Information Technology
1:1 calls with real people in IT roles.
Frequently asked questions
IT is a broad field focused on helping organisations manage, secure, build, and optimise their digital systems. IT careers can involve technical support, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, programming, data management, and more.
IT is one of the UK’s most secure, future-proof career paths, with strong salaries, clear progression, and growing demand globally.
Not sure which IT path fits you? You can talk directly to real IT specialists on ChatYourCareer to get clarity before choosing a route.
Based on industry projections and UK employer demand, the following IT roles are growing fastest:
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cloud Engineer / Cloud Architect
IT Support Specialist
Network Engineer
Software Developer
Data Engineer
DevOps Engineer
AI & Automation Specialist
IT Project Manager
Cybersecurity, AI-related roles, and cloud computing are expected to see the strongest growth in 2026 due to digital transformation and rising cyber threats.
​IT Role (UK, 2026) | ​Entry-Level | ​Mid-Level | ​Senior |
​IT Support Technician | ​£22,000–£28,000 | ​£30,000–£38,000 | ​£40,000–£50,000 |
​Network Engineer | ​£28,000–£35,000 | ​£40,000–£55,000 | ​£60,000–£75,000 |
​Cybersecurity Analyst | ​£32,000–£40,000 | ​£45,000–£60,000 | ​£70,000–£95,000 |
​Software Developer | ​£28,000–£35,000 | ​£40,000–£55,000 | ​£60,000–£85,000 |
​Cloud Engineer | ​£40,000–£50,000 | ​£55,000–£75,000 | ​£80,000–£110,000 |
​DevOps Engineer | ​£45,000–£55,000 | ​£60,000–£85,000 | ​£90,000–£120,000+ |
​IT Project Manager | ​£35,000–£45,000 | ​£50,000–£70,000 | ​£75,000–£100,000 |
Sources: 2026 UK salary projections from Hays, Robert Half, CWJobs & Tech Nation data.
Not necessarily. More IT professionals are entering the field through:
Bootcamps
Self-study
Apprenticeships
Vendor certifications (CompTIA, Microsoft, AWS, Cisco)
Degrees are useful but no longer essential. Employers in 2026 care more about hands-on skills, certifications, and portfolios.
The top beginner-friendly certifications include:
CompTIA A+ – IT support fundamentals
CompTIA Network+ – Networking basics
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
AWS Cloud Practitioner
These are widely recognised by UK employers and help you enter support, cloud, and networking roles.
Technical skills:
Networking & operating systems
Cloud fundamentals (Azure, AWS)
Cybersecurity basics
Scripting (Python, PowerShell)
Troubleshooting & configuration
ITSM (IT service management)
Soft skills:
Problem-solving
Communication
Patience
Adaptability
Customer support skills
The combination of both is what employers value most.
Here’s the most common beginner pathway:
Learn IT fundamentals (CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support).
Build hands-on skills using free labs (Microsoft Learn, TryHackMe, Codecademy).
Create a simple portfolio (troubleshooting logs, network setups, scripts).
Apply for entry-level roles like IT Support or Service Desk.
Gain experience while progressing into cloud, cybersecurity, or networking.
You can also talk to real IT professionals on ChatYourCareer to understand which path suits your strengths.
Most people branch into one of these:
IT Support → IT Administrator → Network Engineer / Cloud
IT Support → Cybersecurity Analyst → Security Engineer
Junior Developer → Software Engineer → Senior Developer / Tech Lead
IT Project Coordinator → IT Project Manager / Product Manager
Data Technician → Data Analyst → Data Engineer
Each path offers strong long-term earnings and stability.
Most people can land their first IT job within 3–9 months if they:
Learn IT fundamentals
Earn at least one certification
Apply consistently
Build a small portfolio
Get interview practice from someone in the field
2026 employers are hiring more career-changers due to IT talent shortages across the UK.
Beginner-friendly IT roles include:
IT Support Technician
Service Desk Analyst
Junior Network Technician
Junior Cybersecurity Analyst (with self-study)
Junior Developer
QA / Software Tester
Data Technician
These roles give you a solid foundation to branch out later.
Yes. IT remains one of the UK’s most remote-friendly industries. In 2026:
40–60% of IT jobs offer hybrid working
25%+ offer fully remote roles
Cyber, cloud, DevOps, and engineering roles are most remote-friendly
IT Support is more often hybrid due to equipment handling.
Depending on your path:
Python – essential for automation, cybersecurity, data
JavaScript – for software development & web
SQL – for data and analytics
PowerShell – for IT automation
Bash – for Linux and cloud roles
Python remains the most versatile choice across almost all IT areas.
Core IT Tools:
Windows & Linux OS
Active Directory
Office 365 & Azure
Ticketing systems (ServiceNow, Jira)
Networking tools (Cisco IOS, Wireshark)
Cloud Tools:
AWS
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud
Security Tools:
SIEM (Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel)
Endpoint security tools
TryHackMe / HackTheBox labs
Programming/Scripting:
Python
PowerShell
Bash
Extremely strong.
The UK digital sector is projected to grow 7–10% annually through 2030.
Cybersecurity demand is expected to rise 22% by 2026.
Cloud engineering roles are projected to grow 18%+.
AI and automation specialists are among the fastest-growing careers in Europe.
Despite automation, IT jobs are increasing faster than they are being replaced.
IT is a huge field, and choosing the right path can feel overwhelming.
The best way is to speak with people actually working in different IT roles.
On ChatYourCareer, you can talk directly to IT Support Engineers, Cyber Analysts, Cloud Engineers, Network Specialists, and Developers to understand the day-to-day reality, salaries, and progression of each path.
You’ll get practical insights you can’t find in Google searches.