Web designer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could take a higher national diploma or degree in:

• web design and development
• multimedia design
• digital media development
• interactive computing

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you need for this job, for example:

• Level 3 Certificate in Web Design and Development
• T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
• Level 4 Diploma in IT Web Design

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You could take an apprenticeship, such as:

• Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Junior VFX Artist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Creative Digital Design Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start working as a design assistant or web support assistant and train while you work.

Volunteering

You could volunteer for a local community group or charity and create a website for them. Any experience you can get will be helpful when applying for jobs.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to write computer programs
• persistence and determination
• analytical thinking skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• maths knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• operations analysis skills
• knowledge of English language
• complex problem-solving skills
• concentration skills
• knowledge of media production and communication
• customer service skills
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Web designers use their creative and technical skills to design new websites and redesign existing ones.

You could:

• take a lead in maintaining and developing a site
• attend meetings with clients to plan and develop website style and appearance
• use content management systems (CMS)
• analyse statistics about who is using the website
• write reports for managers, clients and partners
• report technical problems to IT support staff

Location : You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• become a lead web designer or manager
• work as a freelance web designer
• set up your own web design business