Have you got a love for technology, an eye for code and a knack for problem-solving? Then you could go on to be a successful web developer in the UK. You’ll be in demand, too, with society’s rapid digital transformation combining with a serious skills shortage to make it a candidate’s market. A 2019 government report found:

  • 82% of jobs in the UK list digital skills as a requirement
  • Those jobs pay 29% more on average than jobs not requiring digital skills
  • Employers struggle to fill one-third of vacancies due to lack of digital competency

So how can you get a piece of the action? Read our guide on how to become a web developer to learn about:

  • What web development typically involves
  • The different roles available, from full-stack developer jobs to front or back-end specialists
  • Environments in which you could work
  • Qualifications and skills you might need, including great web developer courses
  • Progression opportunities for junior or graduate web developers

A day in the life of a web developer

As a web developer you’ll write the code for new websites, features and applications, as well as upgrading or maintaining existing sites. It’s not just writing code, though. You might also:

  • Work with clients or internal stakeholders to establish clear briefs covering website audience needs and functional aspects such as handling transactions
  • Test new sites and features to make sure that they work correctly across different browsers and devices
  • Identify and repair any technical issues
  • Install and maintain website security to protect against cyber attacks
  • Upload completed websites onto servers and register them with search engines

web developer vs web designer

It’s worth noting at this point that – while closely related – a web developer is different to a web designer.

In short, web developers bring to life the plans that web designers create. Web developers build everything that makes websites work, while web designers plan the visual elements, including imagery and branding.

You may need to cover both areas if working in a small team or as a freelancer.

types of web developer

You might choose to specialise in particular programming languages or industries, but generally web developer jobs fit into three categories:

  • Front-end developer: You’ll work on a site’s layout, content and features – or its ‘front end’ – to improve its appearance and usability. You might specialise in JavaScript, CSS/HTML, user interface or mobile development.
  • Back-end developer: You’ll work behind the scenes to manage the functionality of a website through elements like servers, applications and databases. You might specialise in Java, application programme interfaces (APIs) or Scala.

Full-stack developer: You guessed it – you’ll combine skills and knowledge in both areas to create and look after websites from front to back.

environments in which you could work

Just like other digital marketing professions, there are a few different ways you could work in web development.

  • In-house: You’ll work for one brand or organisation to manage their existing website and develop new ones if and when required.
  • Agency: You’ll work on projects for multiple clients across various industries, potentially building sites from scratch as well as updating existing ones.
  • Freelance: You’ll work in a similar way to an agency, only for yourself.

It’s normal to try different options over your career as you grow to understand how you like to work and on what you want to work.

how to become a web developer in the UK

qualifications and training

Employers may will usually expect candidatesyou to have educational qualifications at degree level and mightmay want to seerequire relevant work experience, toocoupled with vocational skills.



There are many options for degrees in the web development field,Good degree options includeing computer science, IT, software engineering and programmingand web design, and relevant BTEC and SQA National Diplomas and Certificates can help you get into the industry too. .

More specialist areas include multimedia design, web design, web development and web content management.

You don’t always need formal training to land a web developer role, though. There are lots of free or cheap web developer courses which can help you improve your coding skills and gain certificates. Here are three for starters:

  • Codeacademy

    Anyone interested in developing a career in web development can also access a range of other qualifications relating to IT and should develop a sound understanding of subjects including web and graphic design, interactive design and internet technology. Gaining BTEC and SQA National Diplomas and Certificates provide a sound basis for gaining entry into the industry.
  • FutureLearn – Introduction to web development
  • Udemy

personal qualities and skills

Web development is a creative job, so you’ll need imagination and problem-solving ability as well as core programming skills. You should also:

  • Be adaptable to learn new techniques and fix bugs
  • Be a good communicator whether dealing with clients, account managers or other stakeholders
  • Be prepared to work solo or as part of a team
  • Be thorough and have a good eye for imperfections
  • Have the drive and organisation skills to meet tight deadlines
  • Know how to multitask if working across multiple projects
  • Be commercially minded if working with clients

Have awareness of related disciplines such as IT, user experience, SEO and content

building your portfolio

Building a portfolio is a great way to show off your experience and skills to employers and clients and land new opportunities. While a good CV is great, a strong portfolio is even better! Yours might include sites, features or other projects you’ve built either in a professional role or in your own time.

If you’re searching for junior web developer jobs but don’t have anything in your portfolio yet, here are some great places to start:

  • Build your own website to showcase your brand and experiment
  • Build websites for friends or family members
  • Do volunteer development work for charities
  • Contribute to open source projects with other developers

progression opportunities for junior web developers

You’ll likely start out as a junior or graduate web developer, then progress to a senior and eventually lead developer over time. Senior roles bring opportunities to manage projects from start to finish, as well as mentoring junior and middle-weight developers in your team.

Learning different coding languages is a great way to expand your repertoire as you’ll be able to work on more platforms – or you could specialise in one area with especially high demand. Another option for progression is creating your own web development agency, in which you’ll win clients and employ other developers.

Search for front-end, back-end or full-stack developer jobs near you

Randstad Technologies places web developers in the UK and beyond. If you’re ready to take your first step, search for developer jobs on our website. Alternatively, you can send us your CV and have tailored opportunities send straight to your inbox as soon as they become available.

Want to keep learning? Head to our career hub for more role descriptions and job tips.

 

tags:

more career options articles.