You'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification to get into this career. Relevant subjects include:

• computer science or computer engineering
• information management systems
• business information systems
• software development
• mathematics

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could apply to do a Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

You could then move on to a Digital and Technology Solution Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship. This leads to a postgraduate qualification.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

• a degree in a relevant subject

You could start with a company in a job like programming and work your way up through training and promotion.

You could apply to companies directly if you've got relevant skills and knowledge.

You'll need a broad understanding of available technologies and what they can do for the client. Employers will look for a background in:

• systems development
• technical analysis
• programming
• testing

Employers will also want to see strengths in non-technical areas like client management, communication and leadership. This is because they place importance on the ability to communicate the client's requirements to technical teams and to manage resources and demands on time.

You'll need:

• analytical thinking skills
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• operations analysis skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

As a technical architect you'll:

• create a technical strategy to meet the client's requirements
• compare 'off-the-shelf' solutions with building a new IT system
• act as a link between technical teams and project delivery managers
• explain the IT structure to product or service designers and developers
• make sure systems meet quality and security standards
• work with technical teams to overcome problems at each stage of development
• keep accurate records of the steps and decisions made
• understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) solutions
• advise senior managers on how to plan for their future IT needs

You could work in an office, at a client's business or remotely.