ICT and digital creative

• Did you know that over 82% of employers list digital skills as a job requirement?⁷ Skills range from basic (knowing how to send an email) to advanced (coding). 
• There are currently around 11,000 cyber security-related vacancies each month⁸. These are especially in sectors such as finance, information and communications, and professional services.
• Other shortage areas include cloudbased computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, 3D printing, VFX and graphic design.
• Women are also highly sought after – more tech companies want to increase the diversity of their workforce.
• Around 23,000 people are employed in the creative digital sector in Norfolk in over 3,000 businesses⁹, many of them employing fewer than 10 people.
• Norwich is a hotspot for tech development and both the University of East Anglia and Norwich University of the Arts offer a range of courses around computer science and in digital/creative subjects.
• Remote working has opened up more opportunities to work for companies based elsewhere in the UK, or even overseas.

(⁷Gov.UK ⁸DCMS ⁹Emsi – economicmodelling.co.uk)

• Advanced digital & ICT skills
• Creativity 
• Listening
• Speaking 
• Design
• Business knowledge
• Attention to detail
• Planning & organisation
• Teamwork 
• Flexibility
• Problem solving

• Maths 
• Computer science
• Design and technology 
• ICT
• Art 
• English 
• Business studies
• Sociology  
• Music 
• Psychology
• History 
• Media 
• Physics

• BBC East
• Archant
• BT
• Rainbird
• ITV Anglia
• OneAgency
• Gravity Global
• Foolproof
• NielsenIQ Brandbank
• Epos Now
• Osiris
• Net Matters
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Photographer                                   £19,600-£34,250+

Graphic designer                              £30,250-£34,200+

Marketing associate professional     £22,850-£37,750+

Web designer                                   £22,000-£40,050+

Clothing designer                             £22,400-£39,050+

Software developer                          £27,350-£59,000+

IT systems designer                         £29,250-£67,500+

Cyber security professional              £35,000-£60,000

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

This sector employs a high number of graduates but there are openings for those who can prove their expertise. As well as good GCSE grades in maths and English, being able to demonstrate you have digital skills will help you get into this sector and keep your career options open.

Options at 16

A levels – depending on whether you’re looking for a technical or creative career, subjects such as maths, physics, computer science, art and design, design technology, and psychology may be helpful for applying for work, an apprenticeship or higher education course.

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3) - most apprenticeships in this sector begin at level 3 (A level equivalent). They include:

• Information communications technician
• Cyber security technician
• Broadcast production assistant
• Software development technician

T level and other vocational qualifications in digital, computing or creative areas prepare you for work or further study or training in a range of roles which can be found across all sectors.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree - there are many careers in tech for which a degree is helpful. This is a sector which requires the latest skills and some people may follow their degree with specialist training such as cybernetics or robotics.

Apprenticeship - competition can be high for some apprenticeships – check entry requirements carefully.

Examples include:

• Junior VFX artist (level 4)
• Business analyst (level 4)
• Digital user experience (UX) professional (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Data scientist (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Cyber security professional (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Games programmer (level 7)
• Artificial intelligence data specialist (level 7)

Gaining experience

Being able to demonstrate your interest and skills in this area can help when applying for work, an apprenticeship or course; for creative roles, it’s very useful to keep a portfolio of your work. Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work will also allow you to demonstrate your skills and qualities.