Computer Network Technician Onboarding Checklist

Computer Network Technician Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Computer Network Technician starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Technology onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Computer Network Technician, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Computer Network Technician onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Computer Network Technician Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The new computer network technician should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures. This includes information on acceptable use of technology resources, security protocols, and any other relevant guidelines. The HR department or a designated representative typically performs this task.

2. Familiarization with the company’s network infrastructure: The technician should be given a detailed tour of the company’s network infrastructure, including the location of servers, switches, routers, and other networking equipment. This task is usually performed by a senior network technician or the IT manager.

3. Introduction to the company’s network documentation: The new technician should be provided with access to the company’s network documentation, which includes network diagrams, IP address assignments, and other relevant information. This task is typically performed by the IT manager or a designated network administrator.

4. Training on network monitoring and troubleshooting tools: The technician should receive training on the network monitoring and troubleshooting tools used by the company. This includes familiarization with software such as Wireshark, SolarWinds, or Nagios. The training can be conducted by a senior network technician or the IT manager.

5. Introduction to the company’s ticketing system: The technician should be trained on how to use the company’s ticketing system for logging and tracking network-related issues. This task is usually performed by the IT manager or a designated help desk supervisor.

6. Shadowing experienced network technicians: The new technician should have the opportunity to shadow experienced network technicians to gain hands-on experience and learn best practices. This task is typically coordinated by the IT manager or a designated mentor.

7. Familiarization with network security protocols: The technician should receive training on network security protocols, including firewall configurations, intrusion detection systems, and access control policies. This task is usually performed by the IT manager or a designated network security specialist.

8. Introduction to network documentation and change management processes: The technician should be trained on how to update network documentation and follow change management processes when making network configuration changes. This task is typically performed by the IT manager or a designated network administrator.

9. Training on network troubleshooting methodologies: The technician should receive training on network troubleshooting methodologies, including the use of ping, traceroute, and other diagnostic tools. This training can be conducted by a senior network technician or the IT manager.

10. Introduction to network backup and disaster recovery procedures: The technician should be trained on the company’s network backup and disaster recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and business continuity. This task is typically performed by the IT manager or a designated backup and recovery specialist.

11. Familiarization with network performance monitoring: The technician should be trained on how to monitor network performance using tools such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or NetFlow. This training can be conducted by a senior network technician or the IT manager.

12. Introduction to network vendor relationships: The technician should be introduced to key network equipment vendors and their support processes. This includes understanding how to open support tickets and escalate issues when necessary. The IT manager or a designated vendor management specialist typically performs this task.

13. Training on network documentation standards: The technician should receive training on the company’s network documentation standards, including naming conventions, labeling requirements, and documentation templates. This task is typically performed by the IT manager or a designated network documentation specialist.

14. Introduction to network capacity planning: The technician should be trained on network capacity planning methodologies to ensure the network can handle future growth and demands. This training can be conducted by a senior network technician or the IT manager.

15. Familiarization with network change control processes: The technician should be trained on the company’s network change control processes, including how to submit change requests and obtain approvals. This task is typically performed by the IT manager or a designated change control coordinator.

16. Introduction to network asset management: The technician should be trained on how to track and manage network assets, including equipment inventory, software licenses, and maintenance contracts. This task is usually performed by the IT manager or a designated asset management specialist.

17. Training on network documentation review and update processes: The technician should be trained on how to review and update network documentation to ensure accuracy and relevance. This task is typically performed by the IT manager or a designated network documentation specialist.

18. Introduction to network performance optimization techniques: The technician should receive training on network performance optimization techniques, such as traffic shaping, load balancing, and Quality of Service (QoS) configurations. This training can be conducted by a senior network technician or the IT manager.

19. Familiarization with network incident response procedures: The technician should be trained on the company’s network incident response procedures, including how to identify and respond to network security incidents. This task is typically performed by the IT manager or a designated incident response coordinator.

20. Introduction to network compliance requirements: The technician should be trained on network compliance requirements, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) or PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), if applicable to the company’s industry. This training can be conducted by the IT manager or a designated compliance officer

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Computer Network Technician checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Computer Network Technician up to speed and working well in your Technology team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.