A cloud engineer is a technology professional who designs, implements, manages, and supports cloud-based systems and services. This role involves working with cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Cloud engineers help organisations move their computing resources and applications to the cloud, making IT systems more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective. Their tasks may include configuring cloud infrastructure, ensuring security, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting issues. Cloud engineers often collaborate with software developers, system administrators, and cybersecurity specialists. The role requires strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and up-to-date knowledge of emerging cloud technologies.
Cloud engineers in the UK typically earn between £40,000 and £90,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
The demand for cloud engineers has grown by over 22 percent in the UK over the past three years, with thousands of new positions advertised annually.
Major employers include tech companies, financial institutions, government agencies, and large enterprises adopting cloud solutions.
Specialises in designing and managing cloud solutions using Amazon Web Services, ensuring that systems are scalable, secure and cost-effective.
Focuses on implementing and maintaining security measures for cloud computing environments, particularly on Microsoft Azure platforms.
Works on automating cloud infrastructure deployment and management, using tools and scripts to streamline operations and improve reliability.
Focus on GCSEs or A-levels in IT, Computing, Maths, or Science to gain a strong technical background.
Subjects such as Computer Science, Maths, and Physics provide a solid foundation for understanding the principles behind cloud computing. Consider joining coding clubs or completing online coding challenges to further your practical skills.
Start learning programming languages commonly used in cloud engineering, such as Python or Java.
Free online resources and coding platforms, like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp, offer beginner-friendly tutorials. Understanding at least one programming language is essential, as most cloud services require some scripting or automation.
Familiarise yourself with major cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Many cloud providers offer free introductory courses or trial accounts. Take advantage of these to experiment with deploying simple applications or using storage solutions in the cloud environment.
Pursue entry-level cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
Certifications validate your skills and make you more attractive to employers. They typically cover basic cloud concepts, security, and services. Most certifications can be studied for and completed online, making them accessible to students.
Apply your skills by building cloud-based projects, such as hosting a website or creating a cloud database.
Project experience shows initiative and problem-solving ability. Try deploying a basic web application or setting up a virtual machine in the cloud. Document your process and results in a portfolio or online blog.
Look for apprenticeships, internships, or junior IT roles to gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment.
Many tech companies offer placements for students interested in cloud computing. Even roles that are not directly in cloud engineering, such as IT support, can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities within the technology sector.
Work on your ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and collaborate with others.
Cloud Engineers often work in teams and need to explain complex topics to non-technical stakeholders. Practice through group projects, presentations, and extracurricular activities.
Attend local tech meetups, join online forums, or participate in cloud engineering communities.
Networking helps you learn about industry trends and job opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub are also great places to showcase your skills and connect with professionals.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Cloud Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
A Cloud Engineer and an IT service engineer both work within the information technology sector, focusing on designing, implementing, and maintaining technological systems. They require similar skills in networking, infrastructure, and cloud-based platforms, making 'IT service engineer' the most comparable career title.
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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