Since 2010, the number of jobs in Wales’ technology sector has sky-rocketed by 83 per cent – and on average, 400 new roles are created each month. This staggering growth is extremely encouraging for recent graduates and those just starting out in their tech careers. Whether they’re Cardiff-born and bred, or have moved to the city to work or study, the Welsh capital also offers these young professionals an impressive balance between quality of life and cost of living. Better still, technology companies are investing in Cardiff-based workspaces left, right and centre – with tech, media and telecoms businesses responsible for the greatest proportion of office leasing deals made in the city.
According to a report published by Tech Nation, Full Stack Developers, DevOps Engineers and Data Scientists are the three most in–demand roles in the UK. In recent years, demand for Python Developers in Cardiff has increased massively – closely followed by Engineers, Data Scientists and DevOps Engineers. However, the roles which have the highest number of open job vacancies have remained relatively similar: Software Developers, Java Developers, Engineers and NET Developers.
So, with graduates and young professionals high in demand and plenty of attractive offerings in the city itself, can supply meet demand? There are three key academic insitutions which are shaping the country’s future tech workforce – each taking a not-so academic approach to learning and development. It may surprise you that they’re scattered across the country, from Newport in the south east, through to Cardiff, then right along the south coast to Swansea.
Cardiff University’s National Software Academy (NSA) is a government-backed hub for talented, young software engineers. By working alongside renowned industry leaders and real clients, students have the chance to work on live projects in modern, office-like workspaces. There’s not a traditional lecture hall in sight and whatsmore this unique campus is actually based in Newport, just a 15 minute train journey away from the capital.
The University of South Wales, also based in Newport, is home to the National Cyber Security Academy. They too offer students the opportunity to work on live projects on their BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security course. The university was named Cyber University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards 2019, and was launched in partnership with the Welsh government.
A little further West, Swansea University’s £32.5 million Computational Foundry has fast become a global hub of innovation and collaboration for those working in computer science. As a combination of the university’s computer science and mathematics departments, it’s an excellent resource for students to branch out and work alongside the wider community, building connections and gaining valuable experience. It’s received an investment of £17m from the European Regional Development Fund and boasts promises to transform the country’s digital economy.
The future looks bright for Wales’ tech graduates – and with thousands of jobs popping up each year and an affordable city-centre lifestyle, it’s not hard to see why businesses and job hunters alike are flocking to the south coast of Wales.
Know the difference between Python and Java, but aren’t so keen on a career as a Software Engineer? Perhaps you’re better suited helping to place them into their dream role instead. We’re always keen to meet talented graduates – simply get in touch with us if you’re interested in joining the team.
