The Best Paid IT Jobs in the UK

The greatest revolutions of Mankind

The ‘Invention of the Wheel’ was the greatest revolution for mankind. It happened over a period of time, created professions & careers, and we are reaping benefits of that technological discovery even in the 21st century.

However, let’s talk about a “revolution” that we are an active part of today… The Information Technology Revolution!

• How many of us remember the sound of Dial-up connections?
• How many of us have retained their Yahoo and Rediffmail accounts that were selling like hot cakes in the late 80s?
• And how many hours were spent in front of our screens since April 1993 when CERN introduced the World Wide Web concept to the planet?

Within less than half a century, we are using information technology and Artificial Intelligence to practically run our human lives. Yes, it’s true Arnold – machines have indeed taken over!!!

There’s one more question that we need to ask ourselves here. How many of us, at the end of the previous century, thought that taking a tiny bite of that apple would do wonders to our careers? Steve Jobs sure did!

Today, IT professionals are running the show from behind the scene in almost every field; be it medicine, aerospace, sports, or even a tiny Fish-n-Chips outlet that would like to compute its accounting and also promote on social media. Coders, ethical hackers, programmers, IT technicians, give what name you wish, but these are the people who are shaping the landscape of business, innovation, and career opportunities in the United Kingdom and almost all other countries.

The most unique feature of this revolution is the speed at which it is growing, adapting and flourishing. From the bustling streets of Mumbai and Shanghai, to the vibrant business hubs of London and New York, the demand for IT professionals has never been greater. Within this dynamic setting, individuals driven by a fervour for technology and a relentless pursuit of success position themselves on the verge of countless possibilities.

Let us embark on a journey to explore how, amid a burgeoning IT industry, aspiring tech enthusiasts can navigate their way to not just a getting a job but building a prosperous and fulfilling career in IT in the UK.

How many IT Jobs are there in the UK?

To know about the scope of work in the UK IT sector, may we quickly have a look at some numbers; according to a report by CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce, in 2021, the tech sector employed just under two million workers. This accounts for almost 6.3% of the total workforce in the United Kingdom. In addition, a Tech Nation report supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and the Digital Economy Council – revealed that the country’s talent is being hard-sold the IT industry prospects. In fact over two million open vacancies were created within the past year. This was published in the UK Tech Ecosystem update (June 2022).

What are the types of IT Jobs in the UK?

Therefore, with the right skills, you could work as a specialist in the field of:

1. hardware engineering
2. software engineering (designing, building, developing and testing)
3. web design/development
4. multimedia programming
5. game development
6. data analysis and analytics
7. technical support
8. systems/network management
9. information management
10. content management
11. IT sales
12. IT consultancy (business and technical)
13. telecommunications
14. geographical information systems (GIS)
15. applications development
16. computer forensics
17. cyber security and risk management

You may be creating applications or systems, solving problems with technology, or supporting those who use it. There are endless possibilities!

Employers from various industries also require IT graduates to work in their business, marketing, human resources (HR) and finance functions. Many IT professionals opt to explore roles beyond their field, like joining the IT teams of businesses in retail, finance, manufacturing, and public sector organizations.

Which are the best IT Companies in the UK

When it comes to the best IT companies to work for in the UK, there are several names that stand out. These companies not only offer great work environments but also provide some of the best paid jobs in tech. Would you like to hear the names of some of the big players who recruit IT professionals?

Best it companies to work for uk:

1. Accenture
2. Amazon
3. Apple
4. Capgemini
5. Cisco
6. Cognizant
7. Dell
8. FDM Group
9. Fujitsu
10. Google
11. IBM
12. Infosys
13. Intel
14. Meta (Facebook)
15. Microsoft
16. Oracle
17. Rockstar Games
18. Samsung
19. Ubisoft
20. Sky UK/TalkTalk/ Virgin Media (Virgin Mobile UK)
21. Hospitals, Educational Institutes, the Government

The list is endless…

1. Financial services

   There are several MNCs such as J.P. Morgan & Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Citigroup, Deloitte, etc are looking for tech graduates to work with the latest technologies. These include IT jobs with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, virtual reality software development, robotics process automation, user experience (UX) or analytics.

