by Mark | Jan 3, 2025 | Web Design, Web Design Trends, Web Professional Trends
The 2024 Industry Report – Web Design and Development is proudly presented by Web Professionals Global and its Advisory Council. This comprehensive analysis reflects our commitment to Community, Education and Certification, serving as a guiding resource for web professionals, educators, and workforce development leaders worldwide. As the web continues to weave itself into every aspect of industry and trade, this report offers a thorough exploration of trends, statistics, and the evolving needs of the web design and development field. Today, it can be argued that everyone, regardless of career path, is in one way or another a web professional.
Executive Summary
The web design and development industry has seen tremendous growth over the past five years, with new trends redefining its trajectory. In 2024, the web is more integrated into the global economy than ever before, spanning traditional tech roles and trade professions alike. This report explores key developments such as the rise of AI, the necessity of industry-based certifications, and the increasing demand for leadership training and workforce adaptability. It also provides actionable insights and recommendations to ensure professionals stay competitive in an evolving landscape.
Key highlights include:
- Steady growth in web-related employment and salaries across the US and internationally
- Critical role of mobile-first design as mobile users dominate internet access
- AI’s transformative impact across all workplace sectors
- Continued impact and growth of industry-based certifications
- Future-proofing today’s professional
- New courseware and certifications
- Importance of early career pathways to build the next generation of web design and development leaders
Growth of the Industry
The web design and development industry has grown exponentially over the past five years, driven by technological advances and increased internet penetration worldwide. Employment opportunities have expanded, with an estimated 8% annual growth in job postings globally. Salaries for web professionals have risen correspondingly, with US-based developers earning a median salary of $85,000, while international averages vary between $40,000 and $70,000 depending on region.
Market research shows the global web design and development market will reach approximately $123.2 billion by 2032, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2024 to 2031. In the United States, employment for web developers is expected to increase by 16% from 2022 to 2032, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. This expansion is anticipated to result in approximately 34,700 new web developer positions annually.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, careers in digital and web-related fields will be among the most in-demand in 2025. Roles such as Animation Designer, Frontend Web Developer, UX/UI Designer, and Digital/Web Designer are expected to see continued growth as businesses prioritize enhancing user experience, creating engaging visual content, and maintaining a strong online presence. These professions are critical in shaping the digital landscape, with increasing reliance on innovative design and development to meet evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. This demand underscores the importance of equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills and training to thrive in these dynamic career pathways.
The web design and development job market in Europe reflects a growing demand for digitally skilled professionals, with a significant talent gap persisting across the region. Frontend developers, who bridge the gap between code and stunning visual designs, are particularly vital in this landscape.
Ireland exemplifies this trend, facing a critical shortage of IT professionals. A 2023 survey by Expleo revealed that 94% of Irish businesses struggled to find suitable candidates for IT roles, and 74% of business leaders acknowledged challenges in attracting top talent. This shortage underscores the need for increased training and education in digital skills to meet industry demands and maintain Europe’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The demand for web designers and developers in South America is experiencing significant growth, driven by the region’s expanding digital economy and the global shift towards online platforms. Latin American developers, including web designers and developers , are increasingly sought after due to their high level of technical training, soft skills, and proficiency in English. Countries like Brazil and Argentina have become prominent tech hubs, with cities such as São Paulo and Buenos Aires hosting vibrant tech ecosystems. The rise of remote work has further opened opportunities for South American web designers and developers to engage with international clients, enhancing their employment prospects.
The global impact of web design and development is evident as industries increasingly rely on web technologies to enhance operations and customer engagement. E-commerce, education, healthcare, and even traditional trades like construction and manufacturing have integrated web-based solutions to remain competitive.
Web Usage and Statistics
The number of active websites worldwide surpassed 1.2 billion in 2024, reflecting steady growth in online activity. Of these, over 60% are optimized for mobile devices, showcasing the dominance of mobile-first strategies. Key statistics include:
- Browser usage: Google Chrome remains the top browser with a 65% market share, followed by Safari at 18%.
- Mobile growth: Over 60% of global web traffic now originates from mobile devices.
- E-commerce influence: Online retail sales accounted for 22% of total global retail sales in 2024, compared to just 15% five years ago.
These figures highlight the growing need for adaptive web design and development practices.
