A Product Designer in the UK is responsible for creating and improving both physical and digital products to ensure they are functional, appealing, and user-friendly. Product Designers often work alongside engineers, marketers, and other designers to take ideas from concept through to finished product. This role involves researching user needs, sketching ideas, prototyping, and working with manufacturing or development teams to bring products to life. Strong creative and technical skills, as well as an understanding of user experience and market trends, are essential for success in this field.
The average salary for a Product Designer in the UK is around £35,000 to £55,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Demand for Product Designers has increased by approximately 15 percent over the past five years, reflecting the growth of tech and digital industries.
There are over 8,000 Product Designer positions advertised annually across the UK, with strong opportunities in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Focuses on designing the visual layout and interactive elements of websites and apps to ensure they are user friendly and visually appealing.
Creates attractive and functional packaging for products, taking into account both branding and practicality.
Designs innovative and practical furniture pieces for homes, offices, and public spaces, considering both aesthetics and usability.
Focus on art, design, and technology subjects in school to build your creative and technical abilities.
Take subjects such as Art and Design, Design Technology, and ICT at GCSE and A-level. Get involved in creative hobbies like drawing, model making, or using design software. These skills will help you understand the basics of shape, colour, and function, which are essential for product design.
Learn to use digital design tools commonly used by product designers.
Start with basic graphic design programs like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, then progress to more specialised tools such as Sketch, Figma, or CAD software (like Fusion 360 or SolidWorks). Many free online tutorials and resources are available to help you get started.
Study a course related to product design, such as a BTEC, HND, or university degree.
Popular choices include Product Design, Industrial Design, or 3D Design at university. Some designers also come from backgrounds in Engineering or Architecture. Look for courses with strong practical elements and opportunities for work placements.
Create a portfolio showcasing your design projects and skills.
A portfolio is essential for applying to higher education courses and jobs. Include sketches, prototypes, and finished designs, as well as photos or videos of your creative process. Make sure to reflect your problem-solving abilities and understanding of user needs.
Seek internships, part-time work, or volunteer opportunities in design-related fields.
Work experience lets you see how product design works in the real world and helps you build industry contacts. Look for opportunities with design agencies, manufacturing companies, or start-ups. Even a short placement can provide valuable insight and practical skills.
Look for entry-level positions, graduate schemes, or freelance opportunities.
Use your portfolio and work experience to stand out in applications. Jobs may be advertised as Product Designer, Junior Designer, UX Designer, or Industrial Designer. Tailor your CV and cover letter to show your skills and passion for design.
Stay updated with industry trends and connect with other designers.
Attend design events, workshops, and online webinars. Join professional organisations such as the Chartered Society of Designers. Networking can lead to job opportunities and help you learn from more experienced professionals.
Consider specialising in areas such as UX or industrial design, or take on more responsibility.
With experience, you can progress to senior designer roles, move into design management, or specialise in areas like user experience (UX), interaction design, or sustainable design. Continued professional development helps you advance your career.
User Experience Designers focus on making digital products easy and enjoyable to use by researching and designing user journeys and interfaces.
Industrial Designers specialise in designing physical products, such as furniture or electronics, with an emphasis on function, form, and manufacturing processes.
Graphic Designers create visual content for print and digital platforms, including branding, advertisements, and user interfaces.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
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ART CLASSES GROUP LIMITED
( Added 18 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )
An opportunity to work as a Content Creator. Working in our art organisation will provide a real-world experience in a dynamic and creative environment. Apprentice will work alongside experienced staff, can gain practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to various roles.
Closing date: in 6 days
Possible start date: 20 Nov 2025
EXCELLENCE-SOLUTIONS LIMITED
( Added 22 Sep 2025 - 5 positions available )
This Content Creator Apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working with businesses to build their online presence. As an apprentice, you will learn how to plan, create, and distribute digital content across various platforms, including social media, websites, and email marketing.
Closing date: in 11 days
Possible start date: 30 Oct 2025
STATESIDE DISTRIBUTION LIMITED
( Added 24 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )
As a Content Creator Apprentice at Stateside Distribution, you’ll play a key role in showcasing our product range and building our online community. Collaborating with various teams, you’ll focus on creating engaging TikTok content, hosting live streams, and developing marketing strategies to boost brand visibility.
Closing date: in 10 days
Possible start date: 30 Oct 2025
SPECTRUM BRANDS (UK) LIMITED
( Added 26 Sep 2025 - 2 positions available )
Do you live and breathe TikTok, Insta Reels, and YouTube Shorts? Always filming, editing, and posting? Happy both behind the camera and in front of it? If you’re the friend who’s always making “scroll-stopping” content, we want YOU on our team!
Closing date: in 16 days
Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025
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A Product Designer and a User Experience (UX) Designer both focus on creating functional, user-centred designs that enhance user interaction with products. The roles often overlap in designing digital interfaces and improving user satisfaction through design solutions.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate award in:
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course, which may lead on to more advanced qualifications, or help you to get a trainee position with a company.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply to do a Digital User Experience (UX) Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
You may also find a Digital Accessibility Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship useful for this job.
You'll usually need:
If you're working in an organisation that conducts user research, you could get work experience by volunteering to help in research sessions and user interviews.
You could also get involved with the online user experience community for advice and tips, and to find a mentor to help you.
You can apply directly to companies or go through an agency that specialises in providing digital design professionals to clients.
You'll need qualifications and relevant experience to do this.
You'll find it useful to have:
It will also help if you have a portfolio to showcase examples of your work.
You can find out more about working as a user experience (UX) designer from the User Experience Professionals' Association (UXPA) and techskills.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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