Job guarantee programme

Your new career in Network Engineering starts here.

With our unrivalled job guarantee programme, we’ll get you qualified and placed into a new role - or refund 100% of your course fees.

  • Get qualified with in-demand Network Engineer skills
  • We'll support you every step of the way to your new role
Joseph Jupp Adam Tomlinson Graham Futhey

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Job or money back guarantee

£30K average

Average starting salary for graduates

Overview

Fast-track your career

Our Network Engineer Traineeship gets you job-ready in just a few months, through our proven 5-step training path.

Study on your terms

Study 100% online with the flexibility to learn around your lifestyle - ideal for full-time, part-time, or unemployed learners.

High earning potential

Entry-level IT roles typically start at £30K, increasing to £50K+ as you progress in your cyber security career.

We get you hired

Our expert recruitment team works only with our graduates to secure your dream role through our UK-wide partnerships.

100% money back guarantee

If you don’t receive a job offer within 12 weeks of completing your studies, we will refund 100% of your course fees.

Programme outline

The route begins with core IT training, builds practical confidence in Live Labs, validates your networking knowledge and then extends into later specialist progression.

1

Step 1

Courses & internal exam

Begin with accredited Microsoft, CompTIA and Cisco courses through your online learning portal.

  • Learn through videos, presentations and quizzes
  • Build technical knowledge for practical networking work
  • Complete an internal multiple-choice exam before progressing
Network Engineer step 1
Build your networking foundations.
2

Step 2

Live Labs

Use interactive Live Labs to build practical networking experience from home.

  • Train on real computer equipment over the internet
  • Configure technologies in realistic environments
  • Practise skills needed for Cisco certification
Network Engineer step 2
Develop hands-on technical skills.
3

Step 3

Cisco CCNA Exams

Prepare for the official Cisco CCNA certification with mock exams and exam support.

  • Use extensive mock exams before the final assessment
  • Validate your networking knowledge with Cisco
  • Strengthen your eligibility for UK and international IT roles
Network Engineer step 3
Validate your knowledge.
4

Step 4

Recruitment support and first IT role

Work with a dedicated Recruitment Mentor who will tailor your CV, prepare you for interviews and help source suitable IT support roles.

  • Professional IT CV rewrite
  • Interview preparation and guidance
  • Access to partner employers and local companies
Step 4 recruitment support and first IT role
Support designed to get you hired.
5

Step 5

Network Engineer progression pathway

While building commercial IT experience, continue into advanced networking, cloud and Cisco enterprise training.

  • Advanced network engineering training
  • Cloud, Azure and Cisco ENCOR progression
  • Progress toward a Network Engineer role
Step 5 network engineering progression
Build toward a Network Engineer career.

Courses included

Build the IT support base first, then progress into cloud, network infrastructure and advanced Cisco enterprise networking.

Step 1 foundation

CompTIA logo

CompTIA Tech+

CompTIA Tech+ equips aspiring IT professionals with essential knowledge and skills needed to begin building confidence in the tech industry.

This course covers foundational IT concepts through to infrastructure, networking fundamentals, operating systems, software applications, web browsing security and more.

  • IT concepts, terminology and infrastructure
  • Networking fundamentals, operating systems and applications
  • Web browsing, configuration and security
  • Software development concepts, data, databases and AI impact

Step 1 hardware and devices

CompTIA logo

CompTIA A+ 220-1101

CompTIA A+ 220-1101 is a foundational qualification for beginning a career working with modern information technologies.

It covers laptops, desktops, tablets and mobiles while building knowledge to troubleshoot networking and security issues across operating systems including Windows, Apple and Android.

  • Mobile devices, networking and hardware
  • Virtualization and cloud computing
  • Hardware and network troubleshooting

Step 1 support operations

CompTIA logo

CompTIA A+ 220-1102

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 is designed for IT technicians interested in operational roles and technical support such as troubleshooting and solving IT problems.

The course covers operating system installation and configuration, expanded security, operational procedures and software troubleshooting.

  • Operating systems and security
  • Software troubleshooting
  • Operational procedures

Step 1 networking

CompTIA logo

CompTIA Network+ N10-008

Networking is integral to business communication, collaboration and data protection across connected systems.

Network+ prepares you to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot networks, plus monitor wired and wireless environments for reliability and security.

  • Design and implement functional networks
  • Configure, manage and maintain network devices
  • Segment traffic using switches and routers
  • Network security, troubleshooting and virtualized networks

Step 1 security core

CompTIA logo

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701

CompTIA Security+ validates baseline skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.

