Ways into a tech role

Some people come into tech straight from school. Others arrive after years in a different line of work.

Choosing a role to aim for

The National Careers Service publishes a profile for each role. It describes software developers as people who create and test programs that let people complete tasks, run services and use digital devices.

IT support technicians give technical help to people using computers, by finding and fixing hardware, software and network problems. The same role is also called help desk technician or service desk analyst.

Each profile sets out the routes in, such as university, college or an apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship

GOV.UK describes an apprenticeship as practical training in a job, combined with study. An apprentice is an employee, earning a wage and getting holiday pay. An apprenticeship takes from 8 months to 6 years, depending on its type and level.

In software, the National Careers Service lists apprenticeships from a Level 2 foundation apprenticeship up to degree level. Software Development Technician at Level 3 and Software Developer at Level 4 are two of them.

A foundation apprenticeship is open to people aged 16 to 21, and to some people aged 22 to 24. To start any apprenticeship, you need to be 16 or over, live in England and not be in full-time education. Someone still at school can apply, as long as they'll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.

An apprentice's rights

At least 20% of an apprentice's normal working hours must be spent on training, and that time is paid. An apprentice is entitled to the National Minimum Wage and to at least 20 days' paid holiday a year, plus bank holidays.

A college course or a free qualification

For 16 to 19 year olds, the National Careers Service lists a T Level in Digital Software Development, and one in Digital Support and Security. Colleges usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and maths.

Through Free Courses for Jobs, adults aged 19 or over can study some level 3 qualifications free, including in digital subjects. It is for people who earn below a set amount, or who are unemployed. The National Careers Service course finder shows which courses are free near you.

Coming from another career

GOV.UK says relevant experience, such as a completed IT course, can shorten an apprenticeship. You agree this with the employer and the training provider at the start.

Adults aged 19 or over can also take a Skills Bootcamp. Bootcamps in digital subjects include software development and data engineering. Each one takes up to 16 weeks, and most need no earlier knowledge of the subject.

The National Careers Service notes that IT graduate training schemes are often open to graduates of any subject. In IT support, some people start as a trainee technician and study for qualifications while they work. Customer service skills are also important there.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has a section on getting into tech, with routes into the industry and the qualifications that go with them.

Useful links