Udemy
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.
Learn More
Your cart is empty.
Keep shopping
How to Become a Successful IT Contractor
Rating: 4.6 out of 5(26 ratings)
143 students

How to Become a Successful IT Contractor

Make the Leap from Permanent Employment to IT Contracting
Created byDavid Gerrish
Last updated 8/2026
English
English [Auto],

What you'll learn

  • How to create the perfect CV for IT Contracting
  • How to become more confident & successful in interviews
  • How to work effectively with IT recruitment agencies & recruiters
  • How to master JobServe & LinkedIn to maximise your chances of success
  • Everything you need to know about company structure, finances, taxation, accountants & IR35
  • Learn more about IR35 and what it means for you as a contractor
  • How to be more confident in making the switch to contracting
  • You'll learn ALL of the critical components to becoming a successful IT Contractor so you can make an informed career choice

Course content

4 sections • 30 lectures • 6h 7m total length

  • Course Introduction8:03

    A quick introduction to the course including:

    • Summary of the 8 foundations

    • How IT contracting changed my life (and could transform yours too)

    • The things holding you back from IT contracting (that held me back too!)

  • Module 1 - IT Contracting Fundamentals13:17

    In this module we cover the following:

    • What is IT contracting?

    • Why do companies use IT contractors?

    • How do they do it?

    • The important stuff:

      • Show me the money!

      • Contract length

      • How you get paid

      • The dreaded IR35?

  • Module 2 - Is IT Contracting Right for You?26:08

    In this module we cover the following:

    • Some amazing statistics (honest!)

    • Does anyone want you?

    • Have you got what it takes?

    • Disadvantages of IT contracting

    • Advantages of IT contracting

    • Worse case scenarios

  • Module 3 - Preparing for IT Contracting12:19

    In this module we cover the following:

    • Creating a killer CV

    • Visas & work permits

    • Umbrella or Limited Company?

    • Bank accounts

    • Insurance you need

    • Essential equipment for an IT contractor

    • Your online presence

    • Accountants

  • Module 4 - Accountants & Finances8:28

    In this module we cover the following:

    • How to choose an accountant

    • What they will & won't do for you

    • How to be more tax efficient

    • Business expenses you can claim

    • Demo of online accountancy package

  • Module 5 - Getting Your 1st IT Contract43:59

    In this module we cover the following:

    • When is the "right time" to go IT contracting?

    • Skills perfection

    • How to market yourself effectively

    • The best websites for IT contracts

    • How to handle recruitment agencies

    • Mastering interviews

    • Signing your 1st IT contract

    • How to quit your permanent job

  • Module 6 - In-Between IT Contracts4:57

    In this module we cover the following:

    • Don't panic!

    • Reality check

    • Planning your time off

    • Enjoy life

    • Bucket lists

  • Module 7 - Getting Your Next IT Contract6:58

    In this module we cover the following:

    • When should you start looking?

    • Leaving your current contract

    • What to update

    • Organised searching

    • Problems & how to solve them

    • Finalising your next contract

  • Module 8 - IT Contracting Away From Home10:27

    In this module we cover the following:

    • Why?

    • Contracting abroad

    • Preparation & planning

    • Pros & cons

  • Course Summary1:40

    Closing comments to the course

Requirements

  • Working in IT or a similar niche (or you have been previously)
  • Ideally living & working in the UK (the content is UK-oriented, but many principles may also apply outside of the UK)

Description

I created this course to help IT professionals understand what it really takes to become a successful IT contractor, based on more than 28 years' experience contracting across the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia.

So many IT professionals get stuck in permanent roles, hoping things will improve.

Waiting for the pay rise.
Waiting for the bonus.
Waiting for the next opportunity.

Then suddenly you realise years have gone by.

I know because I was exactly the same back in 1994.

I felt underpaid, undervalued and unhappy. I had little control over the work I was doing, limited holidays and increasingly felt that the company I worked for didn't particularly care about me.

It eventually culminated in me taking them to court - you'll hear the full story in the course!

Making the leap into IT contracting changed the direction of my career.

This course is designed to help you understand what contracting involves, decide whether it's right for you and learn from the mistakes, lessons, highs and lows I've experienced along the way.

I'll share what I've learned about becoming and working as an IT contractor, including the practical realities that aren't always obvious when you're still in a permanent role.

The course is professionally filmed and live edited, with professional sound throughout.

Rather than simply watching me deliver presentation after presentation, it's a fast-paced interview-style course. My colleague Theo asks the questions you might want to ask yourself, helping us explore the subjects in a natural and practical way.

Theo is a former professional TV presenter who now runs his own video production company.

If you've been thinking about becoming an IT contractor but aren't sure where to start, my aim is to give you the knowledge, confidence and insight to make a much more informed decision - and, if contracting is right for you, help you make the leap successfully.

I look forward to seeing you on the inside!

David Gerrish
IT Contracting Academy
Winner - The Contracting Awards 2024 - Best Career Product, Service or Jobsite

BONUS

I've also included the audio files (.m4a) for each module so you can download them and listen whenever and wherever you like.

Perfect for the commute, in the car, at the gym - or whenever you want to revisit a particular part of the course.

Who this course is for:

  • IT Professionals (or any related niche)
  • Anyone interested in becoming an IT Contractor (or a Contractor in a related niche)
  • Anyone interested in transitioning to IT Contracting from Employment
  • IT Professionals who are unhappy with their permanent job who want to learn more about IT Contracting before they commit
  • IT Professionals who have been made redundant or are using outplacement services and want additional career options
  • IT Professionals who want to try Contracting in the future, but would like some additional support & knowledge

Report abuse