What is the 'labour market'?
When people talk about the ‘labour market’ they usually mean the jobs that people do and the ‘world of work’. Labour market information can tell you the number of people in certain types of jobs, whether they work full-time or part-time, how many people are unemployed and what is likely to happen locally, nationally and even internationally over the next few years.
Jobs for the 21st century
Lots of new jobs are going to be created over the next ten years. Some of these will be jobs we’re familiar with but many will be very new to us. Here are some job titles taken from real job adverts. How many of them do you recognise? Can you think about what they might do?
social media strategist nurse practitioner energy manager
nanotechnologist cosmetologist e-commerce merchandiser
data communications architect recycling officer
The types of job available to us now and in the future will mainly be for people with at least level 2 and level 3 qualifications. Employers are looking for people with the right skills and qualifications because the world is changing fast and the UK needs to compete with the rest of world. On the next page are some of the reasons for jobs changing and some of the work areas which will be really important for the future
|
There are fewer jobs for people who have no qualifications |
|
That means people who:
-
operate machinery or transport
-
do unskilled work
-
do admin or clerical work
|
What does this mean to you?
It means that you're more likely to get a job if you have some good qualifications. The more qualifications you have, the more jobs you will be able to apply for. Whilst work experience is important, employers really want people who have at least five good GCSEs including English and maths.
If the job you're applying for means you'll be spending some time at college then check out their requirements - some colleges may ask you for certain qualifications to get on that course.
Read on for...
>>> Why do jobs change?
>>> Different ways of working
>>> Trends for the future
>>> Skills, skills, skills!
>>> Forward to the future! Quick quiz!
>>> Local info sheets
>>> Role Models
