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Develop your technical skills

Find out about specialist areas of tech and the different routes you can take to develop the skills employers need.

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Careers in tech

Whether you're starting out, thinking about a change of direction, or moving on from part-time work, tech skills could take your career somewhere new.  Flexible courses and financial support is available to help you get started.

Specialist digital roles are not just for people who know a lot about computers, have a degree or can code. There are opportunities for people from different backgrounds with a wide range of skills.

What you could gain

Doing a course in a specialist area like software development, electronic engineering or cyber security could lead to:

  • the chance to work on projects that make a difference, from healthcare to protecting people online
  • more earning potential and career opportunities
  • the opportunity to work flexibly to fit in with your lifestyle
  • the opportunity to work with others to solve problems
  • gaining skills that are in demand from employers across every sector

Building your skills now means you could start a career in tech.

How you could learn

There are lots of different training options available, whether you're starting as a beginner or already have experience.

Some courses are free or you could be eligible for financial support. You can choose one that suits you, whether you prefer studying in-person, online or a mix of both.

Courses are designed to build your confidence as well as your skills. There are opportunities whether you're entering the workforce, considering a career change or looking to change from part-time work into a digital career.

Courses like Skills Bootcamps and higher technical qualifications (HTQs) can help you develop the skills employers are looking for.

You can also view and apply for digital apprenticeships on GOV.UK.

Entry requirements

Most digital and tech courses are open to anyone aged 18 or over living in England.

Entry requirements vary by course and provider, so it's worth checking with them directly to find the right fit for your experience level.


Explore specialist tech areas

Find out more about in demand areas, read about how others got in, and search for courses to develop your skills.

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Software development

As a software developer, you'll:

  • write the code behind the websites, apps and digital tools people use every day, from banking apps to video games
  • work with AI tools to solve problems and build smarter solutions
  • see your work go live and used by people in their everyday life

You can find a software development course on the Get careers information and advice website.

Cyber security

As a cyber security professional, you'll:

  • protect organisations and individuals from online threats
  • protect systems from phishing software and data-hackers
  • work in one of the fastest growing areas of the UK tech sector

You can find a cyber security course on the Get careers information and advice website.

Electronic engineering

As an electronic engineer, you'll:

  • design and build the electronic technology that makes modern devices work
  • test and troubleshoot to fix problems with products
  • work on technology from smartphones to medical equipment and satellites

You can find an electronic engineering computing course on the Get careers information and advice website.

Data and analytics

As a data analytics professional, you'll:

  • use data to solve problems in a variety of organisations, from hospitals to private businesses
  • turn complex data into insights to inform how businesses make decisions
  • develop skills that are in demand from employers

You can find a data or analytics course on the Get careers information and advice website.


Learn more about the digital sector

There are lots of careers in digital. Find out what different digital careers involve, how to get in and what skills you'll need.