Where Should I Start to Get Into IT? A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving in the UK IT Sector

Cybersecurity Where Should I Start to Get Into IT? A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving in the UK IT Sector
Cybersecurity

Where Should I Start to Get Into IT? A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving in the UK IT Sector

17 December 2024

A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving in the UK IT Sector

The UK’s Information Technology (IT) sector is booming. There is increasing demand for skilled professionals across IT support, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. You don’t need prior experience or coding skills to start—many IT careers focus on problem-solving and foundational knowledge.

At Robust IT, we specialise in helping individuals like you break into this exciting industry. Our tailored training programs, like the Beginner Cyber Security Pathway, offer everything you need to start your IT journey.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Get Into IT

Recent reports highlight the skills shortage in the UK IT sector, presenting a golden opportunity for beginners:

  • Skill Shortages: Nearly one-third of all UK job vacancies are due to IT skill shortages, up from 22% in 2017.
  • Cybersecurity Needs: 44% of businesses lack basic cybersecurity skills, creating opportunities for certified professionals.
  • Economic Impact: The UK economy will lose £120 billion by 2030 if the digital skills gap is not addressed.
  • Tech Sector Growth: The UK’s tech sector is now valued at $1 trillion and employs over 3 million people.

These statistics prove that IT professionals are in high demand—and you can start building your skills today.

IT Careers Without Coding

You don’t need programming skills to succeed in IT. Many rewarding roles focus on non-coding skills, including:

  • IT Support Specialist: Solve technical issues and guarantee smooth operations.
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect organisations from cyber threats and breaches.
  • Network Administrator: Design, manage, and secure company networks.
  • Cloud Specialist: Help businesses migrate to and manage cloud solutions like Azure.
  • Data Analyst: Use data to give actionable business insights.

Get Started: Certifications like CompTIA A+ and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals are great for beginners exploring non-coding IT roles.

The Skills You Need to Get Started

To thrive in IT, start by developing foundational knowledge in:

  1. Computer Literacy: Understand operating systems, software, and troubleshooting techniques.
  2. Networking Basics: Learn about IP addresses, firewalls, and how devices communicate.
  3. Cybersecurity Principles: Understand data protection, threat identification, and secure practices.
  4. Problem-Solving: Develop a systematic approach to diagnosing and fixing technical challenges.

Certifications That Open Doors

Professional certifications help you stand out and confirm your skills quickly. Here are top certifications to consider:

  1. CompTIA A+:
    • Covers IT fundamentals like hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
  2. CompTIA Security+:
    • Introduces cybersecurity concepts essential for protecting systems.
  3. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900):
    • Perfect for beginners interested in cloud computing.
  4. ITIL Foundation:
    • Focuses on IT service management and improving organisational efficiency.

With Robust IT’s training programs, you can gain these certifications quickly and confidently.

Practical Experience Matters

At Robust IT, we know that hands-on learning is key to success. Here’s how you can gain valuable experience:

  • Internships: Join in structured programs to get real-world exposure.
  • Volunteer Projects: Offer IT support to local businesses or charities.
  • Home Labs: Build a personal lab to practice networking and explore cybersecurity tools.

Pathway Recommendation: Start with foundational certifications and progress into advanced training, for example Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) for cybersecurity roles.

The Future of IT

With ongoing digital transformation, IT roles promise:

  • Job Security: High demand ensures stable employment.
  • Competitive Salaries: Entry-level roles like IT Support Specialists offer attractive starting salaries.
  • Continuous Growth: Technology evolves constantly, giving you endless learning opportunities.

Whether you’re aiming for IT support, cloud solutions, or cybersecurity, there’s a place for you in this thriving sector.

How Robust IT Can Help You Get Started

At Robust IT, we offer:

  • Beginner-Friendly Pathways: Explore our Cyber Security Pathway to gain essential skills.
  • Industry-Recognised Certifications: Get qualified with CompTIA, Microsoft Azure, and more.
  • Practical Training: Hands-on labs and real-world scenarios to build confidence.
  • Expert Support: Guidance from instructors with years of IT experience.

Conclusion

Breaking into IT has never been easier. With a growing skills gap, high-paying roles, and flexible career paths, there’s no better time to get started. Whether you’re new to IT or transitioning from another field, Robust IT provides the certifications. They also offer training and support to help you succeed.

Ready to start your IT career? Explore our Beginner Cyber Security Pathway or Contact Us to speak with our team today.