Creative & Digital Careers
WHAT ARE DIGITAL AND CREATIVE CAREERS?
Our everyday lives are constantly shaped by the digital and creative industries – from the music we listen to and our favourite books, films and TV shows to the apps on our phones and the adverts we see, their influence is everywhere. This hugely varied sector covers graphic design, film, publishing, advertising, gaming, photography and web development to name but a few and offers scope for you to use your creativity and imagination.
Typically requiring skills such as innovation, design and storytelling with a strong understanding of digital technology, these careers offer you the unique possibility to turn your niche talent or hobbies into your career! As digital technology continues to develop at a rapid rate, this is an exciting area to explore.
WHY SHOULD I BE INTERESTED?
Digital and creative careers offer a huge range of opportunities for you to express your creativity and use technology to bring your ideas to life. These careers are highly dynamic and constantly evolving offering you challenges to keep you engaged and motivated.
As businesses and industries are becoming increasingly reliant on digital technologies and creative solutions, there is an ever-growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields. You will have the opportunity to shape the future and have a positive impact on the world by creating innovative services and content that engages, educates and entertains. Additionally, these sectors are known for offering greater flexibility for remote working allowing the potential for increased job satisfaction and personal fulfilment.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
GROWTH
It is estimated by 2030 there will be 8 million additional jobs in the creative industries in the world’s largest economies
EMPLOYERS
Around 300,000, or over one in eight UK businesses are part of the Creative Industries
SKILLS
The ever increasing importance of digital technology means there is huge scope to develop technical skills to produce and deliver creative content
SALARY
Salaries vary widely with a sector average of around £47,500
WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE ARE SUITED TO CREATIVE AND DIGITAL CAREERS?
There is no single sort of individual who is best suited to work in the digital and creative sectors as they cover such a huge range of different careers. However, there are some characteristics which may help you to succeed.
People who are innovative, curious and adaptable tend to thrive in these careers. They have a unique combination of technical and artistic skills and enjoy staying up to date with the latest trends and experimenting with new technologies. Employers look for people able to communicate their ideas effectively and value creativity and originality as the market thrives on the development of new and distinct concepts. In general, anyone who enjoys the process of creating, designing and problem-solving can likely find fulfilment in these fields.
WHAT KIND OF ROLES ARE OUT THERE?
Animator
Variable
35 – 40
Average hours per week
Occasional evenings & weekends
What’s the role?
Animators bring drawings and computer generated characters to life on screen.
Where should I start?
Animators combine design ability with practical digital skills to bring drawings to life. There are loads of different ways you could get into this career
Firstly, you could consider a college course to find out if this is the career for you. Relevant courses include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Digital Media
- Level 3 Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills
- Level 3 Diploma in Creative Art and Design
Find course providers here
If you’d like to take this further, you could complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in a course such as:
- animation
- art and design
- computer games development
- animation production
- visual effects
Search courses here
There are also opportunities to develop the skills you need at work. You could start as an animation runner and work your way up.
Alternatively, you could complete a higher apprenticeship which will combine study with practical workplace training.
This could include:
- Level 4 Junior animator
- Level 4 Junior 2D artist (visual effects)
- Level 4 Junior VFX artist (generalist)
- Level 7 Storyboard artist
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Broadcast Journalist
23k – 42k
Starter – Experienced
37 – 39
Average hours per week
evenings / weekends / bank holidays at short notice
What’s the role?
Broadcast journalists research and present the news on TV, radio and the internet.
Where should I start?
Broadcast journalists have a keen eye for detail, a strong knowledge of media production and use their initiative to stay ahead of current events. There are loads of different routes into this career.
Firstly, you could consider completing a degree in journalism or a postgraduate qualification in broadcast journalism.
Search courses here
Alternatively, you could develop the skills you’ll need at work. One option is to complete a Level 5 Journalist or a Level 7 Senior Journalist apprenticeship.
These are often offered directly by large broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, or Channel 4.
It may also be possible to begin by working as a production assistant or runner with a broadcasting company and work your way up.
Editorial Assistant
23k – 42k
Starter – Experienced
37 – 39
Average hours per week
Occasional evenings
What’s the role?
Editorial assistants provide support at all stages of the publication process for books, journals, magazines and online content.
Where should I start?
Editorial Assistants need a keen eye for detail and great communication skills combined with practical media knowledge. There are a number of ways you can enter into this career
Firstly, you could consider studying for a degree in a relevant subject. Subject such as English, journalism or media studies which develop your written communication skills are often preferred.
Search courses here
You could also look into completing an advanced apprentice as a publishing assistant which will combine study with workplace learning.
Apprenticeships are often offered directly by employers but you can get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Alternatively, you could begin by working in a publishing office as a general assistant or in communications and work your way up.
Fashion Designer
20k – 40k
Starter – Experienced
40 – 42
Average hours per week
Evenings, weekends, bank holidays attending events or appointments
What’s the role?
Fashion designers use creative and technical skills to design new clothing and fashion ranges.
Where should I start?
Fashion Designers combine creativity with design skills and technical knowledge. There are a number of different ways you can develop the skills you’ll need to enter the fashion industry
Firstly, you could consider a college course which will give you a broad level of skills and knowledge of the industry. Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 Award in Fashion – Sampling Fashion Techniques
- Level 2 Diploma in Skills for the Fashion Industries
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Design and Production
Find course providers here
To take this further, you could complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject such as fashion design, art & design, garment technology or textiles.
