What do they do?
Network engineers are responsible for maintaining, installing, and designing computer communications systems. Responsible for providing clients with secure networking solutions.
- Network engineers work with four main network systems.
- LAN-Local area network. Connect computer within a limited area.
- MAN-Metropolitan Area Network. Joins LANs together across a city.
- WAN-Wide area network. Link systems across national boundaries.
- GAN-Global area network. Uses satellite and wireless technology to combine networks over unlimited geographical areas.
Network Engineer Duties
- New hardware and software installation
- Set up permissions, passwords, and user-accounts
- Maintain security
- Fix and find network faults
- Set preventive maintenance schedules
- Tech support to end-users
- Training on new systems
- Administration
- Monitor network use
- Plan and implement future developments
Qualifications and Experience
Relevant IT courses through a local college.
City & Guilds (E-Quals ICT Systems Support 7262) IT Practitioners Diploma Level 2 and Advanced Diploma Level 3
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support)
OCR (iPRO) Certificate for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) at levels 2 and 3
CompTIA i-Net+ Certification.
Qualifications or experience in other IT areas, such as installation. See job profiles for Computer Service and Repair Tech and IT Support Tech for more information.
Apprenticeships may be available through an IT company or IT department of an organisation. Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. for more info.
Cisco and Microsoft certification training. Recommended level 3 qualification or extensive experience in the IT industry before starting a programme. Main training for networking includes:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).
Continue studies for higher level computing qualifications, such as a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree. See the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) for more information.
Visit the e-skills, British Computer Society and CompTIA websites for more about IT careers
Graduate Professional Development Award (GDPA)
Award which you could take as part of an undergraduate, postgraduate or work-based training programme. Covers key skills required by the industry. See e-skills UK for details.
British Computer Society (BCS)
BCS professional awards will enhance your career prospects. Includes a Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma, equivalent to the first, second and third year of a university honours degree. Options include computer networks and network information systems. Contact BCS for details and entry requirements.
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