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Which apprenticeships lead to the highest paying IT jobs?

Young professionals, staring at a laptop

An Apprenticeship could be your springboard to a high-paying IT job. It’s an increasingly popular way to start a lucrative career in tech. And digital talent has never been more in-demand.

The Jobs & Skills Report 2021 reveals that tech jobs make up a higher proportion of all vacancies in the UK - post-pandemic. The report also shows these jobs pay up to 50% more, on average, than all vacancies in the UK (£55,061 vs £36,422), and that figure is increasing.

You could help fill the digital skills gap

A recent report from the Open University shows 9 in 10 UK organisations admit to having a shortage of digital skills. But with Apprenticeship schemes now backed by government incentives such as Apprenticeship standards, companies are turning to Apprenticeships to close their digital skills gap.

It’s a savvy business move endorsed by Jason Moss, Kaplan Apprenticeship Development Director. “Kaplan’s data and IT apprenticeship standards provide a great way of preparing businesses for the challenges of tomorrow,” says Jason. “They also have a vital role to play in helping jobseekers access the still-buoyant digital jobs market – providing opportunities for anyone to access well paid and rewarding careers.”

What is an Apprenticeship standard?

An Apprenticeship standard is a list of the skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice will need to have learnt by the end of their apprenticeship. At Kaplan, we have a range of data and IT Apprenticeships on offer, each with their own set of standards. They span all abilities, from entry level to senior management positions.

Can anyone start an Apprenticeship?

As long as you’re 16 or over, living in England and not already in full-time education, you can start one. It doesn’t matter if you’re a school leaver or university graduate, never worked or are seeking a career change in later life, the Apprenticeship route is open to you.

Which Apprenticeships lead to high-paying IT jobs?

Here’s our roundup of some of the best-paying IT jobs. Choose which interests you the most, and then discover how one of our data and IT Apprenticeships can help you progress into the role.

Software Developer/Architect

You’ll build and test high-quality code solutions to meet your client’s requirements.

  • Similar roles: Web Developer, Application Developer, Games Developer.
  • Average UK salary: £45,000 to £60,000 per year.*

Business Analyst

You’ll look at the organisation’s current capabilities, needs and technology gaps, then suggest solutions to improve internal processes and overall business performance.

  • Similar roles: Business Systems Analyst, Requirements Analyst.
  • Average UK salary: £45,079 to £65,000 per year.*

Python Programmer

You’ll be responsible for coding, designing, deploying, and debugging development projects, typically on the server-side (or back-end).

  • Similar roles: Python Developer, Machine Learning Engineer.
  • Average UK salary: £45,000 to £67,500 per year.*

Big Data Engineer

The aim is to get results from vast amounts of data, quickly. In this role, you’ll select and manage the tools and frameworks.

  • Similar roles: Data Scientist.
  • Average UK salary range: £50,000 to £85,000 per year.*

Data Scientist

As well as analysing data, you’ll use your skills in computer science, maths, and statistical modelling to help organisations make better decisions and plan for the future.

  • Similar roles: Machine Learning Scientist, Applications Architect.
  • Average UK salary: £55,000 to £78,000 per year.*

DevOps Engineer

Your job is to get software to active users frequently and safely, reducing time to market and improving the quality of digital services.

  • Similar roles: Infrastructure Engineer, Build and Release Engineer, Full Stack Developer.
  • Average UK salary: £60,000 to £80,000 per year.*

Cloud Architect

A cloud architect deploys and oversees an organisation’s entire cloud computing strategy.

  • Similar roles: Computer Network Architect, Solutions Architect.
  • Average salary range: £75,000 to £90,000 per year.*

Next steps

Explore one of our Data and IT Apprenticeships below or take a look at our vacancies page today.

*Salary information from https://uk.talent.com/salary (November 2021)

Level up your finance or digital skills with an apprenticeship

Learn more

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Which apprenticeships lead to the highest paying IT jobs?

Young professionals, staring at a laptop

An Apprenticeship could be your springboard to a high-paying IT job. It’s an increasingly popular way to start a lucrative career in tech. And digital talent has never been more in-demand.

