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Digital

Digital Jobs

Click on the job titles below to find out more...
Application Developer • CAD Technician • Database Administrator • Data Centre Engineer • Desktop Support Specialist •  Helpdesk Operator • I.T. Support Specialist • Network Technician • Programmer • Project Manager • Security Specialist • Software Architect • Software Developer • Systems Analyst • Technical Architect • Telecoms Engineer • Web Editor • Web Developer

technical architect

​You will work closely with project managers, software developers and designers to build IT systems. These could be for things like designing the structure of a new health patient record system, or integrating several client websites into one.

Your main duties will be to make sure that each part of the overall IT system:
  • Works together with the other parts as planned
  • Satisfies the requirements of the client
  • Meets the needs of users 

Your day-to-day duties might include:
  • Finding out the client’s needs
  • Breaking down large system requirements into manageable parts
  • Researching ‘off-the-shelf’ products to see whether they’ll be more suitable than building a new system
  • Presenting plans to clients and agreeing how to carry them out
  • Explaining the structure to designers and developers, and helping them build it
  • Developing and carrying out tests to make sure everything works properly
  • Making sure systems meet quality and security standards
  • Keeping accurate records of steps and decisions taken
  • Keeping project managers informed of progress
  • Advising senior managers about how to plan their future IT needs 
You might specialise in part of a system's framework, like security or you might be responsible for the entire process, supervising the development team until the project's completed.

helpdesk operator

You would help people solve problems with their computers and software. You would explain to them how to do different tasks with the computer.

You could work in the IT support department of a large company and help your colleagues with their technical problems. Or you could provide a service for customers after they have bought a computer from a manufacturer or shop.

You would:
  • Get information from people to identify the issue
  • Explain to them how to sort out their problem
  • Update online ‘knowledge banks’ with information so that enquirers can look up the answers to common problems
  • Make arrangements to send a field engineer to visit if they are unable to fix the problem

You would need to be patient with people and be able to explain technical issues to people who may be confused or frustrated.

As well as helping people solve their problems, you would:
  • Log all enquiries
  • Keep records of previous customer contacts
  • Run reports on common trends to identify underlying problems
  • Track work in progress
  • You’d chat with customers over the phone, by email or instant messaging.

Alternatively, customers might have access to an online fault-finding program or you could use the same program to fix their computer problems remotely.

You need an in-depth knowledge of the computer systems and software that your clients use. You would also need to continually update your information technology (IT) skills and knowledge.

cad technician

You would draw plans and create 3D designs for buildings and machinery so that engineers and technicians can understand their construction.

You would use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create design plans for buildings and machinery.

You could work in a wide range of industries, such as engineering, construction and manufacturing.

The engineering team would meet with you to discuss what they are planning to build. You would then create a clear and detailed drawing or model of the item.

The engineers would use it to test their ideas before they build a prototype. The designs would also be used to help prepare cost estimates for projects.

For some projects - for example, a design for a new car - you would use surface modelling to draw a flat 2D representation.

To create a 3D display of a structure or component you'd use solid modelling. The engineers could then use the model to take a virtual tour. For example, they could ‘go inside’ a new building to decide where to fit electrical cabling or to 'look inside' a piece of manufacturing machinery to see where they could make improvements.

The production staff in the factory would use your detailed diagrams as a guide to make the product; you might need to explain the designs to them.

You would also write and draw the instructions for assembling the product or create guides for the technicians who do the installation, servicing and repairs.

CAD work could have different names depending on the industry, including:
  • Computer aided industrial design (CAID)
  • Computer aided engineering (CAE)
  • Computer aided styling (CAS)
  • Computer aided manufacturing (CAM)


You would usually work in a small team managed by a design engineer, with each person working on a different part of a project.

desktop support specialist

You would work across a broad range of technologies and liaises across multiple areas of the business to support incidents, problems and requests. You would be responsible for answering IT requests via phone, email, live chat or instant message and explaining solutions in technical and nontechnical terms.

