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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY →

IT Network Professionals

IT network professionals are the backbone of modern communication, ensuring seamless connectivity and security across systems and devices. In an increasingly digital world, their expertise is crucial for businesses to thrive, making this role not only vital in the UK but also globally.

IT Network Professionals

65

Digital & Technology

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY65
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST95%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYC
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This work is being absorbed by AI
AI exposure is high for this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Enter as the person directing the tools, not competing with them.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Network EngineerAs a Junior Network Engineer, you will assist in the setup and maintenance of network systems, gaining hands-on experience while learning from senior professionals.£28,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCENetwork EngineerIn this role, you will take on more complex network configurations and troubleshooting, ensuring the reliability and security of network systems.£45,000 - £60,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Network ArchitectAs a Senior Network Architect, you will lead network design projects, strategise improvements, and mentor junior staff, playing a crucial role in shaping the organisation's network infrastructure.£70,000+

Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)

There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.