A spate of recent developments in Wales’ technology sector has led to it being described as a country with an “emerging tech cluster”, or in other words, a haven for job seekers looking for a tech position in the region.
In March, the Welsh Government announced it was progressing with plans to expand its compound semiconductor cluster in Newport.
The government is working with the SPTS division of KLA Corporation, to support its plans to expand operations in the city as part of an already announced $100 million investment.
These plans also include work to upgrade infrastructure at the Newport Celtic Lakes site, skills development to ensure a continued pipeline of talented staff are available to take up new jobs in the sector, and to develop the local supply chains, helping to ensure other local companies benefit.
Wales’ capital, Cardiff, is another spot with a thriving tech industry, research shows the city’s tech sector has experienced a 34% rise in available high-paid jobs between 2018 to 2020, ahead of larger cities such as Edinburgh.
According to Tech Nation, the UK network for tech firms and entrepreneurs, there are 34,000 people employed by start-ups and scale-ups across the country. Another report from law firm Nockolds indicated that the Welsh technology industry is the fastest growing after London.
Why is Wales’ tech sector one to watch?
As well as the support from the Welsh Government, the proximity to the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay plays an active role in helping many Welsh digital businesses.
Then there is the “Superfast” programme which offers the connection to next-generation broadband to improve Wales’ technology infrastructure.
This is in addition to projects such as the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, which plans to invest £1.28 billion into a world-class metro system, with Swansea Bay City Region’s deal aiming to also transform the region into a digital super-hub with a £500 million investment.
Wales will also be holding its Tech Week later this year, with the aim of further highlighting the myriad ways the country is, “establishing itself as a global player in developing technology”.
Maybe you’re thinking about enhancing your skill set, or pivoting into the Welsh tech sector? First, you’ll need the right job. Below, discover three exciting open roles, and you can browse many more on the UKTN Job Board.
Lead Python developer, Jobheron, Cardiff
Job Heron is seeking a highly experienced full-stack lead Python developer with at least seven years of experience for a client. You will own the design, development, and maintenance of a front-end and back-end software portfolio. The technology estate comprises internally built and open-source software running on AWS in a Linux environment. You will also be responsible for leading the development team and managing their day-to-day tasks in an Agile way. You will also ensure the timely delivery of high-quality code that meets standards and best practices. Apply for this job now.
Senior SME collections strategy analyst, Starling Bank, Cardiff
As a senior collections strategy analyst you will play a key role in helping to define the collections strategies and policies for SME customers at Starling Bank. You’ll also be responsible for championing continuous improvement of collections policies and strategies, helping to increase customer engagement and improve outcomes, supporting Collections Operations with the implementation of policies and procedures, and the maintenance of existing 1LOD collections policies and procedures. Explore all the requirements of this role here.
Senior Python developer, Jobheron, Cardiff
An experienced full-stack senior Python developer with at least five years’ of experience is required by Jobherob. You’ll be working at a leading digital-health software company based in Cardiff in a hybrid working model. You should be able to flourish in a fast-paced environment while consistently delivering on business development requirements. You will be contributing to the design, development, and maintenance of front-end and back-end software The full job spec can be found here.
