Network manager

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a job as a trainee network manager.

Relevant subjects include:

• computer networking
• network engineering
• computer science
• cyber security and networks

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

• 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/

You could apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

• Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option

You could enrol on a Digital Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Postgraduate Apprenticeship, with a networking option, if you already have a relevant degree.

These apprenticeships can take up to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications

You could move into network management if you have relevant computing experience.

For example from working as a:

• network engineer
• senior IT support technician
• IT delivery manager

You might be able to get an industry recognised certificate, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+ , through a private training provider. This may help you to find a trainee position with a company.

You'll normally need a good level of technical ability to complete these certificates.

Career Tips

There are many private IT training providers out there. If you choose this route, do your research to make sure it's the right option for you.

Further Information

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

As a network manager, you could:

• design, test and install computer networks to meet clients' needs
• put network security measures in place
• plan back up and recovery systems
• monitor, improve and report on network performance and usage
• identify problems and fix them
• manage a team of technical staff and relationships with suppliers

We've identified this as a potential green job

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

• make sustainability a key part of decision making when upgrading networks
• use artificial intelligence to optimise systems for greater efficiency
• move to cloud computing to reduce the number of physical data servers

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office.