IT Network Systems Administration – International Skill Insights

Section one - Moving from Competence to Excellence

Summary: 

The WorldSkills Occupational Standard (WSOS) for IT Network Systems Administration highlights two key areas: Data Transfer Networks (25%) and Network and System Operations (25%). Competence in Data Transfer Networks requires a strong understanding of the OSI Model, TCP/IP stack, VLAN segmentation, routing protocols, and network security configurations, along with the ability to troubleshoot network issues. Excellence involves optimising network performance, implementing advanced routing, VPN technologies, and software-defined networking, and ensuring enterprise-level security and fault tolerance. In Network and System Operations, competence includes managing directory services, configuring network time services, implementing authentication controls, and setting up remote access and monitoring services. Excellence demands expertise in scalable network design, high availability, advanced DNS and DHCP configurations, automated backup systems, and custom reporting tools. To achieve world-class standards, professionals must anticipate network challenges, enhance security, and optimise functionality for complex enterprise environments, ensuring their infrastructure is resilient, efficient, and future-ready.

Section two - International Benchmarking

Summary:

South Korea and Hungary have strong TVET models that emphasise early vocational training, hands-on learning, and industry collaboration. South Korea integrates specialised schools, competency-based assessments, internships, and competitions, while Hungary focuses on digital skills, project-based learning, and continuous professional development. Both countries work closely with industry by aligning curriculum with certifications, integrating industry mentors, and providing state-of-the-art training infrastructure.

Germany’s WorldSkills training follows a three-tiered mentorship system, where past, current, and future competitors train together, ensuring knowledge transfer and long-term skill development. Germany has Centres of Excellence dedicated to specific skills, providing cutting-edge facilities, structured outreach, and a centralised training hub to enhance competitor preparation.

Indonesia and Hungary stand out for their network automation and troubleshooting excellence. Indonesia has adopted automation early, improving efficiency and reducing errors, while Hungary’s structured approach to problem-solving emphasises root cause analysis and scripting tools like Python and Ansible to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

International Standards of Excellence in IT Network Systems Administration focus on modular network design, real-time troubleshooting, automation, and security. Competitors must design scalable networks, implement dynamic routing and secure connectivity, conduct real-time diagnostics, and automate tasks to improve efficiency.

Key international trends include automation in network administration, software-defined networking, Linux-based server management, and structured troubleshooting approaches, all of which are essential for achieving world-class performance.

Section three - UK Insights

Summary:

The UK’s strengths in IT Network Systems Administration lie in its broad foundational knowledge of Cisco networking and Microsoft systems, with strong skills in network design, IP addressing, subnetting, and security awareness, particularly in firewall configurations and VPN setup. Areas for development include Linux-based server management, automation, and scripting, as UK students tend to rely on manual GUI configurations, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. The future of networking involves infrastructure automation, using tools like Ansible, Python, and PowerShell, as well as shifting from trial-and-error troubleshooting to a structured diagnostic approach.

To prepare for national competitions, educators should focus on multi-tasking, task prioritisation, automation, scripting, and structured troubleshooting. For employment, key skills include teamwork, communication, virtualisation, and knowledge of emerging trends like software-defined networking, IoT, and AI-based network management. A greater emphasis on project-based learning will help students master automation, Linux server management, and methodological troubleshooting, ensuring they are ready for both competitions and industry demands.