Computing and IT

Careers

The strong growth of tech-related employment in the UK sends a clear message to anyone considering career opportunities in this sector: there’s a multitude of exciting openings. Are you ready to unlock them?

What’s involved?

Information technology (IT) is a term that encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange and use information in its various forms (business data, online chat, images, video, multimedia presentations … the list is pretty much endless, and these days the vast majority of us are everyday users in our home and personal lives, quite apart from our working lives!). ‘IT’ is a convenient ‘umbrella’ term that is often used to encompass both the telecoms and computing/IT sectors. IT is the technology that is driving what is often referred to as the ‘information revolution’. It deals with the use of computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information, securely.

At the centre of everyday life and with a significant presence in almost all industries and businesses, computing and IT together provide employment for an enormous number of people. To get an idea of just some of the jobs in this sector, take a look at the accompanying ‘Typical IT jobs’ box. You could be creating technological applications or systems, solving problems using technology or supporting people who use it. IT is an important part of pretty much all industries these days, from marketing, HR and finance to retail, manufacturing and the public sector.

Skills shortages

There is currently demand for higher-level technical skills, in particular to develop products and services to meet the needs of the fast-moving nature of the industry. This includes knowledge of the most up-to-date programming languages and systems such as cloud computing (see below to find out more).

Cyber security is a growing field that merits special attention (find out about cyber security careers elsewhere on the Quest website, and click here for our special feature highlighting a new programme that aims to create a clear transition pathway to the industry for Service leavers). Currently there aren’t enough experts to counteract more advanced cyber attacks. This has led to an increase in opportunities for information security officers and information risk managers, who manage threats posed to businesses. Large organisations, governments and social media platforms, such as Facebook (Meta) and Twitter, are all keen to employ cyber experts.

There is also a serious skills shortage within the data centres sector (click here to find out more about that and read about someone who has already successfully followed a route from Forces to data centres). The skills shortage is accompanied by growing demand for numerate and IT-literate people to work in analytics and solve business problems. In general, employers are looking for those who can combine technical skills with an understanding of broader business objectives in order to be able to solve real business issues.

Skill up while serving

Each Service has its ‘expert’ IT staff – if that’s you, you are likely to know exactly where your particular skill set might lead. Such experts are generally found in the specialist communications, administrative and electronics branches, although some serving outside those areas may also have considerable expertise. Others will have specialised in computing and/or electronics as part of their career pattern; they are likely to have a number of very transferable and marketable skills (as the new cyber security initiative mentioned earlier highlights), but these may need to be targeted in a particular area, or improved or widened in the period before leaving. 

There is a great deal of computing and IT training available through the resettlement system. Preferred suppliers and other training providers offer a wide variety of courses in this field. 

Get qualified!

It’s a good idea to gain as much theoretical knowledge as possible while you are still serving, which can then be enhanced by practical training during your resettlement. Knowledge can be developed through individual study and online short courses, with academic qualifications via a college or distance learning and industry placement nearer discharge.

You will have to learn to use specific applications or languages (see below). How much formal training you need will depend on your new career path, as well as your individual experience and aptitudes. Options available range from conversion courses to work placements. Some companies recruit only those who have already been working in the field, but many will take on new entrants. Others will take new recruits with little or no technical knowledge and offer training, provided they have other valued skills, and show they are enthusiastic and capable of learning. To increase your chances of getting a good job, you should aim to demonstrate these attributes through work experience connected to ICT (information and communication technology), or a course or qualification in an ICT- or business-related subject; and you should develop – and be able to demonstrate – skills such as communications and problem solving. 

Computing and IT qualifications

While the more academic qualifications will provide a thorough grounding in principles likely to be highly relevant as a basis for future training, the industry moves so fast that a lot of the detail may quickly become out of date. Also available are both generic and vendor-specific qualifications. The generic ones certify achievements in the general field of computing and IT, while those that are vendor-specific demonstrate a level of expertise in a particular manufacturer’s products. Many people hold qualifications and certifications of both types, and often a portfolio of qualifications in the products of different manufacturers, as it is important to be able to operate across both platforms and equipment.

Generic qualifications include academic courses. Degrees (foundation or higher), HNDs and HNCs are all highly valued, with the theoretical knowledge involved always being relevant. Degrees tend to be in computer science, with HNDs and HNCs in software engineering. An A-level or GCSE in computer science might be your academic starting point if you are a beginner.

NVQs (levels 1 to 5) and apprenticeships are available, based on sector-approved national occupational standards. ELC and SLC cannot be used together but, if you’re looking to use your SLC for training that is below the ELC level 3 threshold, you might want to consider such a course. Some employers may not be very familiar with these, however, so you might find other qualifications more useful. Vocational A-levels may also be taken – usually through FE colleges – and these can provide a job-orientated qualification with a strong academic element. The experience gained in acquiring these qualifications will be valuable in finding employment.

Which course?

The wide array of courses available will give you everything from a basic introduction to a doctorate.

