Web developers design, build and maintain new websites and upgrade existing ones in line with client requirements. Developers work in all sectors, including industry, commerce, local government and education. Projects vary depending on the employer's focus, but some examples are listed here:

• building company intranets and extranets - web-based networks, accessible by company employees or company clients
• creation of web portals - links which open one site within another and allow end-users to personalise content and structure
• development of interactive databases, for example placing local government services online
• constructing virtual learning environments (VLEs) for training providers and academic institutions
• development of e-commerce (online shopping) facilities for retailers.

A development cycle follows several phases and developers can be responsible for the entire process or brought in to deal with a particular phase. Some of the key phases are outlined below:

• developers work with the client, using site simulations to see which proposal best suits the client's needs.
• once agreed, they build the framework(architecture) of the site and the functionality, for example, command buttons,forms, payment systems and video, sound or animation
• they make sure that the new site can be smoothly integrated into the client's existing network, for instance linking with a customer database
• developers may be responsible for the site's visual design or they may work with a web designer
• they put in procedures to deal with user access and security
• they continually test a site under construction to eliminate any problems (bugs)before it goes 'live'.

Once complete, the developer may continue to make minor refinements to make sure the finished product is fully functional and meets all the client requirements. Depending on the contract, the developer may continue to manage and maintain the site once it is up and running.

Hours and Environment

Web developers normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some evening and/or weekend work may be required to meet deadlines. Self-employed developers work the hours necessary to complete their workload.

Developers work in an office. Those employed by a company or organisation are normally based at one site, whereas self-employed developers may work from home, an office base or on a client's premises.

Freelance developers are often responsible for providing their own software packages and computer equipment.

Skills and Interests

As a web developer, you should:

• have excellent web and database programming skills
• have a good appreciation of design, functionality and interactivity
• be able to interpret client ideas and present complex concepts in a clear manner
• have excellent analytical skills and able to provide innovative solutions
• be able to work flexibly but in an organised manner
• be able to work to exact specifications
• be aware of international web protocols and standards
• be able to work to strict deadlines
• be willing to keep up to date with developments in technology and methodologies
• have an appreciation of commercial pressures
• have excellent interpersonal skills
• work well as part of a team or alone.

Project management skills may be required for more senior roles or for freelancing.

Entry

There are no specific entry requirements but you will need a knowledge of 'front end' concepts (how the site looks and functions for the user), and 'back end' systems (how it works).

You will also need to be familiar with:

• common operating systems and servers
• databases and web programming
• networking and security
• internet protocols (TCP/IP)
• graphics, animation and web design software.

The Training section lists the more common packages and languages that cover the areas mentioned here.

An understanding of World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards for website development will be helpful to ensure greater site accessibility and compatibility. For more details about this, see the W3C website in Further Information.

Employers will want to see evidence of your experience along with any relevant qualifications. You should have a portfolio of work, demonstrating your creative and technical ability. This can be in the form of a CD, DVD or 'live' website.

If you lack commercial experience, developing and designing a site for a local community group or voluntary agancy can be used in your portfolio. 

Many new entrants now have a foundation degree, BTEC/SQA higher national award or degree, which will usually be in an IT-related subject. Typical subjects include:

• web development or web design
• multimedia design
• digital media development
• web content management
• business information systems
• computer programming.

These are available at many colleges and universities. Check with them for details. If you hold a good first degree, postgraduate qualifications are available in multimedia.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward.

To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

For details about careers in this field, see the websites for e-skills UK and British Computer Society (BCS) in Further Information.

Training

You normally have on-the-job training, especially where entry is through a graduate training scheme.

Depending on client needs, a working knowledge of some of the following coding and programming/scripting languages will be useful: Java, HTML, XML, DHTML, XHTML, Perl, ASP, PHP, Javascript, ActionScript, CGI, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), SSL security technologies, SQL and MySQL.

You should also be familiar with some of the common web development packages, including:

• Dreamweaver (MX or version 8)
• Studio 8 (contains Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks in one package)
• Coldfusion MX
• Axure RP 
• Adobe GoLive
• Visual Interdev
• HotMetal Pro.

You will also need to know how to use common plug-ins such as Shockwave, Flash MX and Adobe Acrobat Reader. There are many others that cover specialised functions.

Skillset, in conjunction with the British Film Institute, maintains a course database containing details of multimedia training providers throughout the country – see the Skillset website in Further Information. Online resources are also widely available. The Web Development Virtual Library site and W3C have lots of tutorials and links covering the packages and languages listed above.

The Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Web Development course certifies skills across a range of software and systems. It is available to new entrants and IT professionals. For information on CIW certification and training providers, see their link in Further Information.

The British Computer Society (BCS) offers a series of professional awards – Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma - for those wishing to enhance their career prospects. These are equivalent to the first, second and third year of a university honours degree, respectively. Contact BCS for further details and entry requirements.

E-skills, in conjunction with higher education institutions and employers in the IT sector, have developed the Graduate Professional Development Award (GPDA). It can be studied as part of an undergraduate, postgraduate or work-based training programme. The Award covers key skills required by the industry including:

• communication
• problem solving
• team working
• technical competencies.

Whether freelance or employed by a company, ever-changing technology means that developers must be prepared to continually update their skills through formal training, on-the-job experience or self-teaching.

Opportunities

Opportunities for web developers are excellent as the expansion of digital interactive media is set to grow over the coming years with the convergence of IT and telecommunications. Developers who are multiskilled in some of the applications mentioned in Training are likely to have more options.

Developers can specialise in a particular area, such as e-learning or e-commerce or move to higher-level positions, for example, lead programmer or project leader. There may be opportunities to move into other IT roles such as systems analysis or IT project management.

Promotion options depend upon the size of the company. Defined pathways may be available in larger companies, whilst developers in smaller companies or freelance workers will cover many roles within the same job. Web developers with fluent language skills may find opportunities both overseas and in the UK.

Annual Income

This section is intended as a guideline only.

New entrants can expect to earn between £14,000 and £20,000 a year.
With experience, developers can earn up to £30,000 a year.
Senior developers/programmers can earn £35,000 or more.

Further information

Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB 1 Sanford Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ 1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR