Cloud computing: a must-have skill for UK IT & tech professionals

Cloud computing has gone from being a buzzword to a key player in how businesses across the world operate. If you’re in the IT or tech industry, whether as a permanent employee or a contractor, it’s no longer enough to just know the basics—you need to get comfortable in the cloud.

Here’s why cloud computing matters, how it’s evolving, and how you can upskill to stay ahead of the curve in the UK job market.

The cloud’s explosive growth

Over the last few years, cloud computing has exploded in popularity. The days of storing everything on physical servers are long gone, and businesses of all sizes are moving their operations to the cloud.

This shift has opened up huge opportunities in IT, and the UK is no exception. In fact, by 2028, the global cloud market is expected to top $1 trillion. In the UK, more than 85% of businesses are already using some form of cloud technology.

With such rapid growth, it’s no surprise that the demand for cloud skills is through the roof. Whether it’s big players like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, companies are looking for skilled professionals to help them navigate this digital transformation. And for IT contractors, this means there’s a lot of demand for short-term expertise, too.

Why cloud skills are essential right now

So, why should you care about the cloud? First off, the numbers speak for themselves. Cloud computing roles now make up about 30% of all IT and tech job postings in the UK, and this is only going to rise.

For permanent staff, cloud engineers are seeing salaries around £60,000 a year on average, with specialists like cloud architects or consultants commanding up to £100,000. Contractors can also cash in, with daily rates for cloud engineers ranging from £400 to £700, depending on the level of expertise and the nature of the project.

The key takeaway? Cloud skills aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential if you want to stay competitive in today’s job market. Whether you're helping a business migrate to the cloud or optimising their current cloud setup, having a solid grasp of cloud technologies can make all the difference in landing your next role or contract.

What skills do you need?

Now that you’re convinced the cloud is the way to go, what skills should you focus on? Here’s a rundown of the most important cloud competencies for IT professionals:

1. Cloud platforms: You’ll want to get familiar with the big cloud providers—AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. These platforms offer certifications that not only help you learn but also give you a great edge in the job market.

2. Virtualization and containers: Technologies like Docker and Kubernetes are used to create flexible, scalable cloud applications. If you don’t know these already, they’re worth learning.

3. Networking basics: Since the cloud relies heavily on networking, understanding things like IP addresses, DNS, and firewalls is a must.

4. Data management: Whether you’re handling data storage or running analytics in the cloud, knowing how to manage data effectively is a key skill for cloud professionals.

5. Security: As businesses move to the cloud, security becomes a huge concern. Learning about cloud-specific security practices, such as encryption, identity management, and access controls, is essential.

6. Automation: Cloud services often use automation to reduce manual workloads. If you’re familiar with DevOps practices and tools, you’ll be in high demand.

7. Cost management: Managing costs effectively in the cloud is just as important as technical skills. Knowing how to optimize cloud resources and avoid unnecessary expenses is a valuable asset.

How to get started with cloud computing

If you’re eager to upskill but not sure where to start, here’s a simple roadmap to guide your learning:

1. Start with free resources: If you’re new to the cloud, you can start with free resources offered by the major cloud providers. AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure have free tiers where you can explore cloud technologies hands-on.

2. Get certified: Cloud certifications are a great way to demonstrate your skills. Some of the top ones to consider are:

   • AWS Certified Solutions Architect

   • Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

   • Google Associate Cloud Engineer

3. Learn by doing: Cloud computing is best learned by getting your hands dirty. Set up a free cloud account and experiment with creating virtual machines, setting up databases, or running simple projects.

4. Specialise: Once you’ve got the basics down, consider specializing in a specific area of cloud computing, such as cloud security, DevOps, or machine learning.

5. Stay updated: The cloud landscape is constantly evolving. Follow blogs, attend webinars, and connect with cloud communities to stay on top of the latest trends.

6. Network with Peers: Join cloud-related communities or LinkedIn groups where you can share insights, ask questions, and keep up with industry news.

Cloud jobs in the UK: what’s the demand?

In the UK, demand for cloud computing skills is increasing, with companies across every sector needing cloud professionals. For IT contractors, this means plenty of opportunities for short-term roles, whether it’s migrating a company’s data to the cloud, setting up a new cloud infrastructure, or optimising their existing systems.

Here are a few key stats to keep in mind:

• Job postings: Cloud computing skills are now required in about 30% of all IT job listings.

• Salary: A cloud engineer can earn anywhere from £60,000 to £70,000, with specialized roles like cloud architect reaching salaries of £100,000+.

• Contractor rates: Depending on experience and project complexity, cloud contractors can expect to earn between £400 and £700 per day.

• Cloud adoption: Over 85% of UK businesses now use some form of cloud computing, and many are increasing their cloud budgets to ensure they stay ahead of the curve.

The future of cloud in the UK

Looking ahead, cloud computing is only going to become more ingrained in how businesses operate. As digital transformation accelerates, UK companies will need even more cloud experts to help them scale, optimise, and secure their cloud environments. Permanent staff with strong cloud skills will continue to see career advancement and stability, while contractors will find plenty of opportunities for high-paying projects.

Cloud computing is no longer just an option—it’s a must-have skill for IT and tech professionals in the UK. Whether you're looking to break into the field or expand your current expertise, the opportunities are abundant.

By building your knowledge of cloud platforms, security, data management, and automation, you’ll not only future-proof your career but also position yourself as a key player in the digital economy. So, dive in, get certified, and start exploring the cloud—it’s where the future of tech is headed!