7 Tech Skills Employers Are Looking For in 2026
Technology continues to change the way businesses operate, develop products and deliver services. As a result, the skills employers need are changing too.
In 2026, technical knowledge remains essential, but employers are increasingly looking for people who can apply that knowledge effectively. AI, software development, cloud infrastructure, cyber security and data continue to shape demand across the UK technology market, while problem-solving, communication and adaptability are becoming increasingly important alongside technical expertise.
Skills England projects that employment across 30 priority occupations within the UK digital and technology sector will increase by around 239,000 jobs between 2025 and 2035. When replacement demand is included, the total requirement rises to approximately 488,000 workers.
For technology professionals, this creates opportunities, but it also means keeping skills current is becoming increasingly important.
Here are seven of the tech skills employers are looking for in 2026.
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AI and AI Literacy
Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest influences on technology recruitment in 2026. However, AI skills are no longer limited to people working directly in machine learning or artificial intelligence. Employers increasingly need professionals who understand how AI works, how to use AI-enabled tools effectively and how to assess the results they produce.
The UK Government’s 2025 AI Labour Market Survey found that 97% of organisations surveyed identified at least one AI skills gap. The most common gap was understanding AI concepts and algorithms, identified by 60% of respondents.
For technical professionals, this could mean developing skills in:
- Machine learning
- Generative AI
- AI-assisted development
- Natural language processing
- Data and model evaluation
- AI APIs and integration
- Responsible AI
- AI governance and assurance
AI is also changing existing technology roles. Skills England reports that routine coding and testing tasks are increasingly being supported by AI, while employers are placing greater emphasis on oversight, verification, judgement, communication and accountability.
The ability to work effectively with AI, rather than simply understanding the technology, is therefore becoming an increasingly valuable skill.
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Software Development and Programming
Software development remains one of the strongest areas of demand across the technology sector. Skills England identifies programmers and software development professionals as a priority occupation, with 69,000 additional workers projected to be needed within the digital and technologies sector between 2025 and 2035. Across all priority sectors, the projected requirement rises to more than 192,000 workers.
Programming skills remain particularly important for organisations developing software products, embedded systems, digital platforms and connected technologies.
Depending on the role, employers may look for experience with languages and technologies such as:
- C and C++
- Python
- Java
- C#
- JavaScript and TypeScript
- SQL
- .NET
- Embedded software
- APIs and software integration
However, programming ability is only part of the picture. Employers also need developers who can understand existing systems, solve problems efficiently, work with other technical teams and produce reliable, maintainable software.
As AI becomes more involved in development, understanding why code works, how to test it and how to identify potential problems will remain just as important as being able to produce code.
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Cyber Security
As organisations become increasingly dependent on connected systems and digital infrastructure, protecting those systems remains a major priority. Cyber security professionals are responsible for identifying vulnerabilities, protecting systems and networks, responding to threats and helping organisations manage security risks.
Technical skills that can be valuable in cyber security include:
- Network security
- Cloud security
- Penetration testing
- Security monitoring
- Incident response
- Identity and access management
- Secure software development
- Risk management
The UK Government’s cyber security skills research has highlighted continued demand for cyber professionals, with skills gaps remaining across the sector.
AI is also creating a new dimension to cyber security. As organisations introduce AI into their systems and workflows, security professionals need to understand both traditional cyber risks and the risks associated with AI-enabled technology.
This makes cyber security a particularly important area for professionals who can combine technical expertise with strong analytical thinking.
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Cloud Computing and Infrastructure
Cloud technology continues to underpin much of the UK’s digital infrastructure. Businesses need technology professionals who can design, implement, manage and secure cloud-based systems. This has increased demand for skills across cloud architecture, infrastructure, DevOps and platform engineering.
Relevant skills can include:
- AWS
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud
- Kubernetes
- Docker
- Infrastructure as Code
- Cloud security
- Networking
- Systems architecture
- CI/CD
Cloud skills are also increasingly connected to other areas of technology. Software developers, DevOps engineers, cyber security specialists and data professionals may all need some understanding of cloud infrastructure.
For candidates looking to develop their technical careers, building a strong understanding of how applications, infrastructure and services work together can therefore be valuable.
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Data and Advanced Analytics
Businesses have access to more data than ever, but collecting data is only useful if organisations can understand and act on it. That is why data skills remain important across technology, engineering and other technical sectors.
The UK’s 2025 AI Labour Market Survey found that the proportion of businesses employing data science professionals increased from 48% to 66%, highlighting the growing role of data expertise within AI-related work.
Employers may look for experience in areas such as:
- Data analysis
- Data science
- Machine learning
- SQL
- Python
- Data visualisation
- Statistics
- Data engineering
- Data management
Strong data professionals also need to understand the context behind the numbers. Being able to communicate findings clearly and explain what the data means for a business or technical project can be just as important as the technical analysis itself.
