Digital and creative
Greater Manchester has the largest digital and creative sectors outside the south east, with the potential to create internationally significant clusters in broadcasting, content creation and media and cyber security, alongside new sub-sectors like e-commerce where the city-region has the potential to lead industries of the future.
The digital and creative sector includes industries such as TV, advertising, telecoms, computer games and programming. The sector is thriving in Greater Manchester, with major clusters in cyber security, e-commerce and media. Salford’s MediaCityUK is Europe’s largest purpose-built media location. The site is home to more than 250 media and digital businesses, including the BBC, ITV, and Ericsson.
Major employers in Greater Manchester include:
- Boohoo
- Virgin Media
- UKFast
Example jobs available in this sector
Job Description
Digital marketers promote brands, products and services through social media, websites and apps.
Salary Range
£20,000 - 50,000.
Working environment
Office
Hours
37 - 39 hours a week.
Opportunities
You could go on to specialise in mobile or video marketing, become a senior digital marketing officer or head of online marketing. You could also work as a freelance digital marketing consultant or move into areas like advertising, sales, e-commerce or public relations.
Job Description
Animators bring drawings and computer-generated characters to life on screen, using animation software or hand-drawing.
Salary Range
£14,000 - £36,000.
Working environment
Office, home or a creative studio.
Hours
35 - 40 hours a week, with possible evening and weekend work.
Opportunities
You could progress to lead animator or animation director. You could work for large animation studios, games developers, video post-production firms or start your own studio.
Job Description
Cyber intelligence officers identify weaknesses and threats to IT networks and security systems and identify hackers.
Salary Range
£31,500 - £50,000.
Working environment
Office.
Hours
35 - 40 per week, with evening and weekend work.
Opportunities
You could become a cyber security lead or head of cyber security. You could also work as a freelance security contractor.
Job Description
Software developers design, build and test computer programs.
Salary Range
£20,000 - £70,000.
Working environment
Office.
Hours
37 - 40 hours a week.
Opportunities
You could become a senior developer or move into systems design, IT architecture or business systems analysis.
You could also set up your own business or work as a consultant in areas such as business services, finance, cyber security, telecommunications and healthcare.
Job Description
Computer-aided design (CAD) technicians use software to design buildings, machinery, goods and components. They use 2D or 3D software to produce sketches and detailed drawings, meeting quality and technical standards.
Salary Range
£15,000 - £35,000.
Working environment
Office
Hours
39 - 41 hours a week
Opportunities
You could progress to a team or section leader, project or site manager, or go on to become a design or software engineer.
Future jobs
Employment is expected to continue increasing over the next 20 years, with over 18,000 more jobs in Greater Manchester.
Digital skills are critical for all, not just those working in the creative and digital sectors!
Gallery
Related
Apprenticeships
Business Administrator Advanced Apprenticeship - Land Services team, Manchester
There’s no such thing as a typical day at WSP. Your role will be varied and your learning will be fast paced. One day can be completely different to the next.
4th National Apprenticeship Show with an anticipated 70 employers and providers showcasing opportunities to thousands of visitors in a lively, interactive, fun and informative setting.
Book Now
Are you an employer?
Find out how your business could be more involved.
