How to start a web development career in 2021

Imagine a world where social media, e-commerce, and online banking cease to exist. Where the world’s information isn’t available at the click of a mouse. Where Google isn’t our go-to archive, and YouTube our source of everyday entertainment.

Thanks to the work of web developers, we’re given abundant access to all the platforms, services, and online resources we take for granted. It’s through their technological ideas, expertise, and constant innovation that the world wide web continues to exist and evolve.

As a highly lucrative and rewarding career, it’s no surprise that plenty opt for a future in web development. We explore the various steps to learning web design below, and the benefits of joining the industry.

How to learn web design

1. Learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Programming skills play a critical role in any web development career; with HTML, CSS, and Javascript making up core elements of a website’s structural code. Before dressing up a webpage with its front-end audio-visual elements – one must first build its framework through these three programming languages.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) makes up the overall structure of a website, dictating its basic skeleton and formatting. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) allows one to implement a visual style atop the founding HTML structure. Finally, Javascript enables one to implement additional multimedia elements, such as 2D/3D images, interactive maps, audio players, and more.

2. Take up a specialised course in web design.

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the basic programming skills, pursuing a specialised course in the field is often recommended. Here, you’ll explore the more technical areas specific to web design and development, such as the skills related to forming a quality UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience); design theory and principles; and basic graphic design.

Aside from the development process itself, an online course may also dive into areas of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), ensuring a website not only looks good – but is also easily accessible across the internet.

3. Create your own website(s).

They say the best way to learn is by doing – so once you’ve got the theory down, take the time to pursue your own web development or design projects.

The easiest way to do this is build your own website from scratch; those starting out are often recommended to create their own personal site or online portfolio. Thus, the resulting website will not only function as a demonstration of your industry skills – but also a source for future related projects.

4. Participate in online web design communities.

Expand your professional network and exposure to new industry ideas, practices, and developments by taking part in the numerous web design communities available. Through these platforms, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from the best, take part in collaborative projects, and receive constructive critique on your own works. You’ll also potentially build on your current list of industry contacts, which may prove fruitful for future employment opportunities.

Recommended online communities for starting web designers include Mockplus, Dribbble, and UX Mastery.

Is Web Design a good career?

• The demand is high. According to SEEK, web developers are currently set to face strong industry growth, with a 9.2% increase in jobs within the next five years. This growing demand bodes plenty of employment opportunities for those just entering the field, with most found in the sector of professional, scientific, and technical services. New South Wales currently holds the largest share of workers in the industry (37.6%), followed by Victoria (31.4%) and Queensland (15.8%).
• High income potential. Due to high employment demand, web developers often have the potential of earning high salaries, with the average base salary currently at $62,077 AUD a year (according to Payscale). As experience grows, professionals are typically able to increase their earnings, with the highest incomes at around $87,000 AUD per year.
• It helps flex/exercise your creative side. Web design and development relies on creative solutions, both technologically, visually, and business-wise; so those with a knack for imagination and innovation are bound to find the career a rewarding experience. With constant tech developments in the sector, professionals will also exercise their critical thinking skills as they formulate new ways of serving user needs and executing ideas.
• Enjoy a flexible, stable career. Due to its online nature, some web developers can enjoy the luxury of freelancing or working from home. All that’s needed is a working laptop, internet connection, and videoconferencing equipment – and you can easily carry out your tasks, projects, and services remotely. The web development sector can thus continue to flourish online in the event of most crises (i.e. the COVID-19 pandemic), making for an incredibly stable industry.
• The skills are transferable. The skills you gain in web development can help boost your career and employment opportunities across the general IT industry. Most IT roles value an expertise in programming, project management, SEO, and graphic design – all of which are typically explored throughout one’s web design training and career.

What are the best online web design courses?

The best programs in web design will explore both specialised skills in web development as well as related, general IT practices. To boost your opportunities for employment or further certification, undertaking a nationally recognised course is recommended.

Upskilled currently offers such a course through their ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development), a 18-month program that can help equip you for entry-level roles in the industry.

ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development)

Students undertaking this course will explore all fundamental areas of web development – these including introductory programming skills, web page design, database creation, managing social web technologies, and the assessment and selection of proper web hosting services.

Additionally, the program dives into critical areas of SEO practice, website accessibility and client support; helping ensure both the technical quality of a website and successful performance among users.

What are the course fees?

Those who wish to take this course can do so through two flexible payment options: upfront payment or through a 24-month interest-free payment plan.

By paying the fees upfront, you gain a 15% discount of the regular retail price of $4,750 – amounting to a total of $4,040.

Spreading a cost over 24 months will total to $46 weekly payments via Zip Pay.

Get a head start on your web development career today!

As the world grows ever-more reliant on the internet, web development skills will continue to play a critical role in the IT industry.

As mentioned, Upskilled currently provides aspiring professionals with a comprehensive digital course in all things web development. Students can build both the basic knowledge required of a general IT career, while equipping themselves with the technical skills of building, managing, and assessing quality websites.

Best of all, the course is delivered online – helping you train around your personal needs and preferred schedule.

Gain the skills required in this growing IT sector, and enquire with us today.