Tech is the future of the UK economy
Technology is no longer a niche sector—it underpins almost every part of the UK economy. From fintech and healthtech to artificial intelligence and green energy, digital skills are in demand across every industry. According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the UK digital sector contributed an estimated £158.3 billion to the economy in 2022 and continues to grow faster than the wider economy. As businesses adopt cloud computing, data analytics and AI, the need for skilled tech professionals will only increase.
That growth creates a huge opportunity, but only if the workforce reflects the country it serves. A strong, diverse tech sector is more innovative, more productive and better able to solve the problems that affect everyone. Right now, women are still missing from too many of those conversations.
The current picture for women in tech UK
Despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in UK technology roles. BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, estimates that women hold around 20% of IT specialist positions in the UK. The Tech Talent Charter’s latest annual report puts the figure for women in tech roles at signatory organisations closer to 28%, but that number falls significantly when looking specifically at technical and engineering positions.
The gap starts long before the workplace. Fewer girls than boys take computer science at GCSE and A-Level, and many young women who do study STEM subjects do not see technology as a career for them. Stereotypes, a lack of visible role models and limited careers advice all play a part. Closing the gap means addressing these barriers early and showing girls—and women returning to work or changing careers—that tech has a place for them.
Start early: role models and education
What children see and learn shapes what they believe is possible. Girls need to see women thriving in technical roles, from software engineers and data scientists to founders and chief technology officers. UK organisations such as Stemettes, founded by Anne-Marie Imafidon, run events, mentoring and school programmes specifically for girls and young women interested in STEM. Tech She Can works with employers to inspire girls through free careers resources, while WISE campaigns for gender balance in science, technology and engineering.
Schools, parents and employers all have a role to play. Careers advice should highlight the breadth of tech roles available, not just coding. Work experience, apprenticeships and employer visits can demystify the industry and show young women what a tech career actually looks like.
Learning to code—and beyond
Coding is a valuable skill, but it is only one route into tech. For those who want to learn, there are more options than ever. Free resources such as the freeCodeCamp curriculum, Code First Girls courses for women and non-binary people, and local coding clubs can help beginners get started. For career changers, intensive bootcamps, degree apprenticeships and T Levels offer structured pathways into the industry.
Importantly, you do not need a computer science degree to work in tech. People move into technology from humanities, healthcare, finance, the arts and many other backgrounds. Transferable skills such as problem solving, communication, project management and creativity are highly valued. Learning to code can open doors, but so can learning about user experience, data, cybersecurity, product management or technical sales.
Tech careers to consider
The range of roles in tech is far wider than many people realise. In-demand options include software engineer, web developer, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, UX/UI designer, product manager, cloud engineer, AI and machine learning specialist, games developer, IT project manager and business analyst. Many of these roles offer competitive salaries, flexible working and clear progression.
Employers are also increasingly recognising the value of diverse teams. Initiatives such as the Tech Talent Charter and BCS diversity programmes encourage companies to publish data, improve recruitment practices and support women once they are in post. If you are job hunting, look for employers who are signed up to these schemes and who can show a genuine commitment to inclusion.
Where the jobs are
London remains the UK’s largest tech hub, but it is far from the only option. Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast all have thriving tech communities and growing numbers of vacancies. Manchester and Bristol in particular have seen strong growth in digital roles outside the capital, while Cambridge is a global centre for biotech and deep tech.
If you are ready to explore opportunities, start with trusted jobsites, specialist recruiters and professional networks. Organisations such as Women in Tech UK, BCS and Prowess offer careers advice, events and networking for women at every stage. Whether you are choosing GCSEs, returning after a career break or switching sectors entirely, there is a place for you in UK tech.
