Web designer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking 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
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could take a college course, to learn some of the skills needed in this job. For example:
- Level 3 Certificate in Web Design and Development
- T level in Digital Production, Design and Development
- Level 4 Certificate in Digital Media Design
You may need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
1. For a Level 4 or 5 course, you'll need 1 or 2 A-Levels, a Level 3 diploma or relevant experience.
Apprenticeship
You could take an apprenticeship such as:
- Level 3 Junior content producer
- Level 3 Junior vfx artist (generalist)
- Creative digital design degree apprenticeship
- Digital and technology solutions professional degree apprenticeship
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need 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. You'll need a portfolio of work that shows employers your creative design skills.
To make sure that you're up to date with the latest trends, features and design software you can:
get involved in free webinars or online training courses
sign up to free online magazines
read the latest industry blogs for news and tips.
Web designer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Web designer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- take a lead role in maintaining and developing a site
- attend meetings with internal and external clients to plan and develop site content, style and appearance
- use web content management systems (CMS)
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- analyse website usage statistics
- write reports for senior managers, clients and partnership organisations
- carry out quality assurance checks on content
- report technical problems to IT support staff
Working environment
You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.
Career path and progression - Web designer apprenticeships
With experience you could move into design team management or expand your skills to become a web content manager.
You might work towards a move into business management.
You could also work as a freelance web designer or set up your own web design business.