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How Experienced Digital & IT Professionals Can Use Their Skills to Train the Next Generation in Further Education
The UK’s digital skills gap won’t close on its own. Industry has a clear role to play, and Further Education (FE) offers a practical route to develop the job‑ready digital talent the sector needs.
Demand for digital capability continues to rise. Nearly 39% of UK job adverts now require digital skills, yet 75% of UK IT organisations report difficulties finding qualified candidates, despite active hiring intentions. When digital professionals pass on real‑world experience by training others in FE, learners gain a clearer understanding of how these skills are applied in real settings, encouraging more people into digital roles and strengthening the talent pipeline.
Why further education matters
FE is education for learners aged 16 and over who aren’t in school or studying for a degree. In settings such as colleges, FE involves training others across a wide range of technical, vocational and academic subjects to help prepare learners for work in their chosen field.
For the digital and IT sector, the impact of FE is greatest when people with genuine industry experience are involved. Professionals with industry backgrounds help ensure learning in FE reflects how technology works in practice, preparing learners effectively for their careers in the digital and IT sector.
A new opportunity for experienced digital and IT professionals
For experienced digital professionals, training others offers a way to step back from an industry role and shape what comes next. Whether you work in software development, cyber security, data, cloud infrastructure or digital support, your experience is exactly what learners need.
A teaching qualification is not required to start training others in FE. Teacher training qualifications can be completed on the job, often with employer support. Part‑time roles also exist, allowing professionals to train others alongside other responsibilities.
For those looking for renewed purpose or more variety later in their career, a role in FE provides a way to pass on well-earned expertise while staying connected to the sector you know. It is a chance to give your digital skills new life and help build the workforce the digital sector depends on.
The business case for tech employers
For employers, supporting staff to train others is not just a social good, it is a strategic investment in the sector’s future skills pipeline. There are clear benefits for tech organisations who encourage their staff to train others, including:
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Developing job‑ready talent across software, cyber, data and IT infrastructure
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Building stronger relationships with local colleges to shape training aligned with real industry needs
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Helping employees strengthen leadership, communication and mentoring skills
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Demonstrating a visible commitment to workforce development and long‑term sector growth
A shared solution to a shared challenge
Closing the digital skills gap requires collaboration between employers, professionals and education providers. Training others in FE provides a space where digital and IT professionals can directly influence the next generation through practical, applied training - helping ensure the UK has a workforce equipped for the future.
Take the next step with your digital expertise
If you work in digital or technology, training others is a powerful way to support the future workforce while developing your own skills.
Find out more about training others in FE, for tech professionals and employers, visit: Digital - Teach in further education - Department for Education
About the campaign
In our pursuit to shape a more equitable future, our March TechTogether campaign will focus on supporting the next generation by joining the National Careers Week campaign, empowering women in tech, advancing equity by design, and evolving the landscape of online safety.
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