Section three: UK Insights

• broad foundational knowledge in data transfer networks (Cisco technology) and network system operations (Microsoft technology)

• networking principles – including network design, IP addressing, subnetting, basic network device configurations

• security awareness has improved significantly with our curriculum touch bases on firewall configurations and VPN setup.

• Linux based servers, automation and scripting (network programmability)
• the students approach indicates their comfortability in manual, GUI configurations which could be more time-consuming and prone to error
• the future of networking involves infrastructure automation: automating repetitive tasks using tools like Ansible, Python, PowerShell etc.
• as our strength lies on broad foundational knowledge, transferring them to further targeted mastery of technology is the key area of development
• we could develop our troubleshooting approach from a trial-and-error method to a structured diagnostic approach.

National Competitions: 

• multi-tasking – time management
• identify and prioritise tasks
• automation, scripting (Python, PowerShell)
• troubleshooting methodology.

Employment / Industry: 

• transferable skills: teamwork, communication, time management
• virtualised environments
• emerging trends and technologies like software defined networking, IoT, AI-based network management tools.

There needs to be more focus on project-based learning using:

• automation in Network Administration, software defined networking/ network programmability
• Linux based server management and server configurations: use of command line tools for efficient server management
• methodological troubleshooting.