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AI Builders & Stewards · Automation / RPA

RPA developer

RPA developers build software robots that handle high volume office processes such as claims, invoices and account updates. It is a well paid specialism used by banks, insurers, councils and health services, and it is learnable without a computer science degree because the main platforms are visual and well documented. It rewards people who are systematic and calm with detail. The honest hard parts: processes change without warning, robots stop when a screen moves, and you must test relentlessly.

A day in this job

Your morning starts with the bot logs: what ran, what failed, what needs a fix. You spend the middle of the day building or improving a robot for a live process, stepping through it screen by screen. The afternoon goes on testing awkward cases. You close by documenting the change properly.

How AI is changing it

AI now writes much of the robot logic and can even watch a process and suggest automations. The developer's job becomes specifying the process precisely, testing the awkward cases, and owning what the robot does once it is live. Accountability for a system running real work stays human.

What you need to start

Most entrants have a degree or equivalent, but entry with other qualifications or solid relevant experience is possible.

Typical pay: £1020 a week (about £53,000 a year).
Official UK pay for "Programmers and software development professionals" (ONS ASHE 2022, via LMI for All). A guide, not a promise.

The steps, in order

  1. Learn what RPA is Free courses introduce the main robotic process automation platforms and show how these office robots actually work.
  2. Build your first bot Automate one real process from start to finish, stepping through it screen by screen until it runs reliably.
  3. Practise relentless testing Robots fail when screens change, so learn to test awkward cases and build checks that fail loudly, not quietly.
  4. Consider a funded route Digital Skills Bootcamps and IT apprenticeships are funded ways to formalise the skill while you keep earning.
  5. Get certified Vendor certificates and BCS qualifications carry weight with the banks, councils and insurers who hire RPA developers.
  6. Apply, then deepen the craft RPA developers are in steady demand. Once in, grow towards process design and supervising newer AI driven automations.
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