It establishes core security knowledge and incorporates hands-on troubleshooting best practice so learners know how to address security incidents, not just identify them.

  • Threats, attacks and vulnerabilities
  • Technologies, tools, architecture and design
  • Identity and access management
  • Risk management, cryptography and PKI

Step 1 Cisco networking

Cisco logo

Cisco CCNA 200-301

Cisco CCNA is the associate level in Cisco’s certification path and a first step in preparing for a career in IT technologies.

It validates knowledge in network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability.

  • Routing protocols, VLANs, STP and EtherChannel
  • WAN technologies and QoS for voice, video and data
  • SNMP monitoring and AAA management with TACACS+ and RADIUS

Step 1 Microsoft cloud

Microsoft logo

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Learn Azure, Microsoft’s cloud solution. As more businesses move to cloud, understanding cloud operation helps you become more marketable.

The course covers cloud computing fundamentals, compute, networking, databases, Azure solutions, administration, pricing, service level agreements and more.

  • Cloud fundamentals and Azure architecture
  • Compute, networking, CDN and storage
  • Azure solutions, administration and pricing
  • SLAs, exam preparation and review questions

Step 5 cloud administration

Microsoft logo

Microsoft Azure Administrator

Microsoft Azure Administrator AZ-104 develops expertise in implementing, managing and monitoring an organisation’s Azure environment.

You work across virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security and governance while practising deployment through Azure portal, PowerShell, CLI, Resource Manager and Azure Active Directory.

  • Azure overview, tools, identities and governance
  • Azure storage and compute resources
  • Azure virtual networks
  • Azure monitoring and backup

Step 5 cloud infrastructure

CompTIA logo

CompTIA Cloud+

CompTIA Cloud+ is vendor-neutral training for IT professionals who need to deploy or migrate organisations to the cloud using efficient service and deployment models.

It also covers managing cost, compliance and security, while providing a solid foundation for vendor-specific certifications.

  • Preparing and deploying cloud solutions
  • Testing pilot project deployments
  • Secure, compliant cloud infrastructure
  • Identity, access, CPU, memory and storage planning

Step 5 enterprise networking

Cisco logo

Cisco 350-401 ENCOR (CCNP)

Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies v1.0 is part one of the Cisco CCNP certification.

This exam tests knowledge of implementing core enterprise network technologies including dual-stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security and automation.

  • Architecture and virtualization
  • Infrastructure and network assurance
  • Security and automation

Tutors

Expert support that keeps your progress practical and focused

Specialist tutor

Patrick

My journey into IT started as a hobby gaming which turned into a career. I have been working in the IT industry for the past 20 years. I have worked for many different IT companies and held positions from an entry-level Technician to a Network Administrator in a large corporate company. I have gained much experience working in different environments. I always keep myself up to date on the latest technology and update my certifications to provide expert tutor support on the latest curriculum.

IT Technical Cyber Security Networking
LinkedIn Profile

Recruitment support

Your recruitment phase is delivered as a guided process, helping you move into your first IT role before progressing towards a Network Engineer position as your experience grows.

Your recruitment roadmap

Open each stage to review exactly what support is included.

1

CV review

Your CV will be professionally rewritten for IT and networking roles, highlighting your CompTIA, Microsoft and Cisco training, troubleshooting ability, networking knowledge and transferable experience. We position you as a credible first-role candidate with a clear progression pathway into network engineering.

  • CV structure optimisation
  • Networking skills and certifications focus
  • Career change experience framing
  • Recruiter-focused profile
2

Consultation

The consultation sets the foundation for your recruitment journey. We take time to understand your background, goals and preferred route into IT, then map a realistic plan from first-role IT support into longer-term network engineering progression.

  • One-to-one consultation
  • Networking pathway guidance
  • Structured recruitment plan
  • Targeted application strategy
3

Job search and interview preparation

Your consultant will actively source suitable IT Technician, Field Services, IT Support and networking-related opportunities through partner employers and companies hiring in your area. You will also receive interview preparation so you can confidently explain your troubleshooting process, networking knowledge and customer-facing support ability.

  • Targeted IT and networking role search
  • Referrals submitted to partner employers
  • Interview preparation
  • Job offer negotiation support
4

Placement and role progression pathway

The Network Engineer pathway is built in two stages: first, gaining practical commercial IT experience as an IT Technician, then progressing into network engineering once you have developed the hands-on support, infrastructure and troubleshooting experience employers expect.

Position 1 · 0-2 years

IT Technician

A field services and IT support role focused on delivering broad support solutions, working with clients and providing brilliant customer service.

