Attending government-backed tech skills bootcamps can earn average salaries of more than £70,000, claims Technology Minister Michelle Donelan.
In a new marketing campaign for free courses, the government commissioned research from Barclays Eagle Labs and Beauhurst, which found they could lead to salaries two and a half times the UK average.
Technology roles pay an average of 55% more than the national average, she said.
The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) hopes to persuade more people to enroll in its digital skills boot camps in the areas of cloud computing, software development, data analytics, cybersecurity and web development.
“British desire for growth and potential expansion is enormous, and we can no longer allow a lack of digital skills to limit their ambition,” Donelan said.
“Whether your personal ambition is to earn a comfortable salary package, land a creative role, solve the world's most pressing challenges, or all three – the skills boot camps we promote today can help achieve your career goals while being part of the workforce.” Our great.”
Bootcamps last up to 16 weeks and will prepare participants for high-tech careers, with an interview guaranteed upon completion of each. No technical knowledge or educational qualifications are needed to secure a place.
They are available part-time and full-time across the country, with many providers offering flexible options.
In total, the government has allocated £550 million of funding for training camps, with the aim of upskilling 64,000 people by 2024-25. There is also support from the Digital Skills Council, a group of major technology companies including Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
“We want to make it easier for everyone to access the skills and training they need to grow their careers. AWS is investing hundreds of millions of pounds to provide a wide range of free cloud skills and AI training to people from all walks of work. AWS is investing hundreds of millions of pounds to provide a wide range of free cloud skills and AI training to people from all walks of work,” said Tanuja Randiri, CEO, AWS. Services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa: “Life and all levels of knowledge”.
“This includes local UK programs like AWS re/Start, which prepares learners from unemployed and underemployed populations, with little technology experience, for careers in the cloud – at no cost to the learner.”
The government is concerned that its efforts to encourage technology startups may falter due to a shortage of relevant skills. Its report found that demand for tech talent rose in 2022, after a decline during the height of the pandemic.
While tech job postings have declined over the past year, entry-level and entry-level roles remain in demand, as tech companies struggle to hire the early career talent they need to match their growth ambitions.
Andrew Rogan, chief executive of co-working provider Plexal, said: “Closing the skills gap in the UK’s tech sector is essential for us to remain a competitive nation and achieve the government’s ambition of becoming a science and technology superpower by 2030″.
“For our companies to scale, they need the right people to grow with them. So, I am happy to see our young people getting more opportunities to enter the technology sector beyond the university route. I would also encourage them to do so.” Businesses to ensure the continuous development of the skills of their existing employees to create a continuous pipeline of talent that will be of ongoing benefit to the UK economy.
