Digital Tech and Artificial Intelligence
Futureproof your career in Digital Technology
Digital technology refers to electronic tools, systems and devices that generate, store, or process data including computers, smartphones, AI, and the internet enable automation, instant communication, and data analysis.
In 2026 the UK technology sector is worth £1.2 trillion and remains the largest in Europe, with London accounting for 59% of its total value. Artificial intelligence now sits at the centre of this growth and as AI becomes embedded across industries, it’s driving expansion in cybersecurity, data sharing and a new generation of hybrid roles that combine technical skills, strategic judgement and ethical awareness.
To meet the needs of the UK's growing tech sector employers need more people with the right skills as there is currently a shortage of qualified candidates. This presents an opportunity for a career change and the digital tech sector is offering training for adults who wish to get into this area. There are also courses available online, including short courses at a beginner level, progressing on to apprenticeships, higher education and degree apprenticeship opportunities.
As well as the jobs in demand listed below there is an increasing demand in the following AI roles:
- AI and machine-learning engineers
- Data analysts and data scientists
- Data governance and AI ethics specialists
- AI product managers
- Cloud engineers
- DevOps engineers
- UX/UI and product designers
- Network and systems administrators / site-reliability engineers
Selection of jobs in Digital Tech and Artificial Intelligence
- Cyber intelligence officer
- Data analyst-statistician
- Design and development engineer
- Digital marketer
- Head of IT (IT director)
- IT project manager
- IT security co-ordinator
- IT service engineer
- IT support technician
- IT trainer
- Smart meter installer
- Social media manager
- Software developer
- Video editor
- Web content editor
- Web content manager
- Web designer
- Web developer
More information
What you can do to get yourself ready for a course or job in this sector?
Why not:
- Explore a job of interest in the Jobs area of Lifepilot and see what the entry requirement are and where in the country the jobs are.
- Do the Higher Skills Map and see what skills you have already so you can sell these on application and at interviews.
- Explore the Lifepilot course and apprenticeship search and find out what is available near you.
- Find out how to brush up on your English and maths
Examples of some types of apprenticeships available in digital and tech
These are all at Level 3 and above - job titles are changing all the time - so make sure you look at the apprenticeship and you will see it covers a range of job titles. You can work your way up from a Level 3 and there are some apprenticeships at degree level! Some of the Level 4 apprenticeships start on a salary of £21,000 - £24,000 per annum. So check out vacancies at 'Find an apprenticeship'
Junior Software developer - level 3
Telecoms Technician - level 3
IT Solutions Technician- level 3
IT Infrastructure technician - level 3
Digital Support Technician - level 3
Cyber security technician - level 3
Data technician - level 3 - level 3
Software developer - level 4
Software testing - level 4
Network engineer - level 4
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner - level 4
AI leadership – Developing AI strategy - level 5
Digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship - level 6
Data scientist - degree level 6
Examples of College Courses in Digital Tech
There are free part time courses for adults without an existing Level 3 qualification.
Here is a list of colleges offering the free level 3 courses for adults.
Examples of Higher Education courses at Level 4, 5 and 6.
Higher/degree apprenticeships are offered by some universities and can provide you with companies who you can contact re jobs.
Courses to get you started in Digital Tech
The government has subsidised a national retraining scheme Skills for Careers to get more adults skilled in digital and tech
They are offering:
Free Courses for Jobs which are free part time Level 3 courses for adults e.g. in coding and cyber & networking
Skills Bootcamps which are 16 week courses to boost your employability in very specific jobs
The Institute of Coding has put together a list of of courses to upskill you - from a free online essential digital skills course to very specific paid for courses e.g 'creating virtual reality environments'. They also have a list of intensive bootcamp courses that in 16 weeks can train you for a specific job e.g software engineering or data scientist.
Futurelearn offer free and paid for short online courses with certification in a huge range of digital subjects. Join beginner to advanced level courses led by tech experts.
- Computer programming for everyone.
- How to start your career in games development
- Where can I learn more about AI?
Santander Open Academy
Santander Open Learning Academy is a e-learning and training platform
Further information
The 10 Most In-demand Tech Careers of 2026
Entry-Level AI Jobs UK: A Comprehensive Guide for New Professionals - Companies on The Rise
Prospects - how to get a job in AI