ICT
Employment opportunities in IT include: selling computers; computer support; computer development; software and hardware design.
The use of computers and ICT is widespread both in the workplace and in people's homes. 70% of the UK workforce (20 million people) uses IT in their work.
About 890,000 people are employed by IT and Telecoms businesses in the UK. The ICT workforce in the East of England numbers 118,019.
The sector contains the highest proportion of small businesses in the UK.
The ICT sector requires highly-skilled professionals. Employers are particularly interested in people with good teamworking and problem solving skills, who can communicate well.
The IT sector requires highly-skilled professionals. Employers are particularly interested in people with good team-working and problem solving skills, who can communicate well.
The IT sector has been affected by the recession. However, people will not stop using computers and there will continue to be a demand for those who are skilled and well qualified as the recession lifts.
How much could I earn?
Computer Engineer, Installation and Maintenance £27,231
Database Assistant/Clerk £18,144
ICT Manager £51,762
IT Operatives Technician £31,656
IT User Support Technician £26,375
Software Professional £38,568
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
Industry analysts predict that the sector will continue to grow, though this is likely to be more limited when compared with previous years.
The East of England has the third largest ICT workforce across the nine English regions. Its share of ICT employment is expected to remain stable over the next ten years.
While word processing and spreadsheet skills still top the list of IT use it is expected that large numbers of IT users will need to increase their skills to more advanced levels.
The relatively high wages ensure that the sector is a popular career choice for young people. Entry can be competitive.
The Government will continue to invest in ICT for the public sector (see Society, Health and Development), and its use will become increasingly important.
The advent of new technologies, such as broadband internet, digital interactive television and mobile communications will continue to create the need for new jobs and skills in the long term.
New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology. Look out to see whether it’s on offer in your area.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.