Desktop Support duties can include:
  • Build and install PCs, telephone systems, wireless networks and peripheral devices (such as printers, scanners, mobile/smart phones) related to desktop infrastructure, in accordance with department standards
  • Provides advice and guidance to colleagues regarding incidents
  • Maintain installed PCs, networks, telephone systems and peripherals with routine maintenance
  • Identify, log and resolve technical problems with software applications or network systems
  • Identify potential changes and system improvements to present to senior team leaders for consideration and implementation
  • Ensure that work is carried out within agreed service levels and in accordance with department guidelines
  • Create, maintain, and distribute reports of progress to senior leadership
  • Migrating servers from Windows XP to Windows 7 or higher platform
  • Maintain client databases with up to date solutions and clear record of activities
  • Explain and document technical issues in a clear way to clients
  • Use call logging system to accurately record telephone requests

Network TECHNICIAN

You would design, set up and run computer systems to help connect people and companies.

You could work for one company as part of their IT team, or become a consultant, helping many different clients.

You would work with four main types of network:
  • Local area networks (LANs) – connecting computers within a small area like an office or building
  • Metropolitan area networks (MANs) – joining LANs together across a city
  • Wide area networks (WANs) – linking systems across countries
  • Global area networks (GANs) – joining networks across the whole world, often using wireless and satellite technology

You would:
  • Find out what your client or company needs
  • Design and test network plans to meet those needs
  • Make sure network plans work with different computer systems
  • Manage technical staff
  • Make sure networks are safe and secure
  • Check networks to make sure they are running properly
  • Report on how well networks work and how much they are used
  • Manage network changes or growth

You would work closely with other IT staff and business managers.

It would be important for you to be able to manage a project and negotiate.

project manager

You would plan and organise people and resources so a project achieves its aims.

You would get everyone working together effectively so the project is completed on time and on budget. You would spot problems that could arise in the project and work out how to solve them.

You could work in almost any industry on many different types of project. For example, you could oversee the introduction of a new computer system or a large building development. You would need to have technical knowledge relevant to the project.

Whatever the project, you would:
  • Find out what the client or company wants to achieve
  • Agree the timescales, costs and resources needed
  • Create a detailed plan and schedule for each stage of the project
  • Select and lead a project team
  • Negotiate with contractors and suppliers for materials and services
  • Make sure that each stage progresses according to the plan
  • Report regularly on progress to senior managers and the client
  • Manage risks to avoid delays

Part of your work would involve using particular project management methods such as PRINCE2 or Agile to break down the project into stages and check its progress.

You would also use specialised software to help with scheduling, costing, and risk analysis.

software architect

You would design innovative solutions to real market problems. You will work closely with product and marketing managers, user interaction designers, and other software engineers to develop new product offerings and improve existing ones.

The job of a software architect would include:
  • Identifying the appropriate software architecture based on the requirements and design elements contained in a system specification.
  • Recording software architecture in a software architecture document using use cases and the Unified Modeling Language (UML).
  • Analysing risk and report problems in meeting system requirements.
  • Providing supporting information to the Engineers to aid in the creation of a system specification.
  • Assisting software designer/implementers with the creation of detailed software design specifications.
  • Leading the review process for software architecture documents.
  • Performing software version control and maintain periodic compilation schedule.
  • Ensuring the overall integrity of the software architecture and validate it against the system specification.
  • Integrate internal and external product design into a cohesive user experience.
  • Working with visual designers to improve and refine product visual design and consistency.

Telecoms engineer

You would set up and look after broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. You would also work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems.

You would work with systems such as:
  • Landline and mobile phone networks
  • Copper wire and fibre-optic cabling
  • VoIP communication systems
  • Analogue and digital satellite systems
  • Wireless internet

The size of each job would vary. You might set up a large corporate network one day and a home satellite system the next.

You would:
  • Lay, connect and test underground and underfloor cabling
  • Test and fix faults in public and private switching exchanges
  • Work with aerial rigging and related equipment
  • Set up antennae on buildings or masts
  • Design, build and test telecommunications components and equipment

This job can be dangerous, and you may sometimes have to work at heights. You would have to follow health and safety guidelines carefully at all times. 

web developer

You would design, build and look after websites and web applications for clients.

You could work for many different businesses and public sector organisations. Each project is different.

Among other tasks, your clients could ask you to:

Create a secure online shopping website
Develop a virtual learning environment (VLE) for a college
Set up a company intranet for staff

On a typical project, you would:
  • Talk to the client about their ideas
  • Build a site and add buttons, forms, video, sounds or animations
  • Make sure that the new site works with the client’s own systems and databases
  • Work on the site's appearance, often with a web designer
  • Come up with solutions for user access and security
  • Test the site to find and fix any problems before the public see it

​Once you have built the site, you may continue to make small changes to make sure it is working properly. Depending on the contract, you could also continue to look after the site once it is up and running.

software developer

You would design and build computer programs for organisations. You might work on projects such as databases, robotic systems, mobile applications and more.