Key Turning Points for the Global Web Design and Development Landscape
The past five years have been marked by significant changes in web design and development. These include:
- The AI revolution: Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, CoPilot, Grok, LLaMA, and Gemini are reshaping content creation and web experiences. AI has become indispensable for tasks ranging from personalized user experiences to predictive analytics. Platforms such as Adobe, Canva, Designs.ai, and many others, including integrated development environments (IDEs), are incorporating AI, seamlessly converging design technologies with artificial intelligence.
- Cross-industry reliance: Trades such as automotive mechanics and electricians increasingly use web-based tools for diagnostics, scheduling, and customer interactions.
- Responsive and accessible design: A universal emphasis on inclusivity has made accessibility a standard rather than a bonus feature.
In 2024, the rapid and ongoing integration of web tools across industries highlights the critical need for a digitally fluent workforce across all career pathways.
Future-proofing Web Designers and Developers for Tomorrow’s Challenges
The evolving landscape of web design and development demands continuous growth and adaptability from professionals. Rapid advancements in technology and changing user expectations require web designers and developers to adopt a proactive approach to skill development and maintain high standards of professionalism. Future-proofing in this dynamic industry hinges on a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Key competencies essential for staying ahead include:
- Proficiency in AI tools and foundational AI skills: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how websites are designed, optimized, and managed. Web designers and developers who leverage AI for automation, user behavior analysis, and creative enhancements will be better positioned to lead in the field.
- Inclusive design and accessibility principles: Prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility is both a moral and practical obligation. Designers who create user experiences that accommodate diverse needs contribute to broader audience engagement while complying with legal and business standards.
- Mastery of data privacy regulations and security protocols: Growing concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity make it critical for web professionals to understand and implement robust measures that protect user information and uphold global standards.
- Commitment to lifelong learning, training, and certifications: The fast pace of technological advancement necessitates continuous education and skill validation. Certifications not only confirm expertise but also signal a dedication to professional growth, a quality highly valued by employers and clients.
- Soft skills, leadership, problem-solving, and project management: These attributes remain vital for effective collaboration, team management, and addressing complex challenges in a competitive environment.
Flexibility is another key attribute for web professionals, enabling them to adapt to economic uncertainties and shifting client demands in a digital-first economy.
By embracing lifelong learning and maintaining professionalism, web designers and developers enhance their capabilities, future-proof their careers, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the industry. Web Professionals Global supports these efforts by providing resources, certifications, and advocacy to ensure web professionals remain competitive and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Importance of Industry-Based Certifications
Industry-based certifications have emerged as a key differentiator for web professionals. These credentials validate expertise and signal to employers a commitment to quality and continuous learning. Certifications in areas such as UX/UI design, front-end development, front-end design, cybersecurity, and AI have seen a 20% increase in demand over the past year.
Employers use industry-based certifications as part of the hiring process to assess candidates’ skills, qualifications, and readiness for specific roles. These certifications serve as standardized benchmarks of competence and knowledge in various fields, making them valuable tools for streamlining recruitment. Prospective employees with certifications from accredited organizations or professional associations can distinguish themselves from those without certifications giving them the edge to get hired.
Employees with certifications are more likely to get promoted, while freelancers with relevant certifications instill confidence in clients regarding their abilities and the professionalism they bring to their work.
Organizations like Web Professionals Global play a pivotal role in fostering technical and soft skills development through recognized education and certification programs.
The Value of Competition in Strengthening the Workforce
Competition continues to be seen as a powerful tool for improving the pool of workforce professionals, not only in Web Design and Development but across all industry sectors. Events like the SkillsUSA State and National Web Design and Development competitions provide a vital platform for developing professionals to test their skills, benchmark their abilities against peers, and refine their craft in a dynamic, high-stakes environment.
These competitions simulate real-world challenges, requiring participants to perform under pressure while solving complex problems with creativity and precision. Such experiences prepare individuals for the demands of professional environments, equipping them with the resilience and adaptability needed to excel in their careers.
Beyond the competitive framework, these events also offer access to valuable training sessions and seminars led by seasoned professionals. Participants gain cutting-edge insights into industry trends, tools, and best practices, fostering continuous learning and professional growth.
