annually
  • Location: UNIT 8 HAMILTON COURT, MANSFIELD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Network Cable Installer Apprentice

  • Wage: £16,686 a year Annually
  • Location: FALCONGATE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, OLD GORSEY LANE, WALLASEY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Network Engineering (Systems Administration) - Foundation Degree* (HTQ)

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Blackpool

DipHE in Network Engineering - The Open University

  • Provider: THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Skills assessment

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