Read more

You will support clients on site, help deliver IT support solutions and explain technical concepts clearly, confidently and professionally.

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Presenting proposed solutions to clients by telephone and face to face, explaining technical jargon clearly.
  • Designing, building, testing, installing and maintaining hardware and software systems.
  • Problem solving before and during installation while meeting customer requirements where feasible.
  • Providing pre and post-sales support, writing documentation, guides and manuals, and training client staff.
  • Supporting colleagues with internal IT issues.

Average starting salary : £30,000

Position 2 · 2+ years

Network Engineer

A specialist networking role responsible for setting up, developing and maintaining computer networks within or between organisations.

Read more

As a Network Engineer, you support users, troubleshoot network problems and may design new networks depending on the organisation’s needs.

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Establishing networking environments by designing system configuration, directing installation and enforcing standards.
  • Designing and implementing new solutions while improving resilience of the current environment.
  • Maximising network performance by monitoring performance and investigating faults across LAN and WAN environments.
  • Reporting network operational status by gathering and prioritising information and managing projects.
  • Configuring routing and switching equipment, hosted IP voice services and firewalls.

Average starting salary : £45,000

Organisations our students have gone on to work with

Lloyds Bank Barclays BT Fujitsu NHS Getronics

Money back guarantee

We've got you covered. Under our job guarantee or your money back policy, we'll place you into an IT role within 12 weeks of completing your Traineeship, within 20 miles of your home and with an average starting salary of £30,000. If we're unable to do so, we'll refund all your course fees within 10 working days - no hassle, no questions.

Job Location

Secure a role close to home. We guarantee job opportunities within 20 miles, so you will not need to relocate.

£

Salary

Step into a high-paying career, with our graduates earning £30,000+ on average in their first role.

Timeline

After completing your training, we have a 12-week recruitment window to secure your new role.

Money back protection

No job? No risk. If we cannot get you into a role within 12 weeks, your course fees will be refunded within 10 days.

100% commitment to your future

We're committed to helping you launch a successful career in IT, or your money back.

Get Started Today

Day in the life videos

See what a typical day looks like for our Traineeship graduates as they build confidence and grow in their new careers.

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Success stories

Thousands of learners have used IT Career Switch to build skills, gain confidence and move into a new role. Here are a few of the people who made that transition.

Why choose us?

FAQs

Straightforward answers to the questions most people ask before starting a networking career.

Can I start Networking with no experience?
Yes. The programme is designed for beginners and career changers. You start with core IT and networking fundamentals before progressing into routing, switching and network infrastructure concepts.
How long does the Coding Traineeship take to complete?
The programme is flexible and typically takes between 4-6 months, depending on your pace and availability. You can study alongside a job or other commitments.
Is this programme fully online?
Yes. The training, learning materials, projects and certification preparation are delivered online so you can learn from anywhere with flexibility around your schedule.
Will I gain practical networking experience?

Yes. You will work through practical labs that simulate real-world network environments, including configuration, troubleshooting and security scenarios.

This helps you build confidence with the types of tasks you will encounter in real networking roles.

Are the certifications recognised?
Yes. You prepare for globally recognised Cisco certifications, which are widely valued by employers in networking and infrastructure roles.
What roles can I progress into after completing the Traineeship?

Most learners begin in an entry-level IT or networking support role and build experience from there.

  • Network Support Engineer
  • IT Technician
  • 1st/2nd Line Support
  • Junior Network Engineer

With experience, you can progress into more advanced networking and infrastructure roles.

How can you offer a Job Guarantee?
We have built long-standing partnerships with UK employers who return to us time and time again to hire our trainees. With over 5,000 successful placements in the last 10 years, our process is proven to deliver results.
What happens if I do not get a job after completing the Traineeship?
In the unlikely event that the placement terms are not met, your Traineeship is covered by our money-back guarantee, giving you added confidence and reducing financial risk when getting started.

Pricing

Standard

Everything you need to get started

A complete entry route with core training, exam support, practical labs and job-focused guidance.

CourseiGuided online training covering the core knowledge, structure, and study materials needed to build your route into tech.
ExamsiRelevant certification exams and preparation support are included so you can validate your skills with recognised credentials.
Labs i Hands-on labs help you apply what you learn in practical scenarios instead of only studying theory.
Tutor supportiYou get access to tutor support for guidance, clarification, and feedback throughout your training.
Job or Money-back guaranteeiIf you meet the published placement terms and we do not place you, your course fees are refunded.

Your success is our priority.

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