Leadership development is another cornerstone of these initiatives. Competitions encourage participants to cultivate critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and decision-making—attributes that are essential for advancing careers and driving innovation within the industry.
Moreover, competitions inspire a pursuit of excellence and provide unparalleled networking opportunities. Engaging with peers, mentors, and industry leaders allows competitors to build connections that can shape their professional journeys and open doors to future opportunities.
By investing in competitive events, industries ensure a steady pipeline of skilled, confident, and innovative professionals who are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. For Web Design and Development, these platforms are instrumental in fostering the next generation of talent while driving the industry toward higher standards of excellence.
Essential Recommendations for Web Design and Development Professionals
While these recommendations for web design and development professionals remain largely unchanged each year, emerging technologies and trends like AI and AR/VR continually shape and update this essential and evolving list.
- Stay updated on emerging technologies like AI and AR/VR
- Pursue certifications to validate and expand skillsets
- Prioritize accessibility and inclusive design in all projects
- Embrace lifelong learning through workshops and online courses
- Engage in industry events and competitions for exposure
- Join a professional association and network with professionals to exchange ideas and best practices
- Focus on mobile-first and responsive design principles
- Keep security and data privacy at the forefront of web development
- Mentor young professionals to contribute to the next generation of leaders
- Be adaptable to shifting client needs, market demands and new technologies
Author’s Note: If you examine the essentials above, you’ll notice that, aside from a few technical specifics, this list aligns closely with what any professional should consider, regardless of their career pathway.
Creating the Next Generation of Web Design and Development Professionals
Every year, the need for relevant workforce training and secondary and post-secondary curricula aligned with industry-based certifications continues to grow. Developing the future leaders of web design and development begins with engaging students early through dynamic curriculum and extracurricular activities. By integrating career pathways programs and mentorship initiatives, learners are equipped to make informed decisions about their education and professional goals. Participation in events like SkillsUSA further builds confidence, creativity, and a competitive edge, fostering the skills needed to thrive in this fast-evolving field.
Web Professionals Global plays a pivotal role in this mission. Dedicated to advancing the web design and development industry through education, community, and certification, we empower professionals at all stages of their careers with invaluable resources and growth opportunities.
Training Tomorrow’s Professionals Through Online Integrated Courseware
To meet the growing demand for a digitally fluent workforce, schools and organizations now have access to online integrated courseware designed to upskill individuals across various career pathways. These programs focus on equipping learners with essential digital skills, technical expertise, and adaptability to succeed in modern industries.
One of the latest innovations is the AI for the Workplace course and microcredential. This program provides learners with foundational AI skills, enabling them to utilize AI as a tool to enhance productivity, improve accuracy, and work more efficiently. By mastering these capabilities, participants gain a competitive advantage, future-proofing their careers and positioning themselves as indispensable professionals in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Whether in web design and developmentor other fields, these training tools help bridge skill gaps, empower learners, and ensure that the workforce remains agile, skilled, and ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
What is Web Professionals Global?
We are a trusted advocate for the web design and development industry since 1997, supporting professionals at all stages of their careers. With a mission to advance the industry through education, certification, and community engagement, we provide essential resources and opportunities to help individuals and organizations thrive in this dynamic field.
Over two decades ago, we partnered with SkillsUSA to establish the national Web Design and Development competitive event, fostering talent and innovation among students across the United States. As a proud partner with the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET program, we contribute to defining professional standards and resources for web developers and other web-related roles.
We are also a vocal advocate for ethical practices in the industry, promoting the Web Professionals Global Code of Ethics to ensure integrity and professionalism. Guided by an international Advisory Board, we maintain a global perspective on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring our initiatives are forward-looking and inclusive of diverse viewpoints.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The web design and development industry stands at the crossroads of innovation and opportunity. With the continued integration of AI, the rise of mobile-first approaches, and the emphasis on certifications and leadership, the future is promising yet challenging. Over the next five years, we anticipate a further blurring of lines between industries and the web, necessitating a robust, adaptable, and skilled workforce.
Education, community, and certification remain the pillars of success in this dynamic field, ensuring professionals are equipped to shape the future of the web.
