Information Technology

Almost all companies use technology to manage their information and communications with more than 20 million people using technology in their day-to-day work. In the South West, more than 1.8million people use ICT in their jobs with this number set to grow!

With new technologies being constantly introduced into the world of work, and into our lives outside of work, we can see that technology is driving real change in how we do things, in how we communicate with others, and in how we view the world.

The growth in technology within businesses and in the home, has seen a huge increase in the numbers of people working in the sector. There is significant growth in new jobs, and employers are keen to recruit people with the technical skills they need. In fact, there is a skills shortage in jobs such as:

• Cyber Security
• Software Engineering
• Technical Support
• Programming

Many local training providers offer a wide range of training and qualifications to support you in gaining the job you want – everything from Network Engineer to Sales Support, to Games Developer and Business Analyst, through to Information Systems Manager and Information Security Specialist. Visit our members page where you can access more information on specific providers.

People working within ICT need to have good levels of literacy and numeracy, and depending on the job may also need strong creative and problem-solving skills. Click on the jobs below to find out more about working in one of these roles, including the skills required, entry criteria and how much you could earn!

• Computer Games Developer
• Forensic Computer Analyst
• IT Project Manager
• Network Engineer
• Software Developer
• Web Developer

You can see lots more job roles and their profiles by visiting the National Careers Service site.

Employers are particularly keen to attract people with higher level ICT skills, especially if they are able to combine these skills with business acumen and / or creativity. Degree level Apprenticeships are now available, with Plymouth University offering Degree Level Apprenticeships in Digital Solutions, meaning you can study for a University-level qualification whilst you are earning.

If you are interested in computers, and would like to work for yourself, this is the sector for you - IT has one of the highest rates of self-employment in the UK – with around one in four of the workforce being self-employed – 86% of IT and Telecoms companies employ four people or less.