Industry Sectors

Role Description

Skills required

You'll need:

• the ability to understand the development process 
• some programming knowledge
• the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• maths skills

What you'll do

You could work in a wide range of businesses and industries, public services, utilities, defence and research. 

You'll work closely with project managers, business analysts and graphic designers, to find out what the client wants and the best way to achieve it. 

Usually, you’ll work in a team.

You could work on a wide variety of projects, from financial databases to robotics to apps for phones and tablets. You may use a number of programming languages or project management tools.

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• talking through requirements with the client and the development team
• taking part in technical design and progress meetings
• writing or amending computer code
• testing software and fixing problems
• keeping accurate records of the development process, changes and results
• carrying out trials and quality checks before release
• maintaining and supporting systems once they're up and running
• As an experienced developer, you may supervise a programming team and provide feedback on coding work.

Role Training

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship if you've developed some programming skills and can show a strong interest in the subject.

The TECH Partnership has details of digital apprenticeships at all levels.

It also has details of the Software Development for Business degree available at some universities.

Other suitable qualifications are a foundation degree, HND or degree in computing or a related subject, like:

• computer science
• information technology
• software development
• software engineering
• mathematics
• business information systems

Some companies will accept you onto their graduate training scheme without an IT-related degree if you understand programming languages and frameworks, project management and development methods.

You could also study for a postgraduate IT conversion qualification.

The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) has information about training and qualifications.

Role Description

Skills required

You’ll need:

• the ability to concentrate for long periods
• a good level of accuracy and attention to detail 
• an enquiring mind and good problem-solving skills 
• the ability to lead a research and development team 
• strong spoken and written communication skills 
• empathy and understanding when working directly with patients

What you'll do

You’ll usually work in a laboratory, testing and analysing biological samples. 

You’ll specialise in one of these areas:

• infection sciences 
• blood sciences 
• cellular sciences
• Depending on your chosen area, your duties could include:
• testing for diseases like Legionnaires’ disease and food poisoning 
• screening and testing for infectious diseases like rubella or hepatitis 
• analysing blood for disease and monitoring organ function 
• supporting the blood transfusion and transplant service through blood grouping and matching 
• screening for blood abnormalities and diseases, like anaemia and leukaemia 
• processing and analysing tissue samples from operations and autopsies 
• using specialist procedures like cell culture to detect cancer 
• routine testing of fluid and tissue samples like cervical smear tests 
• updating paperwork or computerised systems with data and test results
• You’ll also be involved in carrying out new research, and will support junior staff and technicians.

Role Training

You’ll need:

1. an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited BSc (Hons) degree 
2. at least one year’s experience at an approved laboratory - during this time you’ll work towards completion of the Registration Training Portfolio for the Certificate of Competence awarded by IBMS 
3. registration as a biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
4. You may be able to get into biomedical science as a trainee. You'll usually need at least 2 A levels in science or a related subject. Places are sponsored by employers like the NHS and are advertised as trainee biomedical scientist positions. You'd work and study towards an accredited degree. 

Role Description

You may work for a local education authority, social services, or a voluntary organisation. You'll accompany passengers on journeys, usually in a mini-bus.

• Your day-to-day tasks may include:
• checking timetables for pick-ups
• talking to carers and families
• helping people to and from the vehicle
• securing passengers, wheelchairs and baggage
• dealing with emergencies
• supervising passengers at all times
• keeping the mini-bus tidy
• filling in paperwork
• You'll need patience and an understanding of disability needs.

Role Training

There are no set entry requirements. Experience in social care or customer service may help you get a job. You could start by volunteering for a charity like a hospice.

With experience, you could move into administration or management.

You could also become a driver, which would open up more full-time opportunities.

Role Description

1. Entry requirements

There are no set requirements, but many employers will prefer you to have:

• a degree or equivalent qualification in marketing, management, business or a related subject 
• paid or unpaid work experience in a marketing role 
• some knowledge of digital marketing or online advertising

You could study for digital marketing qualifications offered by the Communications Advertising and Marketing Education Foundation (CAM) and awarded by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), like:

• CAM Level 4 Diploma in Digital Marketing 
• CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing (Digital) 
• CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing (Digital)
• You could also get into this job through a digital apprenticeship.

Getin2marketing has more information on becoming a digital marketing officer.

2. Skills required

You’ll need:

• the ability to analyse data 
• a creative approach 
• strong organisation and planning skills 
• IT skills 
• the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines 
• the ability to 'sell' your ideas 
• good presentation skills 
• excellent attention to detail

3. What you'll do

You’ll work in-house for an organisation's marketing department, or for a marketing agency that works for several clients.

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• creating digital marketing campaigns for online channels like websites, apps and social media like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 
• developing market research surveys and working with customers in focus groups 
• working with marketing and PR professionals 
• briefing other professionals like web designers on advertising campaigns 
• writing content for websites, email and social media 
• designing and writing e-communications like e-newsletters and text campaigns 
• making information and advertising more interactive by adding case studies, videos and infographics to websites, apps and social media 
• using data from web tracking tools like Google Analytics to check the effectiveness of marketing campaigns 
• tracking the success of your marketing campaigns and presenting your findings to management 
• using techniques like search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM)

4. Salary

Starter: £20,000 to £22,000

Experienced: £30,000 to £38,000 

Highly Experienced: £50,000 or more

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

You’ll usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may work longer at busy times like the run-up to a campaign launch. 

