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Careers in Tech 2020

Your journey into tech starts now

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Julian David

CEO, techUK

A career in tech is available for anyone from all different walks of life, but it can be difficult, and sometimes overwhelming, to work out where to start. Here’s how you can discover more…


Often there is a lack of awareness of the career opportunities that exist and how to get to them. But as the UK tech scene continues to thrive and transform, there are new opportunities emerging across the country meaning everyone – from new entrants to those looking for a career change – has a range of options. 

Break down the stigma around tech – it’s for everyone!

One way to do this is to disprove common misconceptions and stereotypes of those in the sector. At techUK, we understand that more needs to be done to ensure people know the breadth of what the industry can offer.

We have created an online pathways guide[1], which aims to offer an introduction to the variety of routes that can be taken into tech, bringing information together in one place to help people find a route that works for them.

In addition to breaking stereotypes, there is more that individuals and businesses can do to push this message:

  • Showcase role models in their organisations, including those from diverse backgrounds
  • Highlight flexibility of roles and demonstrate clear career progression possibilities
  • Remove perceived barriers to entry

Understanding how you can get into – and progress within – tech

According to research by LinkedIn[2] the top reason people left their old job was because they were concerned about the lack of opportunities for advancement. Clarity and direction are also key to retaining tech talent.

This is why techUK is a part of the consortium developing the UK Cyber Security Council[3], which will look to develop clearer career pathways and support the profession.

As our dependency on tech becomes ever more important, creating the opportunity to enhance digital skills is a top priority for industry and for Government. That’s why techUK is delighted to announce a merger[4] with the leading accreditation organisation for tech degrees and degree apprenticeships, Tech Partnership Degrees[5]. This partnership enables us to continue to champion the importance of digital inclusion, widen pathways to learning and pivot skills towards the tech sector.

The heart of London Tech Week has been a showcase of strength: industries being restored, and areas being rejuvenated. Yet, for too many people. a career in tech seems elusive or not for ‘people like them’. Let’s do more to tell our story.

techUK represents the companies and technologies that are defining today the world that we will live in tomorrow. Over 850 companies are members of techUK, collectively they employ more than 700,000 people. These companies range from leading FTSE 100 companies to innovative start-ups. The majority of our members are small and medium-sized businesses.

[1] https://www.techuk.org/your-journey-into-tech/why_tech | [2] https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/learning/en-us/pdfs/lil-guide-attract-retain-top-tech-talent.pdf | [3] https://www.theiet.org/impact-society/uk-cyber-security-council-formation-project/ | [4] https://www.tpdegrees.com/news/tech-partnership-degrees-to-join-forces-with-techuk/ | [5] https://www.tpdegrees.com/

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