A web designer is responsible for creating the visual layout and user experience of websites. This includes planning, designing, and building web pages using both creative and technical skills. Web designers work closely with clients or employers to ensure that websites are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and effective at achieving their intended purpose. They use a variety of tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, CSS, and sometimes JavaScript. The role often involves collaborating with web developers, graphic designers, and marketing teams. Web designers can work for agencies, in-house teams, or as freelancers, and the job often allows for flexible working arrangements.
The average salary for a web designer in the UK is between £22,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 30,000 web design roles in the UK, with demand particularly high in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Most web designers start with a relevant degree or college course, but around 30 percent enter the field through apprenticeships or self-taught routes.
Focuses on creating visually appealing and intuitive interfaces for websites and digital products, ensuring users find them easy to use.
Specialises in building the parts of websites that users see and interact with, using languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Concentrates on designing websites specifically for mobile devices, making sure they look good and work well on smartphones and tablets.
Study the core principles of design such as layout, colour theory, and typography.
Learning the fundamentals of design will help you create websites that are both attractive and functional. You can use online resources, books, or courses to understand how colour, font choices, and spacing affect the user experience.
Learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and basic graphic design tools.
HTML and CSS are the building blocks of web design. Start with free tutorials or online courses to practise writing code and using design software like Adobe XD, Photoshop, or Figma.
Build your own websites and online portfolios to showcase your skills.
Design and build websites for yourself, friends, or local groups. Create a portfolio website to display your best work, as this will be valuable when applying for jobs or freelance opportunities.
Study how to make websites look good on all devices, including mobiles and tablets.
Responsive design is essential as more people access sites on phones and tablets. Learn about media queries and flexible layouts, and practise by making your sample sites mobile-friendly.
Apply for work placements, internships, or entry-level web design jobs.
Experience in a real work environment can help you learn faster and build a professional network. Check job boards and company websites for junior web designer positions, or approach local businesses for opportunities.
Study for a relevant qualification, such as a college course or a university degree in web design or related subjects.
While not always required, formal qualifications can improve your job prospects. Look into courses like a Level 3 Diploma in Web Design or a foundation degree in digital media or graphic design.
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.
Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.
FRANK H DALE LTD
( Added 23 Sep 2024 - 1 position available )
This is an exciting opportunity to represent Frank H. Dale, a major structural steel fabricator that was founded in 1932 in the Herefordshire market town of Leominster.
Closing date: in 3 days
Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025
LANYON BOWDLER LLP
( Added 30 Apr 2025 - 1 position available )
This is an exciting opportunity to represent Lanyon Bowdler Law Firm, who are consistently recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK, and strive to create a happy and supportive working environment.
Closing date: in 3 days
Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025
P3 COMPUTER SERVICES LIMITED
( Added 22 May 2025 - 1 position available )
P3 Computer Services Ltd in Burnley are recruiting for an Apprentice Digital Support Technician. The successful candidate will work towards completing a Level 3 Digital Support Technician apprenticeship over the duration of 18 months.
Closing date: in 1 month
Possible start date: 29 Nov 2025
HEYGATES LIMITED
( Added 29 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )
A fantastic opportunity has become available for an IT support trainee to join the team, reporting to the Head of IT. This new and challenging role will give the opportunity to work with a wide range of enterprise technologies and potential to travel to other sites in the UK. An exciting and varied role.
Closing date: in 2 months
Possible start date: 13 Dec 2025
BUBBLE IT SOLUTIONS LTD
( Added 12 Aug 2025 - 1 position available )
As an IT Support Engineer Apprentice at Bubble IT, you’ll be the first point of contact for customers needing technical help. You’ll gain hands-on experience resolving a range of IT issues and developing your knowledge across hardware, software, and network support.
Closing date: in 20 days
Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025
BV Dairy
( Added 27 Aug 2025 - 1 position available )
First line business support, onsite, resolving issues such as forgotten passwords, connection and printing issues, and general problem identification. Covering customer service, system maintenance, and security, preparing you for more complex technical support roles.
Closing date: in 17 days
Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025
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 Web Designer and a UX Designer both focus on creating user-centred digital interfaces, prioritising usability and aesthetic appeal. The main difference lies in the UX Designer's broader role in user research and experience optimisation, but the core skills in web aesthetics and interface layout are closely aligned.
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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