Digital, creative and media

This sector is resilient and there is a digital element to most jobs. 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.

There were 70, 000 jobs in digital in 2018. 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:

GCHQ
BBC North & ITV
Virgin Media
The Hut Group

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!

Behind the scenes

Employers in the digital, creative and media sector open their doors and share videos of employees in different roles and workplace tours. You can even take part in a Live Brief Challenge activity to help you understand and develop the skills needed in this growing sector.

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