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Digital technologies

We’re living in a digital world that’s changing the way we work and the jobs we do. Every sector needs tech – finance, health, creative, sports and many more. (Looking for the Digital World website? All our digital tech info is now here on My World of Work.)

Make an impact with digital technologies

Working in tech means you’ll help people work, learn and talk to each other. By doing so, you’ll play a central role in the climate emergency and help save our planet.
Are you imagining software engineers hunched over a desk writing code? Digital tech is much wider than that! You could get involved in AI, gaming, data science, cyber security – and lots more.
Whatever your level of digital tech skills, you’ll use them in every industry! They’ll prepare you for the future and really help boost your CV.
The future of data is really bright and with the rise of AI and digital technologies there's an opportunity to really start to think about how we connect different types of information... Manira Chief Officer, Public Health Scotland

Digital technology at a glance

All businesses and organisations need people with digital tech skills. The number of people working in UK tech jobs has almost doubled in two years! By being creative, developing and delivering ideas, you can make a real difference to people's lives.

Employment

In 2024, there were 87,700 people working in the digital technology sector across Scotland. The most in-demand tech jobs in the UK are software developers, with experienced developers earning around £70,000.

Job availability

By 2027, the digital technologies industry will need about 3,200 more people to fill job openings in Scotland alone. Remote working is common, which makes it a flexible choice.

Job diversity

With 15 to 20 million people working in the UK technology sector in 2023, 26% of those are women, compared to 19% in 2019.

(Source - DDaT Women in Tech Programme - gov.uk)

Things you may not know about digital technologies

Conservationists and technologists are working together with artificial intelligence (AI) to protect ecosystems.

Source: University of Stirling

Data and AI are powerful partners – they're used for everything from smart neighbourhoods to cancer detection.

Source: The Data Lab

The Scottish space sector's on track to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 – with a goal to reach net zero by 2045.

Source: Scottish Development International

Develop your digital tech skills

Learn new digital tech skills and build on existing ones with courses, resources and advice from these tech organisations.

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Codeacademy

Codeacademy provides learning tools, resources and opportunities. Find free courses and develop your coding skills.

Visit Codeacademy
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CodeBase

Are you a budding tech entrepreneur? CodeBase offers free programmes to give you the tools needed to start, build, grow and scale your tech business.

Visit CodeBase
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Cyber Skills Live

Play interactive games to learn about cyber security, computer coding, working with data and artificial intelligence. It's used by 500,000 players around the world to get a taste of exciting real-life tech jobs in under 30 minutes.

Visit Cyber Skills Live
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Digital Skills Education

Learn digital skills and get the most out of technology, whether you’re at home, work, or school.

Visit Digital Skills Education
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Scottish Digital Academy

The Scottish Digital Academy is the digital centre of excellence for the public sector and the third sector. You'll find professional courses, advice and guidance to help you develop digital skills, leadership and talent.

Visit Scottish Digital Academy
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Scottish Tech Army

This organisation has over 3,000 passionate volunteers, working with more than 400 organisations to help people and communities of Scotland. It’s a chance to learn new skills and help others.

Visit Scottish Tech Army
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e-Placement Scotland

e-Placement Scotland is a program that helps students find paid digital technology placements. Paid placements cover everything from data science, to software development and even creating mobile apps!

Visit e-Placement Scotland