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Automation, DevOps and Continuous Delivery
Automation is changing how technology teams build, test and deploy software. DevOps and automation skills help organisations improve development processes, reduce repetitive manual work and deliver software more efficiently.
Key areas include:
- CI/CD
- Automation
- Infrastructure as Code
- Containerisation
- Kubernetes
- Version control
- Automated testing
- Monitoring and observability
- Configuration management
The importance of these skills is also connected to the wider development of AI. As more routine technical tasks become automated, professionals can increasingly focus on system design, quality assurance, troubleshooting and improving the overall development process.
This means employers are not simply looking for people who can use individual tools. They need professionals who understand how different technologies fit together and can improve the way technical teams work.
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Problem-Solving, Communication and Adaptability
Technical skills will always matter, but employers are also placing greater emphasis on how people apply those skills. Technology professionals regularly need to investigate complex problems, communicate technical information and make decisions when there is no straightforward answer.
Skills England’s 2026 research highlights problem-solving, decision-making, adaptability, collaboration and communication as increasingly important as AI changes the way technology work is carried out. These skills can make a significant difference in technical roles.
For example, an engineer may have excellent programming knowledge, but they also need to understand the problem they are trying to solve. A software developer may need to explain a technical issue to a non-technical stakeholder. A project engineer may need to adapt when requirements change.
The strongest candidates are often those who can combine technical knowledge with good judgement and a clear understanding of the wider objective.
What Do These Skills Mean for Technology Professionals?
The technology market is not standing still. The demand for technical expertise remains strong, but the definition of a strong technology candidate is changing. Professionals who continue developing their skills and understand how new technologies affect their role will be better placed to respond to changing requirements.
This does not mean that everyone needs to become an AI specialist. Instead, technology professionals should consider how AI, automation and new digital tools are affecting their particular area of expertise.
For example, a software engineer may benefit from understanding AI-assisted development, while a cyber security professional may need to consider AI-related security risks. An electronics engineer working with connected devices may need a stronger understanding of software and data.
The key is to build on existing expertise rather than trying to learn every new technology that appears.
How Can You Make Your Tech Skills Stand Out?
Having the right skills is important, but employers also need to see how you have applied them.
When updating your CV or preparing for an interview, consider including specific examples of:
- Technical projects you have worked on
- Programming languages and platforms you use
- Systems you have designed or improved
- Problems you have solved
- Technologies you have introduced
- Automation or efficiency improvements you have delivered
- Collaboration with engineering or technical teams
- AI or data projects you have contributed to
Where possible, focus on what you achieved, rather than simply listing technologies.
For example, instead of listing Python as a skill, explain how you used Python to automate a process, analyse data or support the development of a technical system.
This gives employers a much clearer understanding of your capabilities.
The Future of Tech Skills in 2026 and Beyond
Technology skills will continue to evolve. Skills England currently projects strong growth across the UK’s digital and technology occupations, with 239,000 additional jobs expected across its 30 priority occupations between 2025 and 2035. At the same time, AI is changing the tasks involved in many existing roles.
This creates an important balance for technology professionals.
Technical foundations remain essential, but professionals also need to keep learning as technologies and working practices change. AI literacy, software development, data, cloud, cyber security and automation are likely to remain important areas, while communication, problem-solving and adaptability will continue to support progression.
For employers, the challenge is finding people who combine the right technical knowledge with the ability to apply it effectively. For candidates, the message is equally clear: keeping your skills current can be just as important as the skills you already have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand tech skills in 2026?
AI, software development, cyber security, cloud computing, data and automation are among the key technical areas seeing continued demand. Employers are also placing greater value on problem-solving, communication and adaptability.
Is AI replacing software development jobs?
AI is changing how software development work is carried out, particularly around routine coding and testing. However, Skills England’s 2026 assessment still projects significant growth in demand for programmers and software development professionals.
Do I need AI skills to work in technology?
Not every technology role requires specialist AI expertise. However, understanding how AI is being used within your area of technology can help you remain relevant as working practices change.
What skills should I learn to progress my technology career?
The right skills depend on your current role and career goals. Developing deeper technical expertise while building knowledge of areas such as AI, cloud, data, automation or cyber security can help you respond to changing employer requirements.
Looking for Your Next Technology Opportunity?
At Hexwired Recruitment, we work across specialist technology and engineering markets, connecting skilled professionals with organisations looking for technical expertise.
Whether your background is in software, embedded systems, electronics, engineering, AI, cyber security or another specialist technology area, understanding where demand is growing can help you make informed decisions about your next career move.
Looking for your next technology role? Explore current opportunities with Hexwired Recruitment.