You would work closely with project managers, business analysts and clients.

You would:
  • Discuss needs with the client and the development team
  • Go to technical design and progress meetings
  • Write test versions of the program
  • Test the program and fix any faults
  • Keep records of the development process
  • Carry out quality checks before launch
  • Look after systems once they are up and running

You may write computer programs from scratch or change 'off-the-shelf' programs to meet the needs of the project.

As an experienced developer you may supervise a team and provide feedback on coding work to your colleagues.

You would need good knowledge of programming languages, an understanding of development processes like 'Agile’ and an awareness of confidentiality and data protection issues.

dATabase administrator

You would plan and build computer systems to hold vital information for organisations and make sure the systems are secure and work properly.

You could work on a variety of databases such as a bank’s customer account networks or hospital’s database of patient records.

You would make sure each database system works properly and is easy for your colleagues to use when they deal with customers or clients.

You would upgrade existing databases and create completely new systems. It’s likely you would also work with web-based technologies and you would need to understand how databases fit in with these systems.

On a new system, you would work with the organisation to:
  • Establish what the database is for, who will use it and what other systems it will link to, such as telephones
  • Plan the structure of the database, working out how to organise, find and display the information
  • Build a test version and check the results to iron out any technical problems (bugs)
  • Fill (populate) the database with new information or transfer existing data into it
  • Plan how to update information, create back-up copies and report errors
  • Put in security measures

You would need to understand data protection issues and keep up to date with developments in technology.

You may also supervise technical support staff, train people who will use the system and produce performance reports for managers.

You would work on projects with other information technology (IT) professionals, such as analysts, programmers and IT project managers.

In a senior position you would be responsible for strategic planning, information policy, budgets and managing client relationships.

Application developer

You would translate software requirements into workable programming code and maintain and develop programs for use in business.

Most specialise in a specific development field, such as mobile phone applications, accounting software, office suites or graphics software, and will have in-depth knowledge of at least one computer language.

Applications, or 'apps', can be written for a particular system, such as Windows or Android, or across numerous platforms, including computers and mobile devices.

The role usually involves writing specifications and designing, building, testing, implementing and sometimes supporting applications using programming languages and development tools.

You can work in a range of business sectors, including finance and the public sector. You will often work as part of a team with other IT professionals, such as software engineers and testers and systems analysts, and write programs according to their specifications.

In general, your responsibilities will include:
  • Establishing a detailed program specification through discussion with clients
  • Clarifying what actions the program is intended to perform
  • Breaking down program specification into its simplest elements and translating this logic into a programming language
  • Devising possible solutions to anticipated problems
  • Working as part of a team, which may be established purely for a particular project to write a specific section of the program
  • Combining all elements of the program design and testing it
  • Testing sample data-sets to check that output from the program works as intended
  • Reacting to problems and correcting the program as necessary
  • Writing detailed documentation for the operation of the program by users and computer operators​

data centre engineer

As a ​Data centre engineer, you would be responsible for designing, setting up, and managing information/network systems at data centres.

The job description entails monitoring systems operations and administering IT solutions to ensure servers, hard drives, and other data centre equipment function efficiently. You may also:
  • Maintain systems at a data centre.
  • Inspect power/cooling systems to identify and fix flaws that may be detrimental to network performance.
  • Maintain and conduct repairs on the physical structure that houses data centre equipment.
  • Monitor and evaluate servers contained in a data centre.
  • Perform data centre renovations to ensure an energy efficient system.
  • Installing, configuring and maintaining routers, firewalls and virtual private networks.
  • Manage network device alarms and perform basic troubleshooting to diagnose and repair network hardware systems.
  • Resolving software problems on all Windows/UNIX systems.
  • Carry out accounts and systems administration by managing user accounts/network file share rights, resetting passwords, and maintaining various operating systems.
  • Review and oversee the deployment of software patches and updates.
  • Carry out performance-tuning operations on data centre storage systems to ensure high level of data quality, availability, and security.

In fulfilling their role, engineers collaborate with the departmental heads of an organization such as the sales and marketing managers to develop and implement strategies for improved data center operations.

