Network & Cloud
Engineer Career Path
Build and run the networks and cloud everything else depends on — see where you are now, which certifications get you hired, and how the career develops.
The role
What is a network & cloud engineer?
A network and cloud engineer designs, builds and maintains the infrastructure that everything else runs on — the networks that connect people and systems, and the cloud platforms that host modern applications.
Day to day the work involves configuring and troubleshooting networks, managing cloud environments on AWS or Azure, maintaining security and performance, and automating routine tasks. As organisations move to the cloud, the role increasingly blends classic networking with cloud engineering.
It is a high-demand, well-paid career with a clear technical progression from support into engineering, then senior and architect roles. Cloud skills in particular command a premium across the UK.
Many people move into it from IT support or technician roles. You do not need a degree — you need recognised certifications (CompTIA, Cisco, AWS, Microsoft), hands-on practice, and a methodical, problem-solving mindset.
This role suits you if…
- You like understanding how systems connect
- You enjoy methodical troubleshooting
- You want to work with AWS and Azure
- You want high demand and strong pay
- You want a clear, technical career ladder
Your certification roadmap
What to study and in what order
Tell us where you’re starting from and whether you lean networking or cloud — we’ll show the right sequence of certifications.
Browse all our networking and cloud courses or compare certifications side by side.
Career progression
Where this career can take you
From IT support to designing infrastructure — a realistic view of how the career develops, with the qualifications and salary ranges typical at each level.
Median UK network engineer salary: £60,000 (rising to £70,000 in London). Based on advertised UK roles — source: ITJobsWatch, July 2026.
What employers look for
Key skills for network & cloud engineers
This career rewards strong fundamentals plus modern cloud skills. These are the skills that consistently appear in UK job descriptions.
- TCP/IP, routing and switching
- Configuring and troubleshooting networks
- Network security and segmentation
- Monitoring and performance
- Working with AWS and Microsoft Azure
- Provisioning and managing cloud resources
- Cloud networking and security
- Cost, scaling and resilience
- Scripting to automate routine tasks
- Infrastructure-as-code basics
- Linux and command-line confidence
- Logging, alerting and observability
- Methodical fault diagnosis
- Keeping services available and performant
- Documenting configurations clearly
- Working calmly during outages
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Start today
Ready to begin your network
& cloud career?
Accredited courses with exams included. Study at your own pace with 12 months’ access, online and on any device.