IT networking encompasses all tools, resources, and practices required to connect individual computer devices, allowing them to easily share data with one another. Such systems allow for flexible communications, transactions, and information access among local servers or over the internet.

Businesses relying on modern technology depend on networks for storage efficiency, greater security, and the ability to boost growth, productivity, and innovation. Much of these systems now also take place online via “cloud computing”, alleviating the need for on-site infrastructure and effectively reducing company expenses on physical equipment. Such virtual networks also have the benefit of being highly scalable – giving businesses the flexibility of only paying for what they need – and are largely adaptable to the changing needs of an organisation.

Other, more traditional networks include local area networks (LANs), in which computers are connected within a single office space or building. Wide area networks (WANs) are networks that can span entire cities or even countries, allowing stable long-distance communications. Finally, we have service network providers –companies that provide network use or capacity for a given service, such as telecommunications, mobile data, or Internet access.

IT network professionals are experts of this field, helping ensure an organisation’s network is optimised and performing according to business needs.

AIICT currently offers two courses focused on IT networking skills:

ICT40120 – Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking)

ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking)

Both programs culminate in nationally-recognised qualifications, designed to verify your expertise and help you stand out in the job market. You’ll not only touch on the fundamentals of the field (i.e. network installation, virtualisation, testing network servers), but also delve into the in-demand IT sector of cyber security – equipping you with the valuable skills of handling cyber security incidents, running vulnerability tests, and ensuring protection of one’s IT architecture. Such experience is sought after in the networking field, but is also transferable to other lucrative areas of tech.

Additionally, these courses are delivered completely online, helping you train around your existing work or personal commitments. We provide students with a flexible online learning environment that offers convenient tools for communicating with course peers and trainers, ensuring you’re given all the help and support you need throughout your journey.

Upon completion, course graduates are also given access to our Industry Partner Program – a membership that links you to prospective companies and offers career mentorship as you develop your skills in the industry.

Though AIICT cannot guarantee any job outcomes, our courses can help you build the basic skills you need to pursue entry-level positions or higher-level qualifications in the IT networking field.

Potential career pathways include:

ICT systems management. Our courses explore all the necessary skills required to ensure high-quality maintenance of a business’ network systems. Those tasked with overlooking these environments are often called ICT systems managers; professionals who help design, configure, support, and invest in the equipment and software needed to run efficient computer networks. They may also train workplace staff to use such systems, plan for further IT-related improvements, and assist with data backup and recovery procedures.

Network administration. With our programs focused on all the fundamentals of network maintenance and management, you can arm yourself with the basic skills to pursue network administrative roles. Similarly to ICT systems managers, network administrators ensure one’s computer systems are working as intended, with a stronger focus on network security; daily traffic monitoring and evaluation; user authentication, and the connectivity of devices.

Network security specialist. Cyber security forms a core area in both our networking courses, helping pave the way for employment in areas of network security. These professionals are cyber security experts who are focused on setting up, managing, and maintaining the tools required to ensure robust network security – including firewalls, VPNs, and e-mail protection. They constantly ensure that network hardware and software are up-to-date with current security requirements, and troubleshoot for vulnerabilities regularly.

Those looking to enter the IT networking field are typically recommended to pursue formal qualifications. Being a highly technical field, equipping yourself with a certification (or a few) can help you delve into all the necessary concepts, skills areas, and practices required to succeed in the field; while verifying your skills and helping you stand out among employers in the job market. AIICT is one training provider that offers such programs, such as our ICT40120 – Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking) and our ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking).

According to Labour Market Insights, plenty of workers hold vocational education and training (VET) qualifications in the industry, with 27.6%currently holding either an Advanced Diploma, Diploma, or Certificate-level qualification.

To build your on-the-job experience, it can also help to seek out the many internship opportunities available. Online job boards such as SEEK, Glassdoor, and Indeed currently advertise plenty of these positions, with LinkedIn also being a handy platform for reaching out to those in the industry.