Solutions Architect

Typical Salary

£37,000 To £70,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings occasionally

How To Become a Solutions Architect

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in computing.

computer science
software engineering for business
programming
software development
cloud computing

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got a high level of technical expertise.

It's also useful if you have experience and understanding of the industry you want to work in, for example banking, retail or cloud computing.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
maths knowledge
the ability to use your initiative
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
persistence and determination
knowledge of English language
ambition and a desire to succeed
to be flexible and open to change
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

Your tasks may include:

learning the client’s business strategy and needs
developing solutions to meet those needs
assessing the strengths, weaknesses and costs of various options
providing solutions advice and suggestions
developing an action plan showing how any preferred option will work
making sure the new solution meets industry regulations, like security
working on the changeover from an existing system to a new one
making sure the new solution works with other systems and platforms in use

Working Environment

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

Career Path & Progression

You could progress to senior or lead solutions architect then move on to an enterprise architect role.

You could also take up broader IT project management jobs, strategy planning or consultancy.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You'll typically need knowledge of service design principles, agile development, and IT industry standards and regulations.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to have an industry certification like Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and Tech Future Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.