I agree with so much in this article: there's no narrow path, SQL is king, and enough with the damn influencers.
But how many entry-level DE jobs will hire folks without programming experience? I've never heard of such a thing in the US, perhaps the UK market is different? If you're new to DE you're unlikely to have any experience managing a database or using common ETL tooling, so your transferable skills are basically SQL and python, and that's what every interview process is going to screen you for.
I've worked in a big company that had explicit "junior data engineer" roles, but even those would expect some programming experience - either through a bootcamp, degree or related role like data analysis.
But basically yeah, as a UK data engineer, I'd say what you've said is pretty much right on- programming language + SQL will get you hired much more than "I've used this ETL tool"
But how many entry-level DE jobs will hire folks without programming experience? I've never heard of such a thing in the US, perhaps the UK market is different? If you're new to DE you're unlikely to have any experience managing a database or using common ETL tooling, so your transferable skills are basically SQL and python, and that's what every interview process is going to screen you for.