Getting Into IT and Technology: An Entry-Level Guide
The UK tech sector is booming, and you don't need a degree or years of experience to get your foot in the door. Entry-level IT roles are a genuine way to start a career that's in high demand, pays well, and offers real progression.
What does entry-level IT actually look like?
Entry-level IT isn't just about building the next app or designing systems from scratch. Entry-level IT jobs are roles designed for candidates with limited professional experience, and these positions focus on learning, skill development, and on-the-job training.
The reality is more varied than you might think. Popular roles include IT Support Technician, Junior Software Developer, Junior Data Analyst, Junior QA Tester, Cybersecurity Trainee, and IT Apprentice positions. You might be fixing users' computers, testing software before it gets released, analyzing data, or learning to code while working on real projects.
Remote work is especially common in software development, QA, and data roles. Many entry-level positions offer flexible or hybrid work, which means you're not always tied to an office desk.
The best part? You don't need to know everything - employers value strong fundamentals and willingness to learn.
Common entry-level roles
IT Support Technician - The first line of help when users have technical problems. Your job is to figure out software and hardware problems for computer users and give them solutions to make them happy computer users again. Entry-level IT Support roles typically start at £22,000-£28,000, depending on location and company size.
Junior Software Developer - Writing code and building applications alongside more experienced developers. Junior software developers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £38,000 in 2026, depending on location, technology stack, and employer size.
Junior QA Tester - QA testers ensure software runs smoothly before reaching users, identifying bugs, testing new features, and collaborating with developers to maintain high-quality standards. This entry-level position offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in testing methodologies, automation, and software development processes. Typical salary range: £21,000–£26,000.
Junior Data Analyst - You will collect, clean, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. This role blends technical skills with business understanding and is ideal if you enjoy finding patterns and meaning in numbers. Typical salary range: £23,000–£29,000.
Systems Administrator - Systems administrators keep an organization's IT infrastructure running, managing servers, troubleshooting network issues, and ensuring systems remain secure and efficient. Typical salary range: £24,000–£30,000.
IT Apprentice - In 2026, tech companies and leading employers typically pay IT apprentices £18,000 to £26,000, though salaries can reach £41,000 and above. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with formal qualifications.
What qualifications do you need?
Here's the good news: While qualifications are not always required if you have skills and experience, some employers do prefer a degree or education in an IT-related subject. But it's not a dealbreaker.
The honest list of what helps:
- GCSEs in English and Maths - Although you may be able to get into this role without formal qualifications, it's highly recommended that you try to achieve at least a grade 4 (C) in English & Maths.
- IT-related qualification - Most IT technicians join the profession through a college course in IT support or computing, such as Level 2 Certificate in ICT Systems Support or Level 3 Diploma in ICT professional competence.
- CompTIA A+ Certification - The CompTIA A+ certification is worth getting because it teaches you the foundational skills an IT professional should know, and obtaining this qualification validates your skills and experience. Most students complete CompTIA A+ certification in 2-3 months with dedicated part-time study.
- Apprenticeships - If you complete an IT/digital apprenticeship through BCS, you can apply for recognition to attain the professional RITTech standard and get added to their register, with registration lasting three years and one free year as a BCS Associate member.
What you actually need to get hired:
You can get into IT with no experience in the UK - you don't need a degree or prior experience, just a willingness to learn. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and basic computer literacy are more important than formal qualifications for many entry-level roles.
How hiring works in IT
IT hiring is usually faster than other sectors. Entry-level and administrative roles are typically filled faster, often within 1 to 2 weeks. Some companies move even quicker.
The typical process:
Find vacancies - Almost every industry in the UK now relies on IT professionals. Job boards like Step Into Jobs, LinkedIn, Indeed, and specialist IT boards like IT Job Board list thousands of positions. Check company websites directly too.
Apply - Most IT roles ask for an online application with your CV, a cover letter, and sometimes a brief questionnaire about your motivation. Be specific: explain why this role appeals to you and what skills you bring.
Screening - The screening interview process is a brief and targeted interview undertaken to ensure that you are qualified for the job you have applied for, with the interviewer checking that your formal qualifications, skills and experience match those in the job requirements. This might be a phone call or brief video interview.
Interview(s) - One phone screen and one in-person or video interview is often enough for entry-level roles. Expect questions about your technical knowledge (if relevant), problem-solving, and why you want the job. They'll also assess whether you're someone they can train and who'll fit the team.
Technical test - Some roles include a coding challenge, QA test scenario, or technical assessment. Don't panic - these are designed to show what you can do, not to trick you.
Background check - Before an offer, you'll likely have a background check. Tell the truth on your application.
Offer and start - Once you've passed everything, you'll get a job offer and an agreed start date.
What to expect on the job
Hours and flexibility - As an IT support technician, you would typically work 30-40 hours a week. In many places, this is a standard 9 to 5 job. Some organisations might offer vacancies for shift work, for example, if they are offering their customers 24/7 IT support round the clock. Many tech companies offer flexible or hybrid work.
The work itself - You'll spend time troubleshooting, learning new systems, collaborating with colleagues, and maybe dealing with frustrated users. Not every day is exciting, but it's quite a social job, even when you're busy.
Physical demands - Most IT roles are desk-based, but IT support technicians sometimes travel to fix hardware on-site. Nothing strenuous, but expect to be on your feet occasionally.
Progression - This is where IT really shines. You can move into QA automation, software engineering, or product testing leadership. With experience, you could move into a supervisory or management role. With training, you could move into network engineering, database administration, business or systems analysis, IT security, IT project management, training or technical sales. Employers actively sponsor further qualifications because they want to keep good people.
Continuous learning - Technologies change rapidly, so it's essential you stay current with any developments in hardware and software, or more specific systems. Continuing professional development (CPD) is therefore very important. But most companies support this through training budgets and time off.
Is IT right for you?
IT entry-level roles suit people who:
- Like solving problems - IT is fundamentally about figuring out what's broken and fixing it. If that appeals to you, you'll enjoy it.
- Can stay calm under pressure - Users get frustrated when their systems fail. You need to stay patient and methodical.
- Want to keep learning - Technology changes constantly. If that excites you rather than overwhelms you, you'll thrive. If it sounds exhausting, that's a fair warning.
- Are detail-oriented - Whether it's writing code, testing software, or analyzing data, small mistakes matter.
- Can communicate with non-technical people - A lot of IT is explaining technical problems in plain English so people understand what's happening.
It's not for everyone. If you hate sitting at a desk, you're not interested in how technology works, or you find the pace of change in tech anxiety-inducing, this sector might not be for you.
But if you're someone who enjoys troubleshooting, who wants a career with genuine progression, and who likes the idea of working in an industry that's constantly evolving - entry-level IT is one of the most accessible and fastest-growing ways to get started.
Check Step Into Jobs for live IT and technology vacancies in your area. With thousands of active job listings aggregated from specialist and generalist sources, you'll find entry-level roles right now.
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