Spotlight on Careers in the ICT & Digital Sector

Manchester is a thriving city with expected growth over the next 10 years Finding the Right Fit

What skills are employers looking for? Employers want people with “softer” skills and qualities as well as strong academic or vocational qualifications. These can include: Finding the Right Fit

Spotlight on the ICT & Digital sector The ICT Digital sector is made up of various sections: Communications Services, Computing, Film/TV Broadcasting, ICT Equipment, Information Processing, Multimedia Services, Software Services, Systems Integration, and Vision and Sound Equipment. ICT is one of the largest sectors in Greater Manchester with 5,160 employers and has expanded by 6,000 jobs (18.5%) since 2006, now employing 41,000 people. Between 2016 and 2026, an estimated 4,000 additional jobs are forecast to be created in the ICT/Digital sector. ICT professionals with the right skills are always in demand. In addition, ICT professionals are employed across all other sectors as ICT is used by almost all businesses. Employers are particularly interested in people with problem solving skills, who are strong communicators and have the ability to work in teams. Finding the Right Fit

What jobs are available in the ICT & Digital sector? Electronics Engineer Computer Analyst IT Developer Software Engineer IT Engineer Digital Marketing Web Developer Computer Technician TV, Video & Audio Engineers IT User Support Technicians Digital Media Finding the Right Fit

What is the apprenticeship route into the ICT & Digital sector? An apprenticeship is a real job with training that will enable you to earn as you learn whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification The qualifications you gain on an apprenticeship are equivalent to the following GCSE’s and A Levels: Intermediate Level 2 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C Advanced Level 3 2 A level passes Higher Level 4,5,6 and 7 Foundation degree and above Degree Level 6 and 7 Bachelor’s or master’s degree There are apprenticeship qualifications in the following areas of the ICT and Digital sector: Software Tester  Data Analyst Digital Marketer  IS Business Analyst Cyber Security Technologist  ICT Technical Salesperson Unified Communications Technician  Video Games Quality Assurance Finding the Right Fit

Case Study: Luke – Apprentice Technical Analyst I’m Luke, an Apprentice Technical Analyst in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Department for Manchester City Council. The apprenticeship lasts 4 years and I’m in my second year. I’m currently spending time in other parts of the ICT Department to increase my knowledge, build skills and gain an understanding of the whole ICT Department’s work. Before I joined Manchester City Council, I looked at the Council’s Website to see what apprenticeships were available and what was the required criteria. After seeing the information on the website, I knew I needed to apply as the apprenticeship offered a degree in ICT, a wage which was going to be higher than in my previous job role and good career development and prospects. During my apprenticeship I have seen my skills develop to a higher level and have become ITIL qualified which is mandatory for all IT staff to gain. I also attend Manchester Metropolitan University one day a week where I am working towards my degree. I am really enjoying being an Apprentice and I feel part of a team, have benefitted from the support given from my colleagues in and around other departments. I would definitely recommend being an apprentice to anyone considering applying and recommend doing some research as well to make sure the apprenticeship is right for you. Finding the Right Fit

For more information, please speak with your career advisor or visit: nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk manchester.gov.uk/rpa