A website acts as both a shop window and a showroom for businesses. “You only get one chance to make a first impression”, and a poorly-designed website will turn customers away before they even look at the product (never mind the prices).
So, it is no surprise that web designers are in-demand.
From small businesses to large corporations, everyone is looking for talented web designers to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites that can attract and engage their target audience.
If you are looking for information on how to find your way into the industry, this article will tell you all you need to know about courses for web designing- what web design courses include, and the certificates they lead to.
Web Design Courses
Courses for web designing give students the background theory and then the practical skills required to secure a position in the industry.
Here are some of the topics that you can expect to cover in an online web design course in Ireland:
1. Web development basics: Here, students learn how to write basic code and build simple web pages from scratch. The fundamentals of web development, including HTML, HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.
2. User experience (UX) design: User experience is an essential part of modern web design, creating designs that are easy to use and navigate.
3. Web design tools: Students learn to use popular tools such as Adobe Photoshop CC, WordPress, Sketch, and Figma.
4. Responsive web design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, responsive web design has become an essential aspect of web design- learning how to create websites that look great on any device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
5. Website optimization: This is the process of improving website performance, such as speed and search engine rankings.
6. Web design project: The design courses will also include a final project where students apply their knowledge to design and build a website from scratch.
Courses for web designing will give you a solid grounding in the basics, and then an opportunity to demonstrate the skills you have learned to help secure your first client (or entry-level position).
Best Certifications for Web Designers
In web design, certifications help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Here are some of the best certifications for web designers in Ireland:
1. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): Adobe is one of the most popular software companies for web design, and the ACE certification demonstrates your proficiency in using Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator.
2. Certified Web Designer (CWD): Offered by the World Organization of Webmasters (WOW), the CWD certification is designed to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in web design and development. This certification covers topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and website optimization.
3. Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA): Web accessibility is an increasingly important aspect of web design, and the CPWA certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills in creating websites that are accessible to people with disabilities.
4. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ): Google Analytics is an essential tool for tracking website traffic and user behavior. The IQ certification teaches you to analyze and optimize website performance using this tool.
5. Responsive Web Design Certification: Offered by the University of London, this certification program covers topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive web design. This certification demonstrates your ability to create great websites on any device.
When choosing the best certification program for you, consider the following:
- your career goals
- the topics covered in the certification, and
- the credibility and reputation of the organization offering the certification.
Accredited Web Design Diplomas From Pitman Training
At Pitman Training, we offer a wide range of web design courses, diplomas, and awards.
Familiarise yourself with the industry-standard software on our Dreamweaver CC course. Our Web Design Specialist Diploma offers a broader overview of the subject, covering all the essentials you need to create a website from scratch.
Dreamweaver CC
The Dreamweaver CC course is suitable for anyone looking to work as a Web Designer or Web Developer and is ideal for those at the beginner level.
Dreamweaver is a popular program in the Web Design industry. This course helps build both knowledge and practical experience with it.
Start date: Flexible
Study type: Online, In-Centre, or a hybrid combination
Course duration: 30 hours
Web Design Specialist Diploma
If you’re a creative person with an eye for design and a passion for technology, the Web Design Specialist Diploma is a great choice.
You’ll learn the essential skills needed for industry-standard software to get your dream job within either a specialist web design agency or in-house for a company with a creative department.
Start date: Flexible
Study type: Online, In-Centre, or a hybrid combination
Course duration: 180 hours or 7 weeks of full-time study.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways into this rapidly growing field; and a lot of scope for progression when you find your way in.
The beauty of this industry for newcomers is that you do not need a degree or years of experience to get a job. The best online web design courses in Ireland will give you a grounding in the theory, and then a chance to create the work that will get you into the industry straight away.
Above is only a small selection of the courses Pitman Training offer.
Contact us today to find the design courses for you, and take your first step into a rewarding, fulfilling and lucrative career!