For more information about how we support web professionals and the industry at large, please browse our entire website and reach out to us today.
by Mark | Aug 2, 2024 | Web Design, Web Design Trends
At Web Professionals Global, we monitor the latest trends in the world of the web to keep our members informed. Today we are exploring the concept of “dark patterns,” a term coined by user experience designer Harry Brignull in 2010. Dark patterns refer to deceptive design techniques used to manipulate users into taking actions that benefit the service provider, often at the user’s expense. These manipulative tactics exploit cognitive biases and can be found in various digital environments, from e-commerce websites to social media platforms.
Overview
Dark patterns are carefully crafted to mislead or coerce users into actions they might not otherwise take. Unlike straightforward user interface designs that prioritize transparency and user autonomy, dark patterns often obscure important information, create confusion, or exploit psychological triggers to achieve their goals. These tactics can manifest in numerous ways, each serving a specific purpose. Let’s explore some common types of dark patterns:
- Bait and Switch: This pattern involves promising one thing but delivering another. For instance, a user might click on a seemingly harmless button expecting one outcome, only to be met with an entirely different result, such as being signed up for a subscription service they did not intend to join.
- Hidden Costs: During the checkout process, additional fees or charges are often added at the last minute, catching users off guard. These hidden costs can range from shipping fees to obscure service charges, making the final price significantly higher than initially anticipated.
- Forced Continuity: Users are required to provide payment information for a “free trial,” and the service provider automatically charges them once the trial period ends, often without sufficient notice. This tactic relies on users forgetting to cancel before the trial expires.
- Privacy Zuckering: Named after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, this pattern tricks users into sharing more personal information than they intended. Privacy settings may be confusingly worded or default to more invasive options, making it easy for users to inadvertently expose their data.
- Misdirection: By emphasizing certain elements and downplaying others, this pattern guides users toward actions that benefit the service provider. For example, a brightly colored “Accept” button may be prominently displayed, while the “Decline” option is smaller and less noticeable.
- Confirmshaming: Users are guilt-tripped into taking a particular action. For instance, when attempting to decline a service or opt-out of a subscription, users might encounter messages implying they are making a poor choice or missing out on something important.
- Disguised Ads: Advertisements are made to look like legitimate content, leading users to click on them unintentionally. These ads often blend seamlessly with surrounding content, making them difficult to distinguish.
The Psychological Basis of Dark Patterns
Dark patterns exploit a range of psychological principles and cognitive biases to achieve their manipulative goals. Some of the key psychological mechanisms at play include:
- Loss Aversion: People are generally more motivated to avoid losses than to acquire equivalent gains. Dark patterns exploit this by making users feel they are missing out on something valuable if they don’t comply.
- Social Proof: Individuals tend to follow the actions of others, assuming that those actions are correct. Dark patterns can create a false sense of popularity or urgency, pushing users to conform.
- Anchoring: The tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information encountered (the “anchor”) when making decisions. Dark patterns use anchoring to influence users’ perceptions of value and cost.
- Default Bias: People are more likely to go with default options rather than changing them. Dark patterns exploit this by setting default choices that benefit the service provider, often at the user’s expense.
- Scarcity: The perception of limited availability can create a sense of urgency, prompting users to act quickly. Dark patterns often use countdown timers or low-stock messages to pressure users into making hasty decisions.
The Impact of Dark Patterns
The impact of dark patterns on users can be significant and multifaceted. Some of the key consequences include:
- Financial Loss: Hidden costs, forced subscriptions, and other deceptive tactics can lead to unexpected financial charges, straining users’ budgets.
- Privacy Invasion: Manipulative privacy settings and data-sharing practices can result in the unauthorized collection and dissemination of personal information, compromising users’ privacy and security.
- Erosion of Trust: When users realize they have been manipulated, their trust in the service provider erodes. This loss of trust can extend to the broader digital ecosystem, making users wary of online interactions in general.
- Mental Fatigue: Navigating deceptive interfaces and dealing with unexpected outcomes can lead to frustration and mental exhaustion, diminishing the overall user experience.
Addressing Dark Patterns
The prevalence of dark patterns has sparked a growing movement to address and mitigate their use. Several strategies can help combat dark patterns and promote more ethical design practices:
- Regulation and Legislation: Governments and regulatory bodies can enact laws and guidelines to protect consumers from deceptive practices. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes provisions that address manipulative consent mechanisms.
- Industry Standards: Industry organizations can establish best practices and standards for ethical design, encouraging companies to prioritize transparency and user autonomy.
- Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about dark patterns among users can empower them to recognize and avoid manipulative tactics. Educational initiatives can also inform designers about the ethical implications of their choices.
- User-Centered Design: Prioritizing user needs and preferences in the design process can help create more transparent and user-friendly interfaces. This involves conducting user research, testing, and iterating based on user feedback.
- Transparency: Clear and concise communication about terms, conditions, and costs can build trust and reduce the likelihood of users feeling deceived. Transparent design fosters a sense of honesty and respect for the user.
Conclusion
Dark patterns represent a troubling intersection of design and manipulation, where user experience is compromised for the benefit of service providers. As digital interactions become increasingly integral to daily life, the ethical considerations surrounding design practices are more important than ever. By understanding the various forms and psychological underpinnings of dark patterns, users can better navigate the digital landscape, while designers and policymakers work toward creating a more transparent and user-centric online environment. In the end, the goal should be to build trust and foster positive, respectful interactions that prioritize the well-being of users.
We encourage you to only hire professionals who have committed to a code of ethics (our code of ethics is linked here – we encourage members and non-members to commit to ethical web design and development). Reach out to us today to find out more about the work we are doing.
by Mark | Jul 5, 2024 | Web Competitions, Web Design, Web Development
Last week, Web Professionals Global was proud to once again participate in the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia World Congress Center from June 24-28. Web Professionals Global ran the Web Design and Development competition for the 21st year in a row, providing students from a number of states with the opportunity to participate. This follows Web Professionals Global helping to facilitate some state competitions, the winners of which were invited to the national competition. Check out our article from May on how we helped run the state competitions to prepare teams for the national competition.
As Executive Director, I (Mark) would like to thank Dave, Bryce, Dan, Tammy, Na’Im, and Steve for traveling to Atlanta and helping to put on yet another successful competition. The core team (Dave, Bryce, Steve, and Jonathan [who could not be with us this year]) has been helping with this competition for years, and we are so grateful. Dan, Tammy, and Na’Im were new to the team this year. We appreciate the added help. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.
The competition guidelines were as follows: teams of two completed a series of challenges focusing on creating a website for a client and a specific target audience. Judging focused on meeting the client’s needs, usability and accessibility, and industry-standard best practices. Teams were evaluated on the process they used to meet the challenges and how well they worked as a team. Teams used the internet to access all competition materials (including the coding environment). Additional items such as web accessibility were also evaluated for each site competitors developed.
Our Web Professionals Global Organization SkillsUSA team provided the students with not only a competitive environment to test their technical skills but also real-world training and networking opportunities with professionals.
Week Recap
Monday, June 24
Mark arrived late Sunday and worked with Courtesy Corps to get the tables set up and covered with paper for the competition. He also tested the wireless environment as best he could prior to the stress test of numerous teams on Wednesday.
Tuesday, June 25
Competitors took an online exam to verify their knowledge concerning web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, for example). Each team had one hour to complete the exam. We held a mandatory training session where we reviewed the online coding environment and how to use it. Additionally, we hosted a panel discussion with Dan and Tammy (both practicing web professionals) to help competitors better understand the current landscape and job opportunities. AI was discussed at length and competitors developed a better understanding of how this is presently being incorporated into work flows.
Wednesday, June 26
The secondary (high school) competition was held on Wednesday. Competitors were presented with client assets (often oversized images or in the wrong format) along with a back story of the client. Each team was asked to develop their own process and low fidelity wireframes to address the business problems brought by the client. Once the team had completed their wireframes, they were asked to place those aside and they were given more professionally developed low fidelity wireframes for multiple pages. This is what they were asked to implement as a solution in a website (with multiple pages). Each team was also interviewed and was asked separately (by other web professionals) to describe their process and explain how they developed the wireframes they made.
Thursday, June 27
The post-secondary (college) competition was held on Thursday. Competitors were provided with similar materials and a similar approach to creating the websites. After this competition ended, both secondary and post-secondary teams were invited to a debriefing session held in a different room. Competitors were also asked to provide feedback regarding improvements they would like to see in future competitions. Judge comments were also reviewed in general to help competitors better understand what judges saw (and how they might improve on their processes as well as tips for better interviewing in the future). Scores were submitted by 9 p.m.