Evaluating, designing, and recommending choice network adapters, backup solutions, and network systems are also part of the data center engineer description.

To work as an engineer in a data center requires a degree in computer systems engineering, electronic engineering, or a degree in a related course.

Some of the qualities you need to be effective in this position include analytical, team-work, and time management skills.

IT Support Specialist

You would find and fix problems with people’s computers and IT equipment. You’d set up and test new equipment to make sure it works.

You would help people face to face or over the phone, email or instant messaging.

You would need to have a wide knowledge of operating systems, software and hardware. You would need to be able to explain the problem and the solution clearly to non-technical users.

You would:
  • Talk to people to get details of faults
  • Work out the reasons for a fault and explain it to them
  • Fix equipment, including printers and scanners (known as peripherals)
  • Set up new equipment and upgrade existing systems
  • Test and service equipment
  • Record problems and their solutions for future reference
  • Train clients on new systems or software applications

You may work for a company as part of its information technology team or provide IT support services to one or more companies.

You would also need to be aware of health and safety regulations to guide you when setting up machines or checking equipment.

Programmer

You will write code to create software programs. Programmers turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. Programmers must debug the programs—that is, test them to ensure that they produce the expected results. If a program does not work correctly, they check the code for mistakes and fix them.

Computer programmers typically do the following:
  • Write programs in a variety of computer languages, such as C++ and Java
  • Update and expand existing programs
  • Debug programs by testing for and fixing errors
  • Build and use computer-assisted software engineering (CASE) tools to automate the writing of some code
  • Use code libraries, which are collections of independent lines of code, to simplify the writing

Programmers work closely with software developers, and in some businesses, their duties overlap. When this happens, programmers can do work that is typical of developers, such as designing the program. This entails initially planning the software, creating models and flowcharts detailing how the code is to be written, writing and debugging code, and designing an application or systems interface.

Some programs are relatively simple and usually take a few days to write, such as creating mobile applications for cell phones. Other programs, like computer operating systems, are more complex and can take a year or more to complete.

SECURITY SPECIALIST

You can get into this work by training on the job, or with a relevant degree like:
  • Network security
  • Computer science (with security options)
  • Forensic computing
  • Business information systems

If you are already working in IT, you could use your experience to move into cyber security work in areas like systems analysis, database management or network engineering.

You could get into this job through a software engineering, cyber security or networking degree apprenticeship.

It will help if you have an understanding of:
  • Firewalls and anti-virus software
  • Security information and event management (SIEM)
  • Authentication (passwords, digital certificates and, biometrics)
  • Penetration testing and vulnerability scanning
  • Encryption techniques like Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL)

You should also be familiar with common security standards and regulations, including:
  • Information security standard ISO/IEC 27001
  • The Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts
  • The Tech Partnership and The Chartered Institute for IT have more information on careers in information security.

systems analyst

You would be employed by a company to examine their IT systems and processes, and recommend improvements.

Your work could range from integrating the phones and computers in a call centre, to making a bank’s databases safer.

You would:
  • Work out the client’s needs
  • Draw up plans for a better IT system
  • Carry out feasibility studies of proposals and make recomendations
  • Work closely with programmers to build the system
  • Oversee installation and testing
  • Correct problems before the final version is released
  • Offer staff training and instruction manuals for the new system

An important part of your job would be to make sure that your designs can adapt as the organisation or business grows.

You would use various computer assisted software engineering (CASE) tools and programming methods in your job.

web editor

You would write and publish pages for a website. You’d present the content in the best way for the website’s target audience.

You would:
  • Research, write and present text
  • Publish text and images using a content management system
  • Keep site content up to date
  • Check and reply to online message boards and deal with email enquiries
  • Edit and proofread text written by colleagues or freelancers
  • Create and use editorial guidelines, such as a house style
  • Plan and develop content with other departments or clients
  • Create and look after social media profiles
  • Use search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques to make sure web pages are easy to find
  • Report on how many people are visiting the website

You might train new staff on how to produce and edit content. And you’d be expected to keep up to date with changes in web technology and good practice.

You might work alone or in a team with web developers, designers, and marketing and communications staff.

College Courses

Still interested in a career in Digital? Considering further study?
​Click below to search and apply for Digital courses in the local area.
Go to West Lothian College

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