If you're dreaming of a career in tech, knowing the path to get there can be tough. Bootcamps, universities and apprenticeships all offer great options following school but, how do you know which is right for you? Remember: person before pathway. Think about how you like to learn and which environments you thrive in. Here, we explore the top tech pathways with advice from women who launched their careers through different routes. They share their honest insights and experiences to help you find your perfect fit.

Ready to launch your tech career? Here's what we'll cover - three proven paths to land your dream tech job:

• Bootcamps
• Apprenticeships
• University

Bootcamp

What is a bootcamp?

If you thrive in fast-paced, hands-on learning environments, this could be the path for you. Courses are between 10 and 18 weeks long and aim to get you job ready. Makers is a leading school where you can study full-time online, in-person, or a mix of both. You'll learn practical skills through intensive training. Upfront payment is required, but loans are available to help. Jennifer Okoh, a Makers Graduate turned cloud engineer says "In a bootcamp, you're coding from day one. The experience is hands-on with real-world situations and new challenges every week."

Curious about the bootcamp route? Join our community and meet Role Models who successfully started their careers through this pathway!

Is a bootcamp your perfect tech pathway?

Bootcamps focus on practical skills over theory, ideal if you learn best by doing. You'll need to complete some prior learning before you start to ensure you know the basics, usually through a free online course. New topics are introduced each day but you don't need to master everything, just focus on learning and improving step by step. Coaches adapt the curriculum regularly based on industry trends, unlike university where programme updates will be less frequent. While bootcamps don't offer formal qualifications, picking one with a strong reputation and good industry connections will boost your job prospects. Our top tip is to message bootcamp alumni on LinkedIn and get their first hand experience or check out Course Report.

Apprenticeship

What is an apprenticeship?

Starting from scratch? No problem. Apprenticeships are a great way to start a career in tech with no experience. You'll get hands-on training, work experience, and earn money at the same time. Whether you dream of building your own app or becoming a Cyber Security hacker, apprenticeships can open doors to a wide range of tech jobs. Rosie Waite, a software engineer at Holiday Extras says "I started my career through an apprenticeship. I love that a software engineer's day isn't just about coding. We help with planning and discussions, offering plenty of flexibility." At Next Tech Girls, we offer work experience placements with employers so you can test-drive the apprenticeship experience before diving in!

Could an apprenticeship kickstart your tech career?

Think of an apprenticeship as jumping straight into a full-time tech role, with a company funding your learning. Since it's a paid pathway, competition can be fierce and you might need to be patient to secure a spot. But don't let that put you off – while the starting salary is modest, it's a debt-free way to start your tech career, making it one of the most accessible routes available.

Programme lengths vary from 18 months for a Level 4 up to 30 months for a Level 7. They offer the security of a government-recognised qualification that's equivalent to a first-year foundation degree for a Level 4, up to a masters equivalent for a Level 7. While there's no guarantee your employer will keep you on afterwards, many do — and either way, you'll have invaluable real-world experience under your belt. Libbie Martin, a Senior TechOps Analyst at Sky says "By choosing an apprenticeship, I kickstarted my tech career early. I had a job offer from Sky at just 18! While my friends were at university, I was already gaining hands-on experience. Those early years in the industry were absolutely invaluable for my career."

University

What is a university programme?

University can offer a great social life, a taste of freedom and a reliable pathway towards your future in tech. (Next Tech Girls offer great social and networking events for our members too!) As courses run over three years, you'll have time to explore different tech specialties in more depth. Many courses offer a year in industry, giving you valuable work experience before you graduate. The extended learning period also means you can develop strong theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills, potentially leading to higher starting salaries in certain roles.

Should you choose university to launch your tech career?

A university degree gives you deep knowledge of computing fundamentals that stay relevant even as technology advances. As Kam O'Donnell, Head of Software Delivery at Mobilize explains, "The tech industry has evolved rapidly since I was at university—from coding everything from scratch to having libraries, tools, and frameworks. With AI driving many changes, the field is full of new opportunities." While tech moves quickly the fundamental principles you'll learn will remain invaluable, from understanding complex algorithms to mastering system architecture. Plus, an internationally recognised qualification can open doors worldwide, especially with prestigious employers who specifically seek university graduates.

Next steps

Put yourself first when choosing your pathway, whether it's hands-on bootcamp training, earning while learning through an apprenticeship, or deep diving with a university degree. Each path can lead to a fulfilling future in tech. Ready to start your journey? Next Tech Girls are here with support with tips, advice and events - join our community today!