You may also need to attend trade fairs, exhibitions and events, where you’ll make industry contacts, in the evening or at the weekend.

You’ll usually work in an office. 

6. Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in a particular type of digital marketing like mobile or video marketing. 

You could progress to senior digital marketing officer, head of online marketing, become a freelance digital marketing consultant, or move into a related area like advertising, sales or public relations.

Role Description

You could work for sales and marketing agencies, or in marketing departments of organisations like financial services or manufacturing. 

You could also work for fund-raising charities, heritage organisations or the education sector.

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

• researching and analysing market trends and your target markets
• creating marketing and social media strategies
• planning and managing the launch of new products and services
• setting budgets, targets and timelines
• working with in-house or external agencies to produce attractive campaigns that increase business
• organising and attending events to meet new and existing clients 
• managing budgets and reporting on the effectiveness of campaigns
• managing a team of marketing executives

Role Training

There are no set entry requirements. You'll usually need 3 to 5 years' experience as a marketing executive, sales manager or public relations officer.

You may need a degree in marketing or business, or a professional marketing qualification.

Another option is to start as a junior marketing manager or marketing apprentice and work your way up.

Role Description

1.Entry Requirements

There are no set entry requirements. A good standard of general education is important but employers will also want you to have an outgoing and confident personality.

Previous experience in customer service, sales or marketing will be helpful though not essential.

You could get into this career through an apprenticeship.

The Institute of Sales Management (ISM) is the industry body offering qualifications to help you progress in your career.

2. Skills required

You’ll need:

• excellent communication skills to build trust with customers quickly 
• sales and negotiation skills 
• IT skills 
• a well organised approach 
• determination and a focus

3. What you'll do

You’ll be:  

• contacting customers and businesses 
• promoting products, services and special deals 
• following up sales leads and taking orders 
• updating customer records on computer systems 
• advising customers about delivery times 
• setting up appointments for senior sales staff 
• providing after-sales service

4. Salary

Starter: £15,000 to £18,000

Experienced: £20,000 to £25,000

Highly Experienced: £25,000 to £35,000 (managers)

Some companies offer a basic salary with extra bonuses and commission linked to sales targets.

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

You’ll usually work up to 40 hours a week on shifts between 8am and 10pm, Monday to Saturday.

You’ll be based in an office or call centre and spend most of your time using a computer. Some companies offer homeworking.

6. Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team leader, senior salesperson or sales manager. 

Role Description

1. Entry requirements

There are no set requirements, but experience of working in an office or call centre could help.

For some sales jobs, such as technical or pharmaceutical sales, you may need to have a relevant qualification like a degree.

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.

2. Skills required

You'll need:

• excellent customer service and communication skills
• the ability to sell and negotiate
• IT and presentation skills

3. What you'll do

You'll specialise in a particular industry, like consumer goods or energy. You may sell directly to consumers, or to other businesses. 

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• contacting new and existing customers
• making presentations to promote new products
• agreeing sales, prices and delivery
• keeping in contact with customers before and after a sale
• recording orders
• going to conferences to understand industry trends
• meeting sales targets

4. Salary

Starter: £15,000 to £20,000

Experienced: £25,000 to £35,000

Highly Experienced: £40,000 to £50,000 (sales executive or manager)

You'll usually get a basic salary and an extra amount for each sale (commission). You may also get a bonus if you meet targets.

You may get a company car and fuel allowance.

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

You'll usually work 38 to 40 hours, Monday to Friday, but may need to work evenings or weekends. Occasionally you'll stay away overnight, or travel abroad to trade fairs and conferences.

You may drive to visit customers. When not on the road, you'll work from a sales office or call centre. Sometimes you’ll work from home. You’ll usually need a driving licence and may need a passport.

6. Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a sales team leader or an area sales manager.

The Institute of Sales Management (ISM) could help you develop your career.

Role Description

1. Entry requirements

You'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or A levels, as well as experience or industry qualifications.

You could study for a foundation degree, HND or degree which includes quality control options, for example in production management.

You could get into this job as an apprentice and work your way up to a quality control job.

2. Skills required

You'll need:

• the ability to use your technical knowledge to design policies
• organisational skills

3. What you'll do

You could work in many industries. You'll usually work in a team supervised by a quality manager.

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• dealing with customer feedback and complaints
• assessing and rating suppliers
• designing, reviewing and updating quality control policies
• training new staff
• producing reports

You'll also have duties specific to your industry. For example, in manufacturing and engineering this could include:

• finding and fixing faults at each stage of the production process
• testing samples in a lab
• making sure labelling is accurate
• checking that production methods meet legislation guidelines
• inspecting materials for defects and using methods like non-destructive testing (NDT)

4. Salary

Starter: £12,500 to £15,000

Experienced: £18,000 to £25,000

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

You'll usually work 35 to 40 hours, Monday to Friday. In manufacturing, you may need to work evening and weekend shifts.

You could work in an office, laboratory or factory production area.

6. Career path and progression

With experience and training you could move into supervisory, management or research jobs.