Why More UK Retail Workers Are Migrating into IT Roles in 2025

Retail is changing due to rising automation, tightening margins, and shifting consumer behaviour. Still, through such stress, tech is unlocking new doors — it’s flexible, growing, and offers careers based on practical abilities, not just college degrees.

Retail Is Changing Fast Under the Pressure of Technology

In the UK, automation and AI now power everything from dynamic pricing to AI-driven inventory in retail operations. Systems such as electronic shelf labels, self-checkouts, and robot-packed fulfilment are being widely adopted.

This reduces frontline retail functions and increases the demand for tech-savvy professionals to design, support, and optimise these systems.

• The Retail Technology Show confirmed that 51% of senior retail leaders see AI as their top growth driver, followed by Gen AI (44%), personalisation (25%), and marketing automation (20%).
• McKinsey predicts that by 2030, technology will affect one-third of all retail tasks, driving a major shift in work structure and creating demand for cross-skilled “phygital” workers who blend tech fluency with customer interaction.

In short: tech isn’t just shaping retail’s future — it’s inviting workers to become part of it.

2. Fast-Growing IT Roles in Retail Offer Better Prospects

• 24% of new tech hires in the UK now come from retail and consumer goods sectors, making retail the third-largest recruiter of tech talent, behind only tech and banking.
• This reflects a growing need for roles like e-commerce managers, data analysts, UX/UI designers, and supply chain analysts — positions that require retail insight plus digital skills.
• On top of this, the UK is experiencing a tech hiring boom, as retailers expand AI, cloud, and analytic capabilities through massive private and public investment.

3. Skill-Based Hiring: Your Retail Experience Is an Asset

A study of over 11 million UK job listings shows a sharp rise in skill-based hiring, especially in AI-related roles. From 2018 to 2024:

• AI role demand grew by 21%
• Degree requirements dropped by 15%
• AI skills earned a 23% wage premium, exceeding degree-level value across many roles

That means your customer-facing experience, problem-solving, multitasking, and communication skills are now highly valued in IT — often more than formal education.

Real success stories from Reddit validate this shift:

“I worked in retail for 3 years and am now an IT support engineer with 3 years’ experience… started as an apprentice and worked my way up.”

“I switched careers into software development… got some certifications when furloughed… a colleague joined from retail… willing to learn, regardless of experience.”

These stories prove how motivation, retail experience, and certified skills can make transitions not only possible but successful.

4. Why IT Appeals to Retail Workers in 2025

• Automation pressures are reshaping retail roles, creating both disruption and opportunity in tech-forward functions.
• Retailers are upskilling their own staff, like M&S and Ted Baker, which used apprenticeships and coding bootcamps to move employees into digital roles.
• UK tech investment is surging — from AI infrastructure to cloud hubs — creating demand for hybrid talent that blends retail insight with digital expertise.
• Flexible, skill-first roles are growing, offering retail professionals more autonomy and long-term growth potential.

5. How Fortray Empowers Retail-to-IT Career Switchers

At Fortray, we specialise in transforming your retail insight into tech readiness, with programs built around practical, real-world transition.

• Industry-Aligned Curriculum: From IT support, cloud computing bootcamp with job guarantee, and cyber security course with job guarantee to data analytics — all designed for the demands of modern tech roles.
• Hands-On, Project-Based Learning: Build real portfolios such as e-commerce dashboards or diagnostic tools that connect retail acumen with IT fundamentals.
• Mentorship & Peer Support: Work alongside mentors who have made similar transitions, gaining guidance and motivation.
• Flexible, Modular Learning: We understand shift work — that’s why our programs fit around your life.
• Skill-First Entry Pathways: No degree required — just curiosity, effort, and the drive to learn tools like Python, SQL, or networking.

6. Quick Transition Checklist for Retail Workers

1. Recognise Your Strengths: Customer service, problem-solving, and organisation are highly prized in IT.
2. Pick a Starter Role: IT support, UX design, or data analysis — these are realistic entry points that value your background.
3. Upskill in Bite-Sized Steps: Begin with certifications such as CompTIA A+, Microsoft Learn, or AWS Cloud Foundations.
4. Show, Don’t Tell: Create small projects — e.g., tracking customer behaviour data or designing user flows — for your portfolio.
5. Use Your Retail Network: Internal transfers can be great stepping stones into tech-related positions.
6. Get Support: Join learning cohorts and communities like Fortray’s to stay inspired and accountable.

Conclusion

Retail workers in the UK are increasingly stepping into IT roles — not by chance, but because the future of retail is tech-infused.

Your frontline experience gives you transferable strengths; with the right upskilling and mentorship, you can thrive in fields like cloud support, data analysis, UX, or cybersecurity.

At Fortray, we believe in your journey — and we’re here to help you make the leap. If you’re curious about practical pathways, course details, or next steps, we’d be glad to help you map them out.