Ageless opportunities — Why the over 50s should embrace digital careers

The demand for digital skills continues to grow exponentially. While younger generations seem to thrive in digital careers, individuals over 50 shouldn't hesitate to embrace the opportunities presented by the tech industry.

Why are digital skills in such demand?

The digital landscape has become an integral part of almost every industry. As businesses increasingly rely on technology to thrive, the demand for professionals with digital skills continues to rise.

Organisations are undergoing massive digital transformations to remain competitive. Additionally, the way consumers interact with these businesses has changed dramatically, with a strong emphasis on digital channels.

Companies require professionals who understand Digital Marketing, E-commerce, User Experience (UX), and Customer Relationship Management to meet these changing consumer needs.

What kind of people is the tech industry looking for?

It used to be that, to enter the world of tech, you had to attend university and attain a Computer Science or STEM degree. However, due to the growing demand for skilled workers (also known as the digital skills gap) and the increased availability of training programmes, a shift has occurred, leading to many people from different industries moving over to tech.

The tech industry is for people who never want to stop learning, who are hungry for new developments, and who bring transferrable skills from other fields.

Many digital roles require a deep understanding of business dynamics, client relationships, and project management, areas where individuals over 50 often excel. In addition, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability are always highly sought-after.

All of this makes mature professionals especially valuable in tech.

If you're over 50, what opportunities can tech provide for you?

1. Job security

The high demand for digital skills translates to increased job security. By acquiring these skills, individuals over 50 can enhance their hiring chances and open doors to a wide range of job opportunities across various industries.

2. Flexibility

Many digital roles offer flexibility in terms of remote work, flexible schedules, and freelance opportunities. This flexibility allows individuals over 50 to achieve a better work-life balance and tailor their work arrangements to fit their personal needs and priorities.

3. Learning & personal growth

Engaging with new technologies, trends, and tools fosters mental agility, enabling professionals to learn constantly and share their knowledge and wisdom. 

Interested in tech? We can help.

For the past 12 years in a row, we've been recognised as one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World. We offer accelerated courses, Apprenticeships, and Skills Bootcamps that can help you move into tech fast.

In particular, Skills Bootcamps are an amazing way to get started. These 12-week Government-funded programmes specialise in a variety of disciplines, such as Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Networking, Software, and more.

Companies frequently sponsor them to find the best candidates for positions they're trying to fill; for many, they have been a great way to kick-start their tech careers.

Take a look at our Skills Bootcamps programmes and get in touch with an adviser to see what would be right for you. If you're an employer, we can help you too.