According to the Office for National Statistics 14.2% of jobs were low paid.
Let’s delve into the world of jobs that are in demand, providing you with original insights (and comprehensive analysis) to help you make informed decisions about your career.
Fast-Growing Jobs in the UK
High-skilled jobs are crucial in our knowledge-intensive economy.
With the job market changing rapidly, it’s essential to explore various pathways to get into them, and one exciting option is through apprenticeships. The great news is that a report has been created to help raise awareness of the opportunities available, and provide expert advice and resources to help navigate prospective careers.
As we explore the fast-growing jobs in the UK, you’ll notice that various sectors are experiencing a surge in demand for skilled professionals.
1. Artificial Intelligence Specialist
An Artificial Intelligence Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing intelligent systems that can learn and adapt to changing environments. They use algorithms and machine learning to create intelligent systems that can make predictions and recommendations based on data analysis.
Skills needed: programming languages (such as Python, R), machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, data analysis.
Industries hiring: IT, healthcare, finance, e-commerce.
2. Data Protection Officer
A Data Protection Officer ensures that an organization is complying with data protection regulations and laws, and that customer data is secure. They monitor and analyze data protection processes and policies, develop and implement data protection strategies, and ensure that data protection training is provided to employees.
Skills needed: data protection regulations and laws, risk management, IT security, data privacy, communication.
Industries hiring: IT, finance, healthcare, government, legal.
3. Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs and develops robotic systems that can perform tasks autonomously. They work with electronic, mechanical and software engineers to design, build, and test robotic systems, and may also be involved in programming and testing the software that controls the robots.
Skills needed: robotics, electronics, mechanical engineering, software engineering, programming.
Industries hiring: manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, aerospace.
4. Site Reliability Engineer
A Site Reliability Engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliability, scalability, and performance of web-based applications and services. They design and implement systems to automate the deployment and monitoring of applications, and work to improve the efficiency and resilience of web services.
Skills needed: system administration, software engineering, networking, cloud computing, automation.
Industries hiring: IT, e-commerce, finance, healthcare.
5. Customer Success Specialist
A Customer Success Specialist works to ensure that customers are satisfied with a company’s products or services, and helps them to resolve any issues or problems they may encounter. They act as a liaison between the customer and the company, and work to build long-term relationships with customers.
Skills needed: customer service, communication, problem-solving, relationship building.
Industries hiring: IT, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, retail.
6. User Researcher
A User Researcher conducts research to understand user behavior and preferences, and uses this information to improve the design of products and services. They conduct surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gather feedback and insights from users, and work with designers and developers to implement changes.
Skills needed: research methods, data analysis, user experience design, communication.
Industries hiring: IT, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, government.
7. Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes and interprets complex data sets to identify patterns and trends, and uses this information to make business decisions. They use statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to analyze and interpret data, and may work with other data analysts and business stakeholders.
Skills needed: statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, data visualization, communication.
Industries hiring: IT, finance, healthcare, e-commerce.
8. Sales Development Representative
A Sales Development Representative is responsible for generating leads and qualifying potential customers for a company’s sales team. They conduct outreach and follow-up activities to identify potential customers, and work to build relationships with them.
Skills needed: sales, communication, lead generation, customer relationship management, negotiation.
Industries hiring: IT, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, retail.
9. Cloud Engineer
A Cloud Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing cloud-based systems and services, and ensuring that they are secure, scalable, and performant. They work with other engineers to design and deploy cloud infrastructure, and may also be involved in troubleshooting and resolving issues with cloud-based systems.
Skills needed: cloud computing, system administration, networking, automation.
Industries hiring: IT, finance, healthcare, e-commerce.
10. Cyber Security Specialist
A Cyber Security Specialist is responsible for ensuring that an organization’s networks, systems, and data are secure and protected from cyber attacks. They monitor networks and systems for potential security threats, and develop and implement security protocols and procedures to prevent unauthorized access.
Skills needed: network security, information security, cyber security, risk management, communication.
Industries hiring: IT, finance, healthcare, government, retail.
11. Platform Engineer
A Platform Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing software platforms that can support and scale complex systems and applications. They work with other engineers to design and deploy platform infrastructure, and may also be involved in troubleshooting and resolving issues with platform-based systems.
Skills needed: software engineering, cloud computing, system administration, networking.
Industries hiring: IT, e-commerce, finance, healthcare.
12. Full Stack Engineer
A Full Stack Engineer is responsible for designing and developing both front-end and back-end components of web-based applications. They work with other engineers and designers to develop and deploy web applications, and may also be involved in troubleshooting and resolving issues with web-based systems.
Skills needed: web development, software engineering, database management, front-end development, back-end development.
Industries hiring: IT, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, government.
13. Content Designer
A Content Designer creates and develops content for various platforms and mediums, such as websites, social media, and marketing materials. They work with other designers and content creators to develop and implement content strategies, and may also be involved in analyzing and interpreting data to optimize content performance.
Skills needed: content creation, content strategy, copywriting, data analysis, communication.
Industries hiring: IT, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, media.
More statistics: Food Box Market Size and Food Delivery Market Size
Highest Paying Jobs in the UK
First let’s look the the top3 cities by average salary:
| Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| London | £49,100 |
| Bristol | £38,400 |
| Portsmouth | £37,600 |
Here is a list with the highest paying jobs by role:
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| IT | £49,400 |
| Marketing | £37,300 |
| Consulting | £37,400 |
| Management | £39,400 |
| Finance | £40,300 |
| HR | £41,000 |
| Construction | £41,700 |
| Banking | £43,100 |
| Engineering | £45,500 |
| Design | £46,300 |
Growing Sectors in the UK
Let’s take a closer look at some of these booming industries and the roles that are quickly becoming sought-after:
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
With the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the renewable energy and sustainability sectors are witnessing an impressive growth. This shift is creating high demand for professionals like solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians, and sustainability consultants, as well as experts in energy management and storage solutions.
Health and Social Care
The ageing population and an increased focus on mental health have led to a significant rise in the need for health and social care professionals. Roles such as nurses, care workers, therapists, and mental health specialists are in