Blockchain developer
Have you got great coding skills? Spend your day designing, installing and looking after systems that use blockchain technology.
About the job
What it's like
Would you love a career where you can use coding skills and work with technology every day? Imagine helping people and businesses to function faster, better and safer within their industry.
As a blockchain developer, you'll be a specialist software developer who works with blockchain technology. You'll design, install and look after systems that use this.
Blockchain technology might sound like a confusing term but it's a fairly simple idea. It's a digital database of information shared across a network. When someone enters new information, it creates a record – known as a block. These blocks are all linked together to form a 'chain'. You cannot change or delete a block when it has been set.
The financial technology industry, also known as fintech, uses blockchain for many things. This includes sending money, storing financial information and allowing cryptocurrencies to work well. Lots of businesses now use this technology too. So, a career as a blockchain developer would allow you to work in a variety of industries.
Your tasks might include:
writing, testing and reviewing code
creating applications, features and user interfaces
making sure systems are secure to protect information
developing and maintaining blockchain infrastructure while integrating it with other technologies
making sure the blockchain system is scalable and can handle a large volume of transactions
working with other teams to integrate blockchain technology throughout an organisation
You might have different responsibilities and priorities depending on where you work.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
TechSkills – discover pathways into digital careers
Fintech Scotland – learn about the growing number of fintech companies interested in blockchain
Skills Development Scotland – a guide to cyber security qualifications in Scotland
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Blockchain developer'
Select qualification level(s)
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Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- working with technology
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- ethical
- cooperating
- analysing
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Many employers will ask for a degree in a relevant subject to apply for blockchain developer roles. You can go to university to get this or earn helpful qualifications at college or through an apprenticeship.
Other employers will accept applications from people who have several years’ experience. You'll need to be able to show that you've gathered the skills needed.
The headings shown explain more about each of the different routes you could take.
University
A degree can be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects like:
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Information Systems
Mathematics
Got a degree in a different subject but want to move into tech? Don’t worry – there are relevant postgraduate courses available across Scotland.
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job, but you'll also go to college or uni. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in IT: Software Development.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a blockchain developer job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Computing
Computer Science
Software Development
Cyber Security
Information Technology
Coding bootcamps
A coding bootcamp is a short, focussed training programme. It’ll teach you how to code and build software. You may also get the chance to work on real-life tech projects.
These coding bootcamps often run for between eight and 16 weeks. Some of them are full-time, but there are part-time and online options too.
Once you complete the course, you’ll be ready to land a role in software or blockchain development!
Teaching yourself
Sometimes, people teach themselves the skills they need to become a blockchain or software developer. Plenty of people have done this successfully but it takes motivation, structure and time. If you enjoy learning independently, teaching yourself could be perfect.
Working on your own digital projects is key! This'll help you practice the software skills you’ve learned and allows you to create a portfolio. You’ll use this portfolio to show employers what you’re capable of!
Work
You can work towards becoming a blockchain developer. You'll need to build a lot of experience before moving into the job. You can do this by working in different digital technology roles.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a blockchain developer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You must have a strong skill set and a wide range of knowledge to do this job. You'll need significant experience in some of these areas:
blockchain technology and architecture
software development
web development
scripting languages such as JavaScript, C++, PHP and Go
cryptography and security practices
using distributed systems and peer-to-peer networking
smart contracts
algorithms and data structure
agile working
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Blockchain developer'
