The Job Market

Content on this page is developed and managed by Youth Connexions Hertfordshire

This information is an updated version of HertsAhead.

The job market is changing all the time as a result of global events, the economy and technological developments. New jobs are created and some are lost.

Knowing about the future job market can be very helpful when you are planning your career. For example; what skills to learn or courses to study, what are your chances of getting into your chosen job, or of finding work. No-one really knows what will happen in the future but by studying trends we can make an educated guess.

We do know:

on average people change jobs 11 times in their life
2 out of 3 jobs require higher level qualifications
few qualifications = low paid jobs
9 out of 10 jobs require IT skills

Look at the latest employment trends and what they could mean for your future.

What jobs are there?

These were the Top Ten vacancies at Jobcentre Plus in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire district in Septemberl 2012

And these were the Top Ten occupations sought at Jobcentre Plus in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire district in Septemberl 2012

As you can see from these charts the jobs people want to do are not matched by the number and types of vacancies.

Hertfordshire top ten vacancies notified/sought. All ages - Herts District Combined (Sept 2012)
Jobcentre Plus data for Hertfordshire - Top 10 Occupations Sought (Sept 2012)

What apprenticeships are there?

Apprenticeships are paid jobs that include on and off the job training. A successful apprentice will qualify with a nationally recognised qualification at level 2 and 3. The Government pays a proportion of the training costs for apprentices, depending on their age. The apprentice's employer will normally cover any remaining training costs.

To search for apprenticeship vacancies go to the Apprenticeship Website and click the Apprentices tab at the top of the page. You can search for vacancies, by occupation, employer, keyword, learning provider or vacancy reference.

If you have any queries contact: nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk
Tel: 024 7682 6482.

Apprenticeships in Hertfordshire:

This table shows the number of 16-18 year olds that started an apprenticeship before January 2012

Apprenticeship starts

Higher Apprenticeships

These were introduced in 2009. They combine a range of on and off the job training. They can vary in the length of time they take to complete. Higher Apprenticeships at Level 4 are now available in:

Accounting
Business and Administration
Contact Centre Operations
Engineering Technology
Food and Drink
IT, Software, Web & Telecoms Professionals
Providing Financial Advice
Leadership and Management.

To search for jobs, apprenticeships and short courses in Hertfordshire go to our Herts Jobs for 16 - 19 website.

To find out about qualifications and the levels go to: Qualifications

Apprenticeship Quarterly MI Report for Hertfordshire 07/02/2012

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

Unemployment for young people in the UK aged 16 to 24 in October to December 2011 stood at 1.04 million, the highest number since 1986/87.

The UK youth unemployment rate was 22.2%, which means that for every five young people actively engaged in the labour market, around one would be looking for work, with the other four in work.

Hertfordshire has one of the lowest NEET rates in the country. The rate of young people in Hertfordshire aged 16-18 years old not in education, employment or training (NEET) in March 2012 was about 4%.

ONS Characteristics of young unemployed people - 22 February 2012

The content above has been compiled for Youth Connexions Hertfordshire by Mike Manson, Red Bridge Solutions Ltd enquiries@redbridgesolutions.co.uk

The Globalisation effect

Globalisation is a big influence on the job market. Globalisation means that job opportunities in countries throughout the world will be affected. As a result of global trends: some new jobs will be created; existing ones changed or relocated; while some jobs will disappear. If the UK economy is to survive in this new global environment it needs to offer a highly educated and skilled workforce.

Within Hertfordshire there are already a number of international companies with globally significant research and development (R&D) functions such as GSK at Stevenage. The planned location of the Eisai plant to Hatfield will strengthen R&D activity in the county.
17% of employment in Hertfordshire is accounted for by foreign-owned businesses.
In Hertfordshire 46% of all those businesses employing more than 250 staff members on-site are non-UK owned.

China and India are predicted to be the leaders of the 21st century global economy. Countries that invest more heavily in skills have grown fastest.

As markets slow down, so does the need for people. In a recession many employers do not advertise vacancies and fewer people choose to change or leave their jobs, so there will be fewer openings.