Friday, June 28
The event wrapped up Friday night with the awards ceremony held in the State Farm Arena. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to teams at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. Roughly 17,000 individuals were present in the arena to witness the awarding of medals. There were 115 separate competitions with roughly 6,700 competitors this year. We understand that is the largest number of competitions and competitors in the history of SkillsUSA.
Mark providing guidance to competitors
Competition Winners
High School
Gold: Rhys J./Steven S., Meridian Technical Charter High School, Meridian, ID
Silver: Leah S./Tyler C., Barren County Area Technology Center, Glasgow, KY
Bronze: Alexander R./Ethan D., Dover Area High School, Dover, PA
College
Gold: Chloe G./Zachery S., Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield, MO
Silver: Sam T./Caeden S., Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN
Bronze: Kenli S./Yan D., Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland, KS
Congratulations to all the winners and participants in the competition. We had an outstanding group of students who all have very bright futures in the industry. In the coming days we will be publishing more articles about the competition, so stay tuned. If you would like to see more photos of the event (and related activities), we put together a small gallery of photos from several of us.
Final awards ceremony in State Farm Arena
Get in Touch
We are honored to be recognized as a partner with SkillsUSA for another year. Reach out to us today for information on our collaboration with SkillsUSA, certification program offerings and the work we are doing to further our community of web professionals.
by Mark | May 1, 2024 | Web Competitions, Web Design, Web Development
About a month ago we published an article highlighting our work with states to run their web design and development competitions in anticipation of the national competition in Atlanta, GA this June. Today, we are looking at how we helped facilitate the state competition that Illinois ran on April 25th.
Since we started working directly with states in 2022, we have seen the level of competition improve significantly at both the state level and national level. Students are better prepared than ever to hit the ground running on day one and contribute to team success. Each year, more and more states sign up for the package we offer that includes the following:
- Online web design exam similar to what the competitors might see at nationals
- Competition project with client assets and judging rubric
- Handouts for competitors with overview and links to resources
- Online development environment “IDE” for each competitive team
- Support for judges and competition chairs
State SkillsUSA programs enjoy working with Web Professionals Global because we enable them to facilitate the competition rather than have the burden of creating the competition from scratch. Competitors and judges can participate either in person or remotely using our support tools. This enables states to utilize a wider range of judges, as many enjoy participating but cannot take the time from other obligations to join in person for a full day or more. In addition to helping run the Illinois competition, we helped the following states in the spring of 2024: Washington, South Carolina, Arizona, Rhode Island, Vermont, Texas, Nevada, Florida, Kentucky, Kansas, Oregon and Oklahoma.
Running the Competition
Let’s look at how the IL competition ran to see how our package makes life easier for the teams, volunteers and judges that make each state competition happen. What happened in Illinois is similar to what happens in each state choosing the Web Professionals Global package for their competition.
First, the Illinois SkillsUSA team contacted Web Professionals Global to schedule the state competition and receive the competition kit. In the following days, the Illinois SkillsUSA team met with the Web Professionals Global team to get trained on what to expect on the day of the competition and how to ensure it went smoothly.
On the day of the competition, teams showed up to the venue and received handouts outlining how the competition would run. This included an introductory video outlining the online development environments, also known as IDE (although most teams don’t need to review much as many are already with online coding environments *such as VSCode). The team members also logged into their IDE to make sure they were ready to go when the competition began. The IDE also contained the client assets along with a readme file explaining what each team needs to focus on if they want to win the competition (for example, make certain to preview your work to verify images are linked properly).
Students were then introduced to their client for the competition and began to analyze the client’s needs, target audience and images and logos they would be using. After this introduction, students began the competition in their teams and started building their websites. Teams are not allowed to use frameworks of any sort (or help from AI), and doing so results in disqualification. We want competitors to use their knowledge and skills to demonstrate their understanding of responsive design, web accessibility and much more. Relying on a framework can hamper this demonstration as frameworks can be relied upon as a crutch.
Upon completion of the competition, the judges used the online judging system provided by Web Professionals Global. This included a fair and easy-to-use rubric for judging the work of each team. Judges are able to review all teams’ work from a single view and can examine the end result or the code directly in the browser. This system ensures a transparent judging process that is consistent with the process that winning teams experience at the national competition. The winners of the Illinois competition were then submitted to the national competition and invited to participate in June.
