How to Begin a Career in IT

Source: CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce UK 2026

More businesses are moving online each year, bringing real risk. Government research found that 43% of UK businesses reported a cybersecurity breach or attack in the past 12 months, meaning around 612,000 organisations were affected. That scale of risk is why cybersecurity and information security roles are in such high demand right now, alongside cloud computing and data analysis. Businesses are hiring staff to prevent these attacks, which means steady, well-paid work for people entering this area of IT.

Software developers design, build, test and fix apps. You’ll need to learn programming languages such as Python and JavaScript. A solid grasp of data structures is also helpful. You could become a web developer, work on servers and databases as a back-end developer, or cover both as a full-stack developer. Most developers work in small teams, building features gradually and testing as they go, which suits people who enjoy solving problems step by step.

Data analysts and data scientists collect and analyse data to help companies make better decisions. Data science requires skills in statistics and machine learning. Roles in data modelling and database management can lead to work in market research or machine learning. Many analysts start in a general business role, then move into data work once they’ve picked up tools like SQL or Power BI on the job.

Cybersecurity protects a company’s networks and data from cyber threats. A cybersecurity analyst needs to know network security rules, and ethical hacking and penetration testing are key skills. It is also helpful to know standards like ISO 27001. Cybersecurity suits people who enjoy puzzles and staying one step ahead. In your day-to-day work in cybersecurity, you might monitor for suspicious activity, run simulated attacks to spot weak points, or help colleagues avoid common traps like phishing emails.

Cloud computing involves running online data storage and remote servers. A cloud engineer usually needs hands-on skills with tools like AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. As more firms move their systems off-site, cloud roles are among the highest-paid and fastest-growing areas in IT. It suits people who enjoy building and maintaining infrastructure rather than writing customer-facing features. Demand is growing fastest for engineers who can manage cost and security across more than one cloud platform.

IT support means keeping a company’s hardware and software running smoothly. A support specialist needs troubleshooting skills for systems like Windows and Linux, and you’ll also need a good grasp of computer networks. This is one of the most common entry-level IT jobs, and it’s a great way to build hands-on experience early on. You’re often the first person a colleague turns to when something breaks, which builds technical skill and confidence fast.

There are three main routes into IT: a degree, an apprenticeship, or a certification-led path. Which suits you depends on how much time you have and how you learn best.

A degree gives you the deepest technical grounding, but it takes three years or more. A higher apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn. Most lead to a Level 4 qualification over a few years. If you’re worried about landing a job with no experience, this is a strong option, since you get real work and study at the same time.

If you’re starting from scratch, UK IT qualifications are structured in levels. A Level 2 IT qualification is the typical entry point. Level 3 is the next step up, equivalent to A-levels and comparable to an Australian Certificate III. Both are widely offered as short, standalone courses if you don’t want to commit to a full degree straight away.

If you’re completely new to IT, consider help desk support, junior development or network technician roles. These jobs give you hands-on experience with computer systems and networks. They’re often the fastest way in if you don’t have a computing degree.

Technical skills matter, but they’re only half the picture. You’ll need a solid technical base, plus the soft skills to put it to good use.

• You’ll want a working knowledge of operating systems like Windows and Linux.
• A solid grasp of computer networks helps too, such as how devices connect, share data and stay secure.
• At least one programming language is a big advantage, since Python and SQL show up across data, cloud, and support roles.
• Understanding how data storage and database management work is important, whatever path you take.
• Familiarity with platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud is expected, even in generalist roles, because knowing how to diagnose a problem is often as valuable as knowing how to fix it.

• Communication matters in almost every IT job. In client-facing roles, you’ll need to explain technical ideas in plain terms.
• Good problem-solving means spotting an issue, finding its cause and fixing it. This matters in IT support just as much as it does in software development.
• You’ll also need to manage your time well, since IT staff often juggle several projects at once.
• Project management skills are useful too and can help you move from a hands-on technical role into consulting or team leadership later on.

Technology changes fast, so learning never really stops, even after you land a job. Entry-level certifications can help you get ahead early, and you don’t need years of experience first. Some good ones to know:

• Cisco certs – good for network engineering and wireless networking. No entry requirements.

• CompTIA Security+ – a well-known way into cybersecurity roles.

• Microsoft certs – cover everything from SQL Server to Dynamics 365.

• Cyber security certs – often require a computing degree or proven work experience.

These are national averages. Your pay may differ by region, firm size and level. London jobs usually pay 20-35% more than the UK average.

Start with an entry-level role, such as help desk support or a junior technician role. These roles teach you skills on the job. You can also build a portfolio first by taking free online courses or working on small coding projects.

Many roles require a computer science degree, but that’s not your only option. You can also pursue an apprenticeship, a bootcamp, or a certification such as CompTIA or Cisco. This approach works well for support and entry-level roles.

Cloud engineering and software development tend to pay the most in the UK, with cyber security and data science close behind.

Yes. IT remains one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide. It offers strong job security, good pay and flexible working hours.