The Jobs & Skills Report 2021 reveals that tech jobs make up a higher proportion of all vacancies in the UK - post-pandemic. The report also shows these jobs pay up to 50% more, on average, than all vacancies in the UK (£55,061 vs £36,422), and that figure is increasing.

You could help fill the digital skills gap

A recent report from the Open University shows 9 in 10 UK organisations admit to having a shortage of digital skills. But with Apprenticeship schemes now backed by government incentives such as Apprenticeship standards, companies are turning to Apprenticeships to close their digital skills gap.

It’s a savvy business move endorsed by Jason Moss, Kaplan Apprenticeship Development Director. “Kaplan’s data and IT apprenticeship standards provide a great way of preparing businesses for the challenges of tomorrow,” says Jason. “They also have a vital role to play in helping jobseekers access the still-buoyant digital jobs market – providing opportunities for anyone to access well paid and rewarding careers.”

What is an Apprenticeship standard?

An Apprenticeship standard is a list of the skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice will need to have learnt by the end of their apprenticeship. At Kaplan, we have a range of data and IT Apprenticeships on offer, each with their own set of standards. They span all abilities, from entry level to senior management positions.

Can anyone start an Apprenticeship?

As long as you’re 16 or over, living in England and not already in full-time education, you can start one. It doesn’t matter if you’re a school leaver or university graduate, never worked or are seeking a career change in later life, the Apprenticeship route is open to you.

Which Apprenticeships lead to high-paying IT jobs?

Here’s our roundup of some of the best-paying IT jobs. Choose which interests you the most, and then discover how one of our data and IT Apprenticeships can help you progress into the role.

Software Developer/Architect

You’ll build and test high-quality code solutions to meet your client’s requirements.

  • Similar roles: Web Developer, Application Developer, Games Developer.
  • Average UK salary: £45,000 to £60,000 per year.*

Business Analyst

You’ll look at the organisation’s current capabilities, needs and technology gaps, then suggest solutions to improve internal processes and overall business performance.

  • Similar roles: Business Systems Analyst, Requirements Analyst.
  • Average UK salary: £45,079 to £65,000 per year.*

Python Programmer

You’ll be responsible for coding, designing, deploying, and debugging development projects, typically on the server-side (or back-end).

  • Similar roles: Python Developer, Machine Learning Engineer.
  • Average UK salary: £45,000 to £67,500 per year.*

Big Data Engineer

The aim is to get results from vast amounts of data, quickly. In this role, you’ll select and manage the tools and frameworks.

  • Similar roles: Data Scientist.
  • Average UK salary range: £50,000 to £85,000 per year.*

Data Scientist

As well as analysing data, you’ll use your skills in computer science, maths, and statistical modelling to help organisations make better decisions and plan for the future.

  • Similar roles: Machine Learning Scientist, Applications Architect.
  • Average UK salary: £55,000 to £78,000 per year.*

DevOps Engineer

Your job is to get software to active users frequently and safely, reducing time to market and improving the quality of digital services.

  • Similar roles: Infrastructure Engineer, Build and Release Engineer, Full Stack Developer.
  • Average UK salary: £60,000 to £80,000 per year.*

Cloud Architect

A cloud architect deploys and oversees an organisation’s entire cloud computing strategy.

  • Similar roles: Computer Network Architect, Solutions Architect.
  • Average salary range: £75,000 to £90,000 per year.*

Next steps

Explore one of our Data and IT Apprenticeships below or take a look at our vacancies page today.

*Salary information from https://uk.talent.com/salary (November 2021)

Level up your finance or digital skills with an apprenticeship

Learn more

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Mastering your CV: Tips for aspiring professionals

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We held a webinar to provide tips on how to create or update a strong CV and tailor it to specific job vacancies that you apply for.

Kaplan · 11 minute read

Considering a career in insolvency: What you need to know

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The insolvency profession is commonly regarded as part of the legal sector, but many accountancy professionals also pursue a career in this area.

Kaplan · 5 minute read

The importance of upskilling throughout your career

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Guest writer and partner at UK Business Finance, Karl Hodson, writes about the importance of gaining new skills throughout your career.

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