• Short (one to five days) courses in, for example, wireless communications, IP networks, traffic engineering or managing product development provide basic information that will enhance your skills in many work environments or help you to choose a specific skills area before seeking higher levels of training. These short courses are often privately run and tailor-made, which means costs vary but may typically start at around £600 for one day, £1,000 for one/two days and £1,400 for four/five days.
• Next comes a range of relatively short part-time FE courses (taking from one to three terms) resulting in recognised qualifications such as the entry-level CCNA certificate and IT User Qualifications (ITQs), which are nationally recognised qualifications for those who need digital skills as users of technology – at work, in education and when looking for work. Also on offer are NVQs and City & Guilds courses. These generally start at around £400 for one term and may require additional input of around 10 hours per week for students to meet course requirements. Courses are diverse, (often) do not require previous qualifications, and are likely to cover, for instance, website design, software programming, information technology, and public space surveillance (CCTV). A qualification at this level would be recognised within the telecoms and computing/IT industries, and would allow you to progress to higher-level study.
• Longer part-time or full-time courses are likely to result in, for example, BTEC diplomas (i.e. an IT and Telecoms Professional Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship). These courses will take at least a year and contain an element of workplace learning. You may need up to five GCSEs to gain entry on to a course at this level; alternatively, you may need to gain other relevant qualifications (such as maths and English) alongside apprenticeship training. This level of study will ensure good progression through your chosen industry.
• More complex training includes undergraduate degrees such as: Electronics with Satellite Engineering, and Computer Science; master’s such as Telecommunication Engineering, and Computing for Commerce and Industry; and doctorates such as Intelligent Systems and Networks; and Distributed Computing. Professional doctorates are the more obvious choice for those wishing to go straight into a work environment, rather than staying in academia or research. Although entry requirements can vary and are sometimes negotiable, generally you need A-levels to take a degree (although, if you don’t have these, an Access to HE Diploma could help you here – use our search function to list our full range of Access Diploma features), and you need a degree to progress to master’s or PhD study. Length of time to complete this level of study can vary; part-time, it could take six years or more. Typically, costs range from around £10,000 to £60,000, but at this level of study there may be funding opportunities. These qualifications would lead to management and consultancy roles.

What’s out there?

Here are a few more courses you might like to consider (although please note that this is a hugely diverse area, and job opportunities are increasing and blending into many workplaces):

• Diploma in Engineering Computer Systems and Telecoms
• BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles, or Networking and Systems Support
• seven-hour online course for employees working in the area of Voice Switching (combining telephony, telecoms and Voice Over Internet Protocol)
• beginner-level part-time and weekend courses in basic computing (getting started with, for example, various applications, programs and software)
• Foundation Degree/level 4 in Business Information Technology
• four-day course in Database Administration.

Also, although it’s not exactly a course, the Open University has linked with iTunes to provide a range of free learning materials, computing and ICT included. This is a great resource if you are looking for background details and exploring whether you would like to further your current studies in the area. To find out more, click here

COMPUTING AND IT APPRENTICESHIPS
As mentioned above, this industry offers a host of highly relevant apprenticeships at different levels, with providers ranging from innovative SMEs to leading multinational companies. This page of the Prospects website is a great place to start your search. Alternatively, use your favourite search engine to discover more options. Or browse the government’s apprenticeship website (check out the ‘Digital’ section) or Find Apprenticeships, both of which allow you to search for apprenticeship opportunities by area of interest and location.

Professional vendor qualifications 

Professional vendor qualifications are training and exams in a specific manufacturer’s products. The manufacturer should be a major supplier in the industry for its qualifications to have value, but do bear in mind that a qualification that is very valuable today may have less value tomorrow if a manufacturer goes out of business or there is a major change in technology.

Microsoft qualifications are perhaps the best known and have long been seen as embodying the globally recognised standard for IT professionals. Having recently retired its previously well-known certifications, Microsoft now offers a host of more job role targeted certifications which demonstrate that the holder is keeping pace with current technical roles and requirements. Click here to browse these and find out how to become Microsoft certified.

Microsoft is not, of course, the only manufacturer on the market, and other big players – such as Cisco Systems – also have their own certifications. 

Professional bodies

The CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) offers a series of certifications, which are credentials achieved through a testing process to validate knowledge within a specific IT support function. Its exams are developed by subject-matter experts and the certifications are recognised throughout the industry as foundation-level skill sets. Its qualifications are widely recognised and may also form modules in other ICT awards and programmes. 

BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT is a qualifying body for chartered IT professionals. It offers a range of qualifications and certifications, s well as BCS professional exams, which at their highest level take students to the academic level of an honours degree, and acknowledge practical experience and academic ability. To see the full range, you’ll need to visit the BCS website

Use your ELC

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELCAS website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on the Quest website

COMPUTER SAYS YES!

In this sector, it of course goes without saying that an enormous number of courses and qualifications are available to study online. However, it’s still wise to confirm with training providers that the course(s) you are interested in can be completed via this study route.

Finding employment

Securing employment is inevitably a combination of qualifications, experience, networking, work placements, the right CV and going for the right job.

Those entering similar employment to that they had in the Forces may well start at the same level, while those going into an unrelated field will probably start further down the ladder. Once into a company the employment possibilities are enormous in this expanding and ever-changing industry. ‘Permanent’ employment is often regarded as lasting three to five years, and people commonly change employer every two years or so. In-house training is often provided, and those with the right skills can achieve rapid promotion.