Digital
What is the Digital Sector? The digital sector is an extension of ICT and is extremely broad. It encompasses a diverse range of activities including telecoms, advertising, computer programming, broadcasting and more.
Workplace trends
Average annual salary
• The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for digital transformation across all sectors driving increased demand for digital skills.
£43,108*
• Fast moving technology requires continual development of technical skills.
• Predominately a younger, white British workforce. • Underrepresentation of females working in the sector. • Employers are diversifying their workforce, and increasingly seeking soft skills.
Percentage of GM workforce working in this sector
Roles that GM employers are currently recruiting for
(86,000 employed)
• Software Developer / Engineer
6.3%
• Web Developer
Approximate number of GM employers
• Computer Support Specialist
11,000
• Computer Systems Engineer / Architect
Who might you work for? • Google
• GCHQ
• Microsoft
• CDL
• IBM
• AJ Bell
• Cisco
• Autotrader PLC
• TalkTalk Telecom Group Ltd
• Self-driven • Tenacity
Soft skills
• Collaboration
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Database Administrator
• IT Project Manager
• Computer Programmer
• Product Manager
• Systems Analyst
• Information Security Engineer / Analyst
• Customer Services • Sales
• Software QA Engineer / Tester
What do I need to start my career? Generally, no experience required for entry roles. Specialist/technical roles such as software developers require a qualification / experience. Technical roles: GM has many organisations offering programmes with guaranteed job interviews e.g., Northcoders, Code Nation, Manchester Digital. Hands on experience, building a portfolio about what you have done in practice is important, not just what is studied.
Types of qualifications
Shortage and in demand roles
• NVQs, BTECs, Diplomas, Degrees.
• Software Developers
• Network Engineering • Cloud Engineering
• Many colleges and providers offer entry level (L1-2) Digital courses.
• Communication
• Software Delivery
• Digital Marketing and Creative Marketing
• L2-7 apprenticeships.
• Personal organisation
• Data Analysts
• Technical sales
• Leadership and Management
• Operations Support
• FinTech
• Willingness to train
• Information Governance
• Degrees in Computer Science and Digital. • T Levels focus on digital.
What does the future hold for this sector? • With new online platforms replacing face to face transactions there are emerging needs around cyber and information security. • This is particularly relevant in areas of network and cloud engineering.
Want to know more? - S earch for apprenticeships, or search for jobs on itjobswatch and IT Job Board. For more information around salaries in this industry, click here. 2022
*Financial and Business Services sector is the closest match for average salary