Search courses here
Alternatively, it may also be possible to complete a fashion studio assistant advanced apprenticeship which will develop your design skills through a mix of study and on the job training.
Apprenticeships are often offered directly by employers but you can get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Graphic Designer
18k – 35k
Starter – Experienced
37 – 40
Average hours per week
Occasional evenings
What’s the role?
Graphic designers create visual branding, adverts, brochures, magazines, website designs, product packaging and displays.
Where should I start?
Graphic Designers combine natural design ability with practical digital skills. To break into this career you’ll need to build up a portfolio that showcases your creative ideas, skills and experience to employers. There are a number of different routes that will help you start building your portfolio.
Firstly, you could take a college course in a subject such as a Level 2 Technical Award in Graphic Design or an A Level in Graphic Communication.
Find course providers here
To take this further, you could complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a design related subject such as:
- graphic design
- art and design
- communication design
- illustration
Search courses here
Interior Designer
18k – 45k
Starter – Experienced
40 – 42
Average hours per week
Evenings, weekends, bank holidays attending events or appointments
What’s the role?
Interior designers plan and supervise the layout and decoration of the inside of buildings.
Where should I start?
Interior Designers need a specific set of industry skills to add to their flair for design. There are loads of different ways you could begin building these
Firstly, you could take a college course which will help you to develop your design ability and find out if interior design is the career for you. Relevant courses include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design
- Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design
- A Level in Art and Design
Find course providers here
To take this further and begin to specialise, you could complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a design related subject such as:
- interior design
- art and design
- interior architecture
- spatial design
Search courses here
Alternatively, if you’d like to start gaining some experience while you learn it may be possible to complete a furniture design technician advanced apprenticeship.
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Media Researcher
16k – 40k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Evenings, weekends, bank holidays away from home
What’s the role?
Media researchers support producers by finding information, people and places for television or radio programmes.
Where should I start?
Researchers have a broad range of skills and there are loads of ways to get started
Firstly, you could consider a college course to start learning more about the media industry. This could include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media
- Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production
- Level 3 Diploma In Creative Media Production and Technology
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Find course providers here
To take this further, you could also consider completing a degree. This develop your research skills and could help to specialise in a certain area. Relevant subjects could include:
- broadcasting and media
- English
- history
- journalism
- politics
Search courses here
Alternatively, you could develop the skills you need at work by completing an advanced apprenticeship as a broadcast production assistant.
These are often offered directly by large broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, or Channel 4.
Or you can get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities more widely here.
Photographer
17,250k – 45k
Starter – Experienced
39 – 41
Average hours per week
Evenings, weekends, bank holidays as customers demand
What’s the role?
Photographers take and process pictures of people, places, products and events.
Where should I start?
To break into this career you’ll need to build up a portfolio that showcases your photographic style, skills and experience to employers. There are a number of different routes that will help you start building your portfolio
You could start by taking a college course in a relevant subject such as:
- Level 2 Certificate in Photography
- A Level Photography
- Level 3 Diploma in Photography
Find course providers here
To take this further, you could consider a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a creative subject such as:
- photography
- visual arts
- commercial photography
- art and design
Search courses here
You could also build your portfolio in the workplace by completing a photographic assistant advanced apprenticeship or by working as a photographer’s assistant and working your way up.
Find apprenticeships near to you here
Or get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Software Developer
24k – 70k
Starter – Experienced
37 – 40
Average hours per week
Occasional evenings and weekends
What’s the role?
Software developers design, build and test computer programmes.
Where should I start?
Skilled Software Developers draw on both their coding ability and eye for design to create beautiful interactive web interfaces, sites, or applications. There are a number of different ways to develop the knowledge required to break into the creative tech sector
You could get started by taking a college course which could help boost your applications for trainee positions. Relevant subjects could include:
- A Level in Computing
- Level 3 Certificate in Programming
- T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
- Higher National Certificate in Computing
Find course providers here
To further develop your knowledge and skills, you could consider a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject such as:
- computer science
- information technology
- software development
- financial technology
- software engineering for business
- maths
Search courses here
Alternatively, if you’d like to start gaining some experience while you learn you could complete an apprenticeship. As coding abilities are strongly sought after, there are a range of different apprenticeships you could consider depending on what area you’d like to specialise in. This could include:
- software development technician advanced apprenticeship
- software developer higher apprenticeship
- DevOps engineer higher apprenticeship
- digital and technology solutions professional or specialist degree apprenticeship
- game programmer degree apprenticeship
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Sound Technician
16k – 35k
Starter – Experienced
39 – 41
Average hours per week
Evenings, weekends, bank holidays away from home
What’s the role?
Sound technicians are responsible for recording the voices and background noise on TV and film shoots.
Where should I start?
Sound technicians draw on their technical ability and editing skills both on location and in post production. There are a number of different ways into this career
You could get started by taking a college course to help develop your understanding of the industry more widely. Relevant courses could include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology
- Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sound Engineering
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Find course providers here
To take this further, you could consider completing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject such as:
- sound engineering
- music technology
- media technology
- electrical or electronic engineering
Search courses here
Alternatively, if you’d like to gain some direct experience while you learn, you could look into an advanced apprenticeship that covers sound engineering skills. This could include:
- creative venue technician
- broadcast and media systems technical operator
Find apprenticeships near to you here
Or get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