2. Manufacturing

   Large engineering firms operating on a global scale in industries like oil, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and energy are on the lookout for IT specialists. These specialists in turn play a vital role in fine-tuning the processes and technologies that form the very backbone of these big companies. Take, for example, the aerospace and defence trailblazer MBDA; they actively seek out software engineers with proficiency in programming languages to drive their innovative projects forward. This presents a thrilling opportunity for IT professionals to not just contribute to cutting-edge advancements but also play a pivotal role in shaping the very industries that influence the world around us.

3. Public sector

   local authorities, central government and the National Health Service (NHS) all recruit IT professionals to keep their systems running smoothly, deliver projects and analyse data efficiently so it can be used to make major decisions.

4. Retail

   Prominent companies like Amazon, Tesco, TJX Europe, and John Lewis are actively seeking out technology graduates to spearhead the development of innovative systems and applications. These companies recognize the value of fresh perspectives and the latest technological know-how that graduates bring to the table. Information technology experts have become integral contributors to shaping the future of customer satisfaction through seamless and efficient technological solutions. This dynamic and challenging environment, a beautiful fusion of youthful creativity and established retail giants, will lead to the creation of next-generation shopping experiences.

Advantages & disadvantages of an IT Career

While we talk of a flourishing career, the great demand will put a lot of pressure on the job profile too! While serving any of the UK business giants, or even the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), be assured that you will have to constantly be on your toes. You can easily expect:

1. A decent starting salary

   according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2023  report, starting salaries for technology jobs with organisations featuring in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers are an estimated £27,500.

2. Long working hours

   employers tend to emphasise completing a task or project over maintaining standard 9am-5pm office hours.

3. Opportunities to work abroad

   many large IT companies have branches or subsidiaries in other countries.

4. The chance to be self-employed

   it’s not unusual for professionals to build their network and work as a contractor.

5. A constantly changing industry

   as new technologies and software are developed, it’s important to keep your skills up to date to remain at the top of your profession.

What are the ‘Qualification’ requirements for IT job titles?

The qualifications required to secure a job completely depends on the IT job role that you choose. If you complete a course in an IT or computer science GCSE, GNVQ advanced, an advanced modern apprenticeship, A-level in computer or IT studies or related subjects, or acquire a detailed degree from an institute, your chances of stepping into the electronic and IT field will be relatively easy. You could be a part of operations, installation, user support and network support. For a higher-level position like a business analyst or consultant role, you may need a higher degree in computer science or a related course, or a professional certificate from the Institute for the Management of Information Systems.

There are several graduate schemes offered by British Airways, EY, HSBC, Lloyd’s, MI5, Morrisons, PwC, Tesco, etc.

Advantages of joining small and medium-sized IT companies

In this part of the world however, theoretical knowledge can only take you so far. .of joining small and medium-sized IT companies could be listed as below:

1. Hands-On Opportunities:

   SME companies often provide employees with a wider scope of responsibilities. This means you can get involved in diverse projects and learn various aspects of IT.

2. Mentorship and Guidance:

   In smaller teams, you may have direct access to experienced professionals who can mentor and guide you in your career journey.

3. Collaboration and Teamwork:

   Local companies often foster a collaborative work environment. You’ll have the chance to work closely with colleagues, which can lead to valuable insights and learning experiences.

4. Faster Learning Curve:

   With more responsibilities and exposure, your personal learning curve in a small or medium-sized IT company can be steep. You’ll be challenged to upskill and adapt quickly.

5. More Growth Opportunities:

   A smaller or medium sized company is more likely to grow faster and that will automatically result in individual employee growth as and when more projects flow in.

Dear reader, the journey is always, just as important as the destination. The avenues for career progression within the United Kingdom’s flourishing IT industry, emphasize the significance of networking, and stress the importance of continuous learning.

Let’s introduce you to our Chief Technical Officer VIKAS SHAH – 30 years ago in the by-lanes of Mumbai, after being bored of playing Pacman for hours at a stretch, he decided to open up his desktop CPU. He simply wanted to know how this web of wires and tiny chips was creating magic on the screen. This curiosity has led him to achieve remarkable success and today at Portman Tech, in the heart of London, he awaits your application to see if you are a good fit to share our vision of the future!

So, what are you waiting for?