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
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)
Be part of a future full of possibility
We’ve pulled out some popular digital technology job profiles for you to explore.
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.
What subjects you could take in school
We've pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) that could be useful for getting into a digital technologies career.
cyber security
data science
maths
design
digital media
Creative and Digital Media FA
IT Hardware and System Support FA
IT Software Development FA
computing and IT
Scientific Technologies FA
Develop your digital tech skills
Learn new digital tech skills and build on existing ones with courses, resources and advice from these tech organisations.
Codeacademy
Codeacademy provides learning tools, resources and opportunities. Find free courses and develop your coding skills.
Visit Codeacademy
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
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
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
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
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
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