We are proud to be a part of this growing network of state competitions. Feel free to get in touch with us if you are interested in learning more and having your state take advantage of our solution next year.
by Mark | Jun 15, 2023 | Employment Issues, Web Design, Web Development
In tough economic times, some industries rise while others fall. Industries that make money or help others make money seem to always fare better than others. We have heard how the tech industry has been laying off large numbers of employees and contractors. You can argue much of this is COVID-19 fallout, with companies still fearing a potential recession.
The headcount at Twitter has been reduced by 70% in the past year. Facebook laid off about 13% of employees in 2022, and will probably lay off another 12% in 2023. Other tech companies that have recently reduced workforce numbers include LinkedIn, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Microsoft, Yahoo, Zoom, Salesforce and more.
However, these figures are just one side of the equation. Looking at the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics for May, we can see that U.S. tech occupations across the economy increased, and the unemployment rate decreased slightly from 2.1% to 2.0%. The current national average unemployment rate across all occupations is 3.7%. This means that even with big cuts in the large tech companies, we are seeing great resilience in the tech job market as a whole. Specifically, web design and development jobs are as strong as ever.
What Do the Numbers Say?
With all the economic turmoil in the tech sector, is entering a career in web design and development a good idea? Let’s look at the numbers. Overall, employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. It is estimated that there will be 21,800 openings for web developers and digital designers annually over the next decade. A large portion of these openings will be to replace retiring designers and developers.
So, why is web design and other tech careers growing even in the times of layoffs? Web design and development is key to how companies make money. Every company needs to get its product story to market, which is where the web designers and developers come in. Web design is key to how a company makes money.
Think about it: who are the creative people managing the search engine optimization (SEO) that drives connections with the customers? Who creates the engaging content, graphics and sites that deliver the product story that gets people to buy? The answer is web developers and designers who help to execute marketing in a way that makes a company successful.
What Can I Do With Web Design and Development Skills?
Although many people think of the tech world when it comes to web designers and developers, they are in high demand in virtually all industries including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, financial services, and retail. Put simply, any company or organization that needs to reach a target audience and maintain an online presence must have designers and developers. Those with web design and development skills can work in many different areas including programming, cybersecurity, database management, AI and robotics, graphic design, information security, user experience (UX) and others.
The good news is that a career in web design and development does not require a traditional four-year degree. You can earn certifications, like the ones we offer here at Web Professionals Global, that will demonstrate your skills and set you apart when it comes to proving yourself in the professional working world. If you have a certification (or multiple certifications) and a portfolio of projects you have created, hiring managers will be eager to talk with you because they know you would be starting with them ready to hit the ground running on day one. Plus, many designers and developers work on their own with a variety of different clients and act as their own bosses.
Why is it Important to Be Part of a Community of Professionals?
If you are considering becoming a web design or development professional, take advantage of becoming part of the largest community of web professionals in Web Professionals Global. Our mission is “Community, Education and Certifications,” and we help promote the advancement of all professionals in internet-based careers. We have special programming and certifications for web educators and teachers, and we work with teachers who want help or direction from a local or regional professional as well as independent and remote designers and developers who need advice running their own business. Web Professionals Global really is the one-stop shop for those in internet-based careers at any level.
Start Your Career Today
Whether you are a teacher looking for web design and development certifications for your students, or you are an adult seeking to transition into a new career, we can help. Reach out to us today to learn how Web Professionals Global can assist you in advancing your career.
by Mark | Apr 28, 2023 | Profiles Of Success, Web Design
We love to take moments to brag. Today we are boasting about a web design program at Massac County High School in Metropolis, IL. Penny Allen is one of our newest teachers, and already she is knocking it out of the park. Penny has a number of students who will be receiving their industry credentials this year. The first course completer is Nick Proctor, who is a newly minted Certified Web Designer Apprentice (CWDSA-apprentice). He is the first high school student in the state of Illinois to do so with the new Learn and Earn program. We are proud to welcome Nick as one of the newest members of Web Professionals Global.
