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IT & Cyber Security

Systems Administrator

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organisation's computer systems and networks. This includes installing and updating software, ensuring security through firewalls and antivirus programmes, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting any problems that arise. Systems Administrators work across many sectors, such as education, finance, healthcare, and government, ensuring that IT infrastructure runs smoothly and efficiently. They may also be involved in planning for future technology needs, supporting staff with technical issues, and documenting system changes. Good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities are important in this role.

Systems Administrator

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Systems Administrator in the UK is around £35,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £50,000 or more.

Job Openings

There are approximately 6,000 to 8,000 job postings for Systems Administrators in the UK at any given time.

Typical Working Hours

Most Systems Administrators work standard office hours, but about 25 percent may need to work evenings or weekends to perform maintenance or resolve urgent issues.

🚀 Careers in this path

Linux Systems Administrator

Specialises in managing and supporting computer systems running on the Linux operating system for organisations.

Windows Server Administrator

Focuses on installing, configuring and maintaining Windows-based servers and networks for businesses.

Cloud Systems Administrator

Manages cloud-based systems and services, such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services, ensuring secure and reliable access for users.

Develop IT Foundations

Study Computer Science or IT Subjects

Take GCSEs and A-levels in ICT, Computing, or related subjects to gain essential knowledge.

Subjects like Computer Science, Maths, and Physics can help you understand the basics of how computer systems work. You can also consider BTEC qualifications in IT or Computing as alternatives to A-levels.

Gain Basic IT Experience

Build experience by volunteering or helping with school or community IT systems.

You might help set up networks, troubleshoot basic issues, or maintain software at your school, library, or local community centre. This hands-on experience will help you develop practical skills and confidence.

Get Qualified and Certified

Complete Further Education

Pursue a degree, HND, or apprenticeship in IT, Computer Science, or Network Engineering.

University courses often include modules on networking, cyber security, and systems administration. Alternatively, higher or degree apprenticeships offer paid, real-world experience alongside study.

Gain Industry Certifications

Obtain IT certifications such as CompTIA A Plus, CompTIA Network Plus, or Microsoft Certified.

These certifications are widely recognised by employers and prove your technical skills in key areas such as hardware, networking, and operating systems. Entry-level certificates like CompTIA A Plus are a good starting point for beginners.

Build Professional Experience

Find an Entry Level IT Job

Apply for roles such as IT Support Technician or Junior Systems Administrator.

These roles offer valuable experience working with real systems and solving technical problems. You will also learn workplace skills and get to know the typical IT infrastructure used in organisations.

Progress to Systems Administrator Roles

After gaining experience, apply for Systems Administrator positions and take on more responsibility.

Continue learning about new technologies, security practices, and network management. With experience, you may specialise in areas such as cloud computing, security, or virtualisation.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Engineering Technician Apprentice

THURSTON ENGINEERING LTD

( Added 22 Feb 2024 - 2 positions available )

A great opportunity to join the team and learn the day-to-day processes of a busy engineering workshop. Working alongside skilled engineers you will progress to be conversant with all processes and machinery. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to become a valuable player in this specialist world learning valuable skills.

Closing date: in 29 days

Possible start date: 06 Jan 2026

The Royal Navy - Accelerated Apprentice (Submariner) - Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 60 positions available )

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Submariner) means being fast-tracked to working with one of our most elite teams. You'll be paid to study, gain practical skills and use highly sophisticated equipment. Prior to that you'll spend time in active service as either a Marine Engineer Submariner or Weapon Engineer Submariner.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprentice

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 70 positions available )

As an Engineering Technician Communications and Information Systems Specialist (Submariner) you'll be part of the elite Silent Service and a central member of your vessel’s engineering team. Using ultramodern radio and satellite systems to communicate with off-vessel command, you’re key to tactical and strategic communications.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Warfare Specialist (Submariner) Data Technician Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 100 positions available )

Being a Warfare Specialist (Submariner), means working with some of the most advanced computer systems available to identify, track and, if required, destroy potential threats. This will involve the covert monitoring of all other vessels (surface and sub-surface, friend or foe) within range of the advanced array of different sensors onboard.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Mine Warfare Specialist Data Technician Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 28 positions available )

We need to make the seas safe. For our warships, for civilian ships, for everyone. And that’s where you come in. You’ll be at the heart of these missions whether they’re in a Mediterranean port, or on operations in the Persian Gulf. As a Mine Warfare Specialist you’ll lead the way for our fleet, clearing any mines in its path.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Engineering Technician Accelerated Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 96 positions available )

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme means accelerating your training and development within one of our most elite teams. You’ll be fast-tracked to real responsibility, getting your hands on some of the most advanced kit on the planet, and guaranteeing your warship’s performance as a state-of-the-art fighting machine.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Systems Administrator and a Systems Analyst both possess technical expertise related to computer systems, networks, and software. While the Systems Administrator focuses more on the maintenance and management of systems, both roles require a strong understanding of IT infrastructure and problem-solving skills, making them closely aligned in qualifications.

How to become

You could get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a degree in a relevant subject like:

  • computer science
  • information management systems
  • business information systems
  • maths and operational research

Some universities offer a degree in Information Technology Management for Business. This degree is Tech Industry Gold accredited.

Postgraduate courses

If you have a degree that's not in an IT or computer subject, you could complete a postgraduate course.

You should choose one which focuses on business and computer skills.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do either an information systems business analyst higher apprenticeship or a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start with any job in IT or business then build up your experience and qualifications while working.

You could train online or attend short intensive courses with IT training organisations. You'll need some computer and business skills.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it helpful to get a business analysis certification to show your skills and expertise once you're working.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.

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