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

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

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.

You'll need:

• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of systems analysis and development
• customer service skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

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.