As if that isn’t already enough, Nick has already designed the website for a local bakery, Miranda’s Delight. The Web Design certification process helped teach him the skills to build the site and he is now taking the website to the next level by consulting with search engine optimization (SEO) experts to learn how to get more people to see his site while searching online. Students like Nick are “future-proofing” themselves with international industry-recognized certifications from Web Professionals Global that they can take with them into their future educational and professional endeavors. With the changing world of work, having certifications to set yourself apart is more important than ever before.
Nick is a great example of the Learn and Earn model, in which industry professionals have underwritten certification costs for students around the country. Instead of teaching to a test, the Web Professionals Global approach is to teach learners by enabling them to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio they can take with them. Nick is developing a professional portfolio and already having an impact in his local community.
One of the great aspects of web design is that it is a growing and stable career field, and many designers work on their own. According to the job site Zippia, there are over 21,000 freelance web designers in the U.S. The growth rate of web design between 2021 and 2031 is expected to be 23%, far above the average rate of 5% for other professions.
We caught up with Nick and Penny to hear about their experiences with the Web Design course and certification.
Hear from Nick
What attracted you to wanting to be a web designer?
Well, really I think it was this class. I had never really considered web design until I started taking this class this year. It was always something that I was sort of interested in because I’m also really interested in graphic design and like video production. And I feel like those three kind of fall under the same category of creating things online. And this is probably the easiest form for me, because I’m not the most creative mind, I guess I’m a lot better at taking instruction and then putting it out on a piece of paper. And that’s kind of what this is, with graphic design. I really enjoy it and have fun with it. Although I don’t necessarily have an artistic mind, for some reason web design just comes naturally to me.
How do you feel about the idea that you’re actually earning industry credentials right now in high school?
It’s honestly kind of surreal, because I never assumed that I could, I guess achieve something like this while I’m still in high school. It seems like something that is out of reach for a high schooler, and then to have that opportunity and be going through it right now is really strange but cool.
How exciting is it that this certification has helped you realize some of your goals?
I think it’s really exciting. I’ve been trying to do this for years but never had success until now. So being able to work with a client, build the website and get a site host and then have a complete site is really cool. Having the certification is great because I can carry it with me in my future.
What was it like hearing from industry professionals?
Oh yeah, in the lessons the professionals really clarified a lot of the things that I was really confused about. And I think hearing advice from people who do this in their daily lives is really great. Obviously teachers help a lot, but sometimes you want to hear from people who actually work in that field. And hearing from multiple people gave me different perspectives on different concepts as well.
We hear that you’ve already started your web design business. Is that true?
Yeah, I’ve actually just finished my first client. I’ve published that website, actually, and it’s up right now. I am struggling with the SEO right now. I’m not exactly sure how search engine optimization works at the moment. But I’ve been researching that a lot today and yesterday, and I’ve got it published, I just need to get it out there really, for people to search it.
What do your parents think about the fact that you’re getting a certification while in high school?
They’re actually really impressed with it, because I guess I hadn’t properly explained to them that I was getting certifications until a couple months ago. I just kind of walked in the house with the certification. And my mom was like, where did you get this from? And I was, Oh, it’s my web design class that I’ve been taking for a couple months now. And I think she’s just really proud of it because I guess she didn’t know that my school offered something like that either. As far as I know, we don’t have other certifications offered at the school.
Hear from Penny
What does it mean to you to get your students “future-ready” (certifications, more than just tech skills, etc.)?
This certification gives students a way to make money now and not have to wait until they graduate. Most college students have to work in lower wage jobs while going to college and work long hours during the evening or late nights. This certification will give them the freedom to work when they want, making much more money while going to school.
What do you think of the Learn and Earn Model?
When I introduced the idea of the Learn and Earn model to my students, we talked about how industry professionals were going to underwrite the cost of the students receiving their certifications if they worked hard. I asked my students what they thought about the idea of doing the work and projects in lieu of an exam, and they agreed and said it was a better idea. With an exam they could just memorize a bunch of ‘stuff,” pass the test, and then immediately forget it all. However, this model means they actually have to learn it and use it! This encourages them to remember the material. We are all thankful to the partnership between Web Professionals Global and CTeLearning for this opportunity.
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Whether you are a teacher looking for industry certification opportunities for your students, a student in high school looking to advance your career prospects or a working professional seeking to develop new professional skills for a career change, we can help. Our international industry-recognized certifications prepare learners for in-demand 21st-century careers. Contact us today to chat about how we can help.
