The UK tech sector is famously facing a generational skills shortage. At the same time, however, the future of the sector itself is also facing a great deal of uncertainty, as technology like GenerativeAI threatens to degrade the value of human coders, as well as automating away many of the entry level jobs that provide an on-ramp into the industry. Nevertheless, the cost of living and wage stagnation are putting pressure on workers across the UK. The tech sector presents a chance for new career paths, but there’s a perceived high bar for entry that prevents many people from taking the plunge.
Today, Denise Payne is the UK Lead Cloud Support Engineer at Trusted Tech. However, less than a year ago, she was navigating self-doubt, learning an entirely new field from scratch, and balancing work, study, and personal life – all while facing setbacks that made her question her path. Transferring careers from nursing to cloud engineering has been a challenging process, and we sat down with her to find out about her experience of making the move to tech, particularly how things like transferable soft skills helped her succeed.
Hey Denise, could you tell us a little about you? What do you do at Trusted Tech, and what does a day typically look like for you?
“I’m the UK Lead Cloud Support Engineer at Trusted Tech Team, where I oversee a team of Cloud Support Engineers, ensuring smooth ticket flow and delivering top-quality support. My expertise is in Microsoft 365 and key Azure services, and I also help with documentation, training new engineers, and assisting in critical customer discussions.
“A typical day involves troubleshooting complex cloud-related issues, mentoring my team, and continuously learning new technologies to stay ahead in the industry. It’s fast-paced, but I love the challenge.“
Could you tell us about moving from nursing to the tech sector? What prompted the move?
“My journey into tech was driven by a passion for problem-solving and making a meaningful impact. While working in healthcare, I was involved in the launch of EPIC, a healthcare IT system, and that experience opened my eyes to the power of technology in revolutionising patient care.
“I realised I wanted to be part of that transformation on a larger scale, and cloud computing felt like the perfect fit. It was a tough transition. I started with zero tech knowledge, but I took a leap of faith, studied hard, and earned my certifications. Seven months later, I landed my first cloud engineering role.“
Did you have any expectations of what it was going to be like working in tech from a cultural perspective? How did you think it was going to compare to a career like nursing?
“Coming from nursing, where teamwork and resilience are essential, I expected tech to be very different – more independent, maybe even a little isolating.
“I also had concerns about facing gender-based challenges when transitioning to tech, as nursing is a heavily female-dominated field where women naturally thrive. I was used to working in an environment that celebrated their success, so I wondered if the same support would exist in tech.“
How did it actually stack up?
“It turned out to be quite the opposite. The tech industry is incredibly collaborative, and I’ve found a community of passionate learners who support and uplift each other. There is also strong support for women in the workplace, enabling them to thrive. What I initially assumed might be a challenge has instead been a positive experience. Just like in healthcare, problem-solving under pressure and working as a team are key skills in cloud engineering.
“Of course, the biggest difference is the nature of the work – tech is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. But that’s what makes it so exciting!“
Did more skills from your time as a healthcare worker transfer into the tech sector than expected?
“Absolutely. My nursing background gave me strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure – traits that are just as valuable in tech.
“Empathy has also been a game-changer. Understanding customers’ pain points and being able to explain technical solutions in a way that makes sense to them is crucial. My experience balancing high-stress situations in healthcare has helped me manage challenges in tech with confidence.“
The tech sector is facing a pretty well-publicised skills shortage right now. Where do you think the answer to that shortage lies?
“I think the answer lies in looking beyond traditional pathways into tech. There’s a huge pool of talent in other industries – people with transferable skills who just need the right opportunity and support to make the switch.
“Companies need to invest in training programs, mentorship, and alternative hiring routes to bring in diverse talent. If we only focus on hiring people with formal tech degrees or years of experience, we’ll keep missing out on incredible problem-solvers from other fields.“
What would you say to people with careers that might not, on the face of it, have an obvious transference into the tech space, and who might consider the industry a viable move?
“I’d say: If you’re willing to learn, go for it. I started out not even knowing what ‘the cloud’ was, and now I lead a team of engineers!
“Tech is about problem-solving, communication, and adaptability – skills found in so many careers. Whether you come from healthcare, education, customer service, or something else entirely, there’s a place for you in tech. The key is to start learning, connect with mentors, and be persistent.“
What would you say to hiring managers and tech leaders about the potential for people from outside tech to be a good fit for the industry? What advantages might they bring to an organisation?
“Diversity of thought is one of the biggest strengths a company can have. People from different backgrounds bring fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving skills, and unique ways of thinking about challenges.
“For example, my background in nursing means I approach problem-solving with a patient-first mindset – translating that into tech has helped me better understand and support customers. Someone from retail might bring incredible people skills, while a teacher might be a natural communicator and mentor.
“If we only hire from traditional tech backgrounds, we limit innovation. The best teams are made up of people who think differently, challenge assumptions, and bring a mix of experiences to the table.“
- People & Culture
