Are digital and tech jobs in demand in the UK?

Skills England lists digital and technologies as a priority sector, and digital skills are used across almost every industry. ONS vacancy data for the information and communication sector shows national demand context. Demand varies by region, employer and time period, so treat the data as context rather than a guarantee.

Can I work in tech without a degree?

Employers set their own requirements, and some digital roles value demonstrable skills, portfolios or recent training alongside formal qualifications. A funded digital skills course may help you build evidence of recent learning, but no course can guarantee a job.

What courses relate to digital and technology?

Course areas often linked to the sector include digital skills, data analysis, cyber security awareness and coding fundamentals. Providers confirm course availability, funding and eligibility, and the eligibility checker can help you see what you may be able to access.

← Job Market Guide

Digital and technology jobs in demand

Digital skills are needed across the whole economy, not just in technology companies. Skills England lists digital and technologies as a priority sector, and ONS vacancy data shows how recruitment in the information and communication sector is moving nationally.

This page shows what the latest official data says about the sector. It can help you explore whether a digital course could be a practical next step. Demand varies by region, employer and time period, and no course can guarantee a job.

Check if you could get a funded course

Data updated 6 July 2026. Latest vacancy period: Mar-May 2026.

Quick answer

Is digital skills in demand right now?

In the latest official data (Mar-May 2026), digital and technology recorded around 40,000 UK vacancies (+14.3% on a year ago). The sector shows around 2.8 vacancies per 100 employee jobs. Demand varies by region, employer and time period, and no course can guarantee a job.

Demand snapshot

What the latest vacancy data shows

Digital and technology shows around 40,000 vacancies in the latest ONS period, up compared with a year ago, which is a sign of recent vacancy growth.

UK vacancies

40,000

Mar-May 2026

Change on a year ago

+14.3%

Growing demand

Vacancy pressure

2.8

vacancies per 100 employee jobs

Recent trend

last 8 quarters, thousands

Source: Office for National Statistics, VACS02: Vacancies by industry (Mar-May 2026). Industry-level vacancy data does not identify exact job roles, and a vacancy count does not guarantee a job is available in your local area.

Regions

Where digital skills employs the most people

Regional figures show workforce jobs by sector: where the sector has a strong employment presence relative to the size of each region or nation. This is useful context, but it is not the same as live vacancies near you.

London600k jobs, 9.3% of jobs there
South East278k jobs, 5.5% of jobs there
South West124k jobs, 4% of jobs there
East of England103k jobs, 3.1% of jobs there
North West115k jobs, 2.9% of jobs there
East Midlands72k jobs, 2.9% of jobs there

Want to compare sectors in your region? Use the region and sector explorer on the Job Market Guide.

Source: Office for National Statistics, JOBS05: Workforce jobs by region and industry (Mar 2026). Regional workforce jobs are not the same as regional vacancies.

Future skills

Longer-term skills outlook

A Skills England priority sector. Digital skills are needed across the whole economy, not just in tech companies, which may make them worth exploring for many learners.

Example job areas

IT support · Data analysis · Cyber security · Software development

Skills employers often value

Digital fundamentals
Data literacy
Cyber awareness
Problem-solving

Source: Skills England, Skills England Annual Skills Report and Sectoral Skills Needs Assessments 2026. Skills England notes these projections show broad trends, not precise forecasts, and being a priority sector does not guarantee a job or growth for any individual.

Take a step

Course areas that may help you build relevant skills

A course can help you build knowledge, confidence and evidence of recent learning. It cannot guarantee a job, and providers confirm course availability, funding and eligibility.

Course areas

Digital skills
Data analysis
Cyber security awareness
Coding fundamentals

Example jobs

IT support technician · Junior data analyst · Digital marketing assistant · Software tester

Who it may suit

May suit people who enjoy problem-solving and tech
Many roles value demonstrable skills as well as experience

Useful next steps

Funding and course availability depend on your circumstances and provider confirmation.

Interested in digital skills?

Check whether you may be able to access a funded course in a few minutes. Funding and course availability depend on your circumstances and provider confirmation, and a course cannot guarantee a job.

Check if you could get a funded course

FAQ

Common questions about jobs in demand

Transparency

Sources for this page

This page uses official statistics and cautious editorial mapping. Data describes patterns, not guarantees.

VACS02: Vacancies by industry (Office for National Statistics, Mar-May 2026): national vacancy levels and change.
JOBS05: Workforce jobs by region and industry (Office for National Statistics, Mar 2026): workforce jobs by region, not live vacancies.
Skills England Annual Skills Report and Sectoral Skills Needs Assessments 2026 (Skills England): longer-term priority sector context.

Data updated 6 July 2026. Latest vacancy period: Mar-May 2026. Full methodology, dataset details and a glossary are on the Job Market Guide. Learning Gateway is not a government body, college or training provider, does not provide regulated careers advice, and does not make final funding decisions.