A DevOps Engineer works at the intersection of software development and IT operations. The main goal is to shorten the development lifecycle and deliver high-quality software quickly and efficiently. DevOps Engineers use tools and practices that automate and integrate the processes between software development and IT teams. Their responsibilities include managing infrastructure, automating deployment pipelines, ensuring system reliability, and monitoring application performance. They often work with cloud platforms, scripting languages, and a variety of automation tools. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of both software development and system administration are essential for this role.
The average salary for a DevOps Engineer in the UK is around £55,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at approximately £35,000 and experienced professionals earning up to £80,000 or more.
There were over 6,000 DevOps Engineer job postings in the UK in 2023, reflecting strong demand in the technology and financial sectors.
DevOps roles are expected to grow by 21 percent in the UK over the next five years, in line with the increasing adoption of cloud computing and automation.
Specialises in designing and managing cloud-based systems, ensuring that applications run smoothly and securely on platforms like AWS or Azure.
Focuses on maintaining the reliability and performance of large-scale software systems, using automation to prevent and resolve problems quickly.
Develops and manages pipelines that automate the building, testing, and deployment of software, helping teams to deliver updates efficiently and reliably.
Learn the basics of computer science, software development, and programming languages such as Python or Bash.
Studying Computer Science at GCSE or A Level is a great start. You can also use online resources and coding platforms to practise programming. Understanding programming fundamentals is essential for automating tasks and writing scripts as a DevOps Engineer.
Gain knowledge in Linux, Windows, and computer networking concepts.
Most DevOps roles require you to be comfortable with Linux commands, file systems, and basic networking. Free online courses, tutorials, and hands-on practice with virtual machines can help you develop these skills.
Learn to use Git and automation tools like Jenkins, Docker, or Ansible.
Version control systems like Git are essential for tracking code changes. Automation tools help you build and deploy code efficiently. Start with beginner tutorials and then move on to building your own small projects to practise these skills.
Understand how to use cloud services like AWS or Azure and tools like Terraform.
Many organisations use cloud platforms for deploying applications. Learning how to provision and manage resources in the cloud, as well as automate this process using Infrastructure as Code tools, is a key DevOps skill. Free tiers and tutorials from cloud providers are useful starting points.
Apply your skills in real-world scenarios through internships, open-source contributions, or personal projects.
Hands-on experience is crucial. Look for internships or junior roles in IT, development, or operations. Contributing to open-source projects or building your own automation and deployment pipelines will help demonstrate your skills to employers.
Earn certifications such as AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert.
Certifications can help validate your knowledge and stand out to employers. They cover key areas such as automation, continuous integration and deployment, and cloud services. Many courses are available online, and some may be covered by employer training schemes.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in DevOps Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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A DevOps Engineer and an IT service engineer both focus on maintaining and improving information technology systems, scripting automation, and ensuring system reliability. Both roles require a strong understanding of software, infrastructure, and troubleshooting within IT environments.
You could get into this job through:
You could do a college course, which may help you to find a trainee job. Courses include:
You'll usually need:
You could do an Information Communications Technician or Digital Support Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You would learn how to install equipment and software, how to handle incidents and deal with requests for help.
You'll usually need:
You could start work as an assistant IT technician after taking GCSEs or A levels and train on the job.
You may find it helpful to get some industry standard training for support engineer roles. This can be done through organisations like:
You can find out more about careers and training in computing from techskills and The Chartered Institute for IT.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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