Apprentices say AI is reshaping tech skills demand

Atos highlighted the views of three apprentices entering the technology industry, focusing on apprenticeships as a route into tech as artificial intelligence reshapes workplace skills.

All three work as First Line Service Desk Apprentices and described a jobs market in which technical knowledge alone is not enough. Alongside coding and troubleshooting, they said communication, customer service, problem-solving and adaptability have become central to early careers in IT.

Kyle Brady said he moved into an apprenticeship after studying physics, maths and computer science at A level, then spending time in temporary work, including as a forklift driver, while building his technical skills independently. The apprenticeship, he said, offered a way to gain workplace experience while continuing to learn.

His account points to a common hurdle for new entrants: gaining practical experience before securing a first role. Brady said that challenge shaped his view of what employers value in technology jobs.

"After completing my A levels in physics, maths and computer science, I knew I wanted a career in technology. I've always enjoyed solving problems and understanding how things work, but I found it difficult to get my foot in the door. I spent some time in temporary jobs, including as a forklift driver, while building my technical skills in my own time. When the opportunity to start an apprenticeship came along, it felt like the perfect way to gain real workplace experience while continuing to learn.

"One of the biggest things my apprenticeship has taught me is that a career in tech is about much more than technical knowledge. Working on the helpdesk has shown me how important communication, customer service and problem-solving are. Being the first point of contact for users has completely changed how I see the industry and helped me develop skills I never realised I'd need. The experience has also shown me how quickly technology is evolving, especially with AI becoming part of more workplaces. That means the ability to keep learning and adapting is becoming just as important as technical skills. My apprenticeship has helped me build that mindset while giving me hands-on experience with the realities of working in IT.

"It's also opened up opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. Learning about career paths in cybersecurity and data engineering has shown me the range of opportunities available and given me confidence about where my career could go next. I'd encourage anyone thinking about a career in technology to keep an open mind and not feel like university is the only route. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn while you learn, develop practical skills from day one and build the confidence to adapt as technology continues to change. In an industry being transformed by AI, that real-world experience is invaluable," Brady said.

Ryan Cresswell said he studied IT at college and games design at university before working in sales to strengthen his people skills. He later returned to technology, but said employers often wanted practical IT experience as well as qualifications.

His experience reflects a wider issue for people seeking entry-level technology roles. Employers often ask for evidence of workplace readiness even for junior positions, making apprenticeships one way to bridge the gap between education and employment.

"After studying IT at college and games design at university, I began working in sales to hone my people skills before returning to technology. One of the biggest challenges I faced while applying for jobs in tech was that employers liked my qualifications but wanted candidates with hands-on IT experience. That made it difficult to get my foot in the door.

"My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to earn, learn and gain practical experience at the same time. It's allowed me to develop my technical troubleshooting skills, but I've also learned a lot about communication, problem-solving and handling different types of people. My advice to anyone considering a career in tech is to explore the different paths available. In the past it felt like university was the only choice, but that's no longer the case. Also, speak to people already working in the industry and stay curious. Apprenticeships are a great way to build skills, confidence and hands-on experience, whether working individually or in a team, while discovering what's right for you. The most important thing is to keep learning and not be afraid to take a different path if the first one doesn't work out," Cresswell said.

Skills shift

Zainab Hussain said she chose an apprenticeship because it offered immediate workplace experience and a path into more senior roles without student debt. She said the role had helped her develop both technical and interpersonal skills, including troubleshooting problems and explaining complex concepts clearly.

Her comments underscore how apprenticeships are being framed by employers and trainees as an alternative to university for some digital roles. In this case, the appeal lies in earning while learning, building professional networks and gaining direct exposure to the daily demands of IT support.

"I'm naturally drawn to tech and have always been IT literate, so I knew it was the right path for me. It's an industry that's constantly evolving, and I wanted to be part of that. I chose an apprenticeship because it felt like the best way to gain real experience from day one, and it sets you up to move into higher roles faster than if you go to university. I also wanted to build a career in the industry without taking on student debt.

"My time at Atos so far has helped me develop both my soft and technical skills, such as how to troubleshoot problems and communicate complex concepts clearly. I've also had the chance to earn, learn and build my experience, all of which are helping prepare me for the next stage of my career. The apprenticeship path has given me valuable opportunities to network with co-workers from different career backgrounds and skill sets, which you wouldn't get at uni. The workplace experience has been incredibly valuable, so if you're interested in tech, I'd encourage you to go for an apprenticeship, explore every opportunity available and keep an open mind," Hussain said.

Taken together, the three accounts point to a shift in the skills mix associated with junior technology roles. As AI tools become more common in workplaces, the apprentices said the ability to keep learning, work with users and adapt to changing systems is becoming as important as formal technical training.

All three also described apprenticeships as a practical answer to the experience barrier that can prevent candidates entering the sector. They framed the route as a way to gain income, training and exposure to real workplace problems at the same time, while opening paths into areas such as cybersecurity, data engineering and wider IT support.