Why Get Into Tech?
Technology continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK and globally. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, more than 75% of companies plan to adopt new technologies such as AI, big data, and cloud computing in the next five years. At the same time, the UK faces a significant digital skills shortage, with TechUK estimating that unfilled tech roles cost the economy around £63 billion each year.
For women, this means opportunity. Tech offers flexible career paths, competitive salaries, and the chance to shape the tools and systems that underpin modern life. Yet women remain underrepresented – making up just 26% of the UK tech workforce. Closing this gap isn’t just about fairness; it’s about unlocking innovation.
If you’re looking to break into tech in 2025, whether you’re a student, a career changer, or returning to work after a break, there are more routes than ever to get started.
Route 1: Learning Through Bootcamps and Online Courses
One of the most popular ways to enter tech today is through coding bootcamps and online learning platforms. These courses are designed to be flexible, practical, and fast-paced, offering intensive training in areas like web development, data science, cybersecurity, and AI.
Providers such as Code First Girls, General Assembly, and School of Code have tailored programmes aimed at women, often with scholarships or employer partnerships attached. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX allow you to study at your own pace, while free resources such as freeCodeCamp and Khan Academy make learning accessible to all.
Bootcamps and online learning can be especially effective for career changers because they focus on applied skills rather than theory. Many also offer career support, from CV workshops to introductions to hiring partners.
When choosing a course, look for one that includes project-based learning. Being able to showcase a portfolio of work is often just as important as the certificate itself.
Route 2: Apprenticeships and Graduate Schemes
Apprenticeships are no longer just for school leavers, they are now a powerful way for people of all ages to step into tech roles. In the UK, digital apprenticeships are available in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis. They allow you to earn a salary while training, making them a financially accessible option.
Major employers like BT, IBM, and Accenture run apprenticeship schemes, and many SMEs offer them too. These programmes typically combine on-the-job learning with structured study, resulting in a recognised qualification.
Graduate schemes remain a strong route for those coming directly from university. Increasingly, employers are opening these programmes to candidates from non-STEM degrees, recognising that skills like problem-solving, communication, and project management are just as valuable in tech.
If you’re looking at apprenticeships or graduate schemes, pay attention to application deadlines. Many open months in advance of the intake.
Route 3: Returnships and Career Re-entry Programmes
For women who have taken a career break, whether for caring responsibilities, travel, or other reasons, returnship programmes offer a structured way back into work. These programmes typically run for 3-6 months, providing training, mentorship, and hands-on experience with the possibility of a permanent role at the end.
Companies such as Fidelity International, Amazon Web Services, and Barclays run returnship initiatives in the UK. Tech-focused organisations are increasingly recognising the value of attracting experienced professionals back into the workforce and providing support to ease the transition.
Returnships are especially valuable for women in tech, as they tackle the “leaky pipeline” problem, where women leave the industry mid-career and struggle to return.
Route 4: Networking and Mentorship
Breaking into tech is not only about skills; it’s also about connections. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not find advertised.
Women in Tech networks, both local and global, provide spaces to meet peers, mentors, and potential employers. Events such as Women in Tech Global Conference, Women Who Code meetups, and community hackathons are excellent ways to build relationships while learning.
Mentorship can be transformative. Having someone to guide you, share advice, and champion your progress can accelerate your career. Many organisations, including Code First Girls and TechUp Women offer mentorship opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to reach out on LinkedIn to ask someone for an informational chat. Many professionals are happy to share their journeys.
Route 5: Transferable Skills and Career Switching
Not all tech roles require coding or deep technical knowledge. Many women successfully transition into tech from fields such as marketing, design, teaching, or project management by leveraging transferable skills.
For example:
- Teachers often excel in instructional design or edtech roles.
- Project managers transition into agile delivery or scrum master positions.
- Marketers with strong analytics skills can move into digital product management or UX research.
The key is to highlight how your existing skills apply to tech and supplement them with targeted learning. A short course in data analysis, for example, could bridge the gap between marketing analytics and a data-focused tech role.
Route 6: Employer Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
More employers are recognising the need to build diverse teams and are actively creating pathways for women. Diversity hiring initiatives, targeted internships, and sponsorship of training programmes are increasingly common.
For example, Goldman Sachs’ Returnship Programme and Google’s Women Techmakers initiative both aim to support women entering and progressing in tech. Many organisations also partner with coding schools and networks to create pipelines of female talent.
If you’re looking for a role, research which companies have clear commitments to diversity. Public gender pay gap reporting, visible female leadership, and partnerships with inclusion organisations are all positive signs.
Overcoming Barriers and Building Confidence
Breaking into tech can feel intimidating, especially when women are underrepresented. Imposter syndrome is common, but it’s important to remember that no one starts as an expert. Employers are increasingly looking for curiosity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability, qualities many women already bring to the table.
Confidence often grows with practice. Building a small project, joining a coding challenge, or contributing to an open-source initiative can help you prove your skills to yourself as well as future employers.
The tech industry is constantly evolving. Roles in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and sustainability tech are expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. But beyond specific job titles, the most important skill is adaptability.
For women breaking into tech in 2025, the landscape is more open than ever. Multiple routes, from bootcamps and apprenticeships to mentorship and returnships, mean there is no single “right” way to enter. What matters most is finding the pathway that fits your skills, lifestyle, and ambitions.
