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AI, cybersecurity and the tech skills London employers are looking for in 2026

Last month, a group of ELATT students spent a day at the London offices of UBS, one of the world’s leading financial institutions. The agenda covered AI in the workplace, cybersecurity fundamentals, a hands-on decision-making exercise based on real cyber threats, and a conversation about tech roles. It was a practical, eye-opening look at what tech skills London employers are hiring for right now, and what it takes to build a career in the sector.

Tech Skills Day at UBS

Students heard from professionals working across AI and cybersecurity, learning how these fields actually operate inside a large organisation. Rather than abstract theory, the focus was on real decisions: how do businesses respond to a security threat? How is AI being used to improve processes? What does a typical day actually look like for someone working in tech?

The cybersecurity exercise stood out in particular. Students were given a real-world scenario and had to work through the decisions to protect the cybersecurity. No prior experience was needed. With a clear framework and the right guidance, they tackled it.

The tech skills London employers are actively hiring for in 2026

The UBS day wasn’t just an interesting event. It reflected something that’s showing up consistently across London’s job market.

Employers across finance, healthcare, retail, logistics and the public sector are all competing for people with digital and tech skills. These are the areas where demand is highest right now:

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing areas of tech employment. The UK government’s 2025 cyber security skills report found the workforce gap stood at around 3,800 people, with nearly half of UK businesses lacking basic skills like setting up firewalls or managing personal data securely. Employers now primarily demand practical, operational readiness rather than just basic qualifications, and that’s exactly what the UBS cybersecurity exercise gave students a taste of.

AI and automation are reshaping how businesses operate, and employers need people who understand how to work alongside these tools, not just those who build them. The same government research found that over half of cyber security businesses already had staff using AI day to day, with most expecting their need for AI skills to grow over the next year. Digital literacy, data awareness and the ability to adapt are all highly valued.

Software development and web skills remain in strong demand. Roles in web design, front-end development, application support and IT infrastructure are consistently listed among London’s most actively recruited positions.

Digital and IT support underpins almost every sector. People who can confidently use, maintain and troubleshoot digital systems are needed in schools, charities, NHS trusts, small businesses and global organisations alike.

Entry-level roles worth knowing about

Breaking into tech can feel daunting if you don’t have years of experience already. The good news is there are recognised entry points that don’t require a computing degree:

  • IT Support or Systems Administration: a classic first step into tech. Managing networks, devices and user accounts builds the foundational understanding many people later use to move into cybersecurity or software roles.
  • Junior SOC Analyst: monitoring and triaging security alerts within a Security Operations Centre. It’s one of the more accessible routes into cybersecurity for people starting out.
  • Risk and Compliance roles: focused on frameworks, audits and governance rather than hands-on technical work, making them a good fit for people who enjoy structure and problem solving over coding.

Government figures show that roughly 4 in 10 cyber security businesses are now hiring through non-degree routes, and many employers say what they value most is practical readiness rather than a particular qualification on paper. That’s good news if you’re starting from scratch.

You don't need to already work in tech to learn these skills

A lot of people assume that tech is only for people who grew up coding or who already have a degree in computing. That’s not true, and it’s increasingly not what employers are saying either. What they want is people who are curious, willing to learn and able to apply skills in real situations.

ELATT offers free, fully funded courses in London designed for exactly this kind of learner:

Computer Engineering covers hardware, networking, operating systems and IT support. It’s a practical route into IT roles across a wide range of sectors.

Software Development introduces programming fundamentals and gives you a foundation for roles in application development and technical support.

Web Design and Development covers the skills behind building and maintaining websites, one of the most consistently in-demand skill sets in London’s digital economy.

All of these courses are taught in small classes, with one-to-one support, and are free for eligible learners. No prior tech experience is required to apply.

Ready to explore free tech courses in London?

Whether you’re thinking about a career change, returning to work after a break, or looking to build on skills you already have, ELATT’s free IT and tech courses in London could be your next step.

Applications are open now. Explore our Computer Engineering, Software Development and Web Design courses, or get in touch and we’ll help you find the right fit.

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New courses coming to ELATT this September! We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, Health & Social Care, and Youth Work — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

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