A network engineer installs and maintains a network of linked computers and other equipment, such as telephones. The network might connect computers within a building or across different buildings.
The Work
You could work on different types of network: local area networks (LANs) which link offices in a building or local area; metropolitan area networks (MANs) which link a large area or joins LANs across a campus or city; wide area networks (WANs) which are national or international; and global area networks (GANs) which combine all of the above with satellite technology.
In all cases, you could be:
installing and configuring hardware such as switches, routers and load balance servers
installing software, such as network drivers
setting up systems to control access to the network, and applications and data held on it, by configuring firewalls, anti-virus and other security measures
setting up user accounts, permissions and passwords
planning and carrying out testing of the network to make sure it is secure and working properly
monitoring the network for any errors or disruptions to service and solving problems using different diagnostic programs
ensuring all updates to hardware and software are carried out
developing the network to cope with future demand.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Starting salaries can be around £25,000 to £28,000 a year. Experienced network engineers or managers can earn up to around £45,000 a year. Very experienced network managers may earn over £60,000 a year.
If you do contract work, the daily rate varies.
Conditions
You will be based in an office, which could be at a desk or in a server room.
You will spend most of the time working at a computer.
You might have to travel to visit companies, to set up their networks.
Your hours might be regular, Monday to Friday, but in some jobs you will have to work shifts. You may have to work outside office hours to limit the disruption to the client's business.
You may sometimes have to be on call to deal with breakdowns and work in the evenings and weekends.
Most entrants have a degree (SCQF Levels 9-11), HND (SCQF Level 8) or HNC (SCQF Level 7) in a relevant subject such as computer systems, network technology, software engineering, electronic engineering or business information systems.
Some entrants have a specialised postgraduate degree (SCQF Level 11) in advanced networking or network security.
For entry to an HNC or HND course, you normally need 1-2 Highers plus some subjects at National 5. For entry to a degree course you need 4-5 Highers, sometimes including Maths.
Studying for a relevant Foundation Apprenticeship while in fifth and sixth year at school could count towards entry of a course. Entry requirements vary between colleges, but you usually need relevant subjects at National 5 such as Maths, Physics or Computing Science.
You might get in through a Modern Apprenticeship in IT and Telecommunications at SCQF Levels 5, 6 and 8, then work your way up with experience and further specialist training.
You would need a driving licence if you have to travel between sites.
There are jobs in a wide range of companies and organisations including banks, building societies, insurance companies, central and local government, water, electricity and gas companies, universities, colleges and the National Health Service (NHS). There are also jobs with companies that supply, install and service networks.
understand the business needs of your company or client
manage a budget and work to deadlines
communicate with a wide range of people, some without a technical background
organise work programmes and prioritise tasks
remain calm under pressure
work as part of a team and motivate others.
You need to have:
excellent problem solving skills
a logical, systematic and analytical approach
excellent IT skills and knowledge of hardware and software.
Training
If you do a Modern Apprenticeship, you would complete the Diploma for IT and Telecommunications Professionals at SCQF Levels 5 and 6.
Many network engineers study part time for further qualifications.
You could do CISCO courses including Network Associate (CCNA), Network Professional (CCNP) and Internetwork Expert (CCIE) through the CISCO Networking Academy.
You could study to be a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Core Infrastructure (MCSE) this has now been retired and is replaced with Microsoft Role-Based Certifications.
You can also do manufacturer accredited courses such as UNIX.
Getting On
With experience, you can apply for promotion to a job as a project leader or manager of a technical department.
You could specialise in information security, planning for information systems or helping businesses to develop their systems.
You might become self-employed and contract out your services as a consultant.
More Information
If you are considering a career in IT, take a look at the Tech Future Careers website. You will find the video case studies of workers and general information on the industry useful.
2022
