Network Engineering and IT Support

By the end, you can troubleshoot common PC and network faults, set up a small office network and Wi-Fi, and work towards CompTIA A+ or Cisco CCNA.

Job-ready skillAbout 160 hours3 stagesFree

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IT support technicians keep computers, printers and networks running; network engineers design and fix the networks themselves. Every business in South Africa needs this, and help desk work is a common first step into tech.

Turn on JavaScript to track your progress. The lessons are:FoundationsLearn computer hardware, operating systems and how to troubleshoot step by step.Task: Take an old PC or laptop (or use a virtual machine) and reinstall the operating system, update drivers and back up files. Write a step-by-step guide with what went wrong and how you fixed it.Core skillsUnderstand networking: IP addresses, subnets, switches, routers, DNS and Wi-Fi.Task: Using free Cisco Packet Tracer, build a small office network with two departments, a router and Wi-Fi. Save the file and explain the IP plan.Applied practiceHandle real support work: tickets, customers, documentation.Task: Help three people (family, a school or a small business) with a real IT problem. Log each one like a help desk ticket: problem, steps, fix, time taken.

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What competent looks like

Troubleshoots in a logical order and documents it
Installs and updates operating systems and drivers
Plans IP addresses for a small network
Sets up a router, switch and secure Wi-Fi
Speaks to non-technical users patiently

The South African route

Common entry certificates are CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCNA. Cisco Networking Academy runs free courses, and MICT SETA learnerships in end-user computing and networking are a funded route.

Free resources

Networking Basics (free)
Cisco Networking Academy
Packet Tracer download
Cisco Networking Academy

These links go to free courses and sites run by other organisations. We chose them in October 2026 but do not run them, so check costs, dates and entry requirements on their site. Broken link? Tell us.

Jobs it can lead to

IT support technician
Help desk agent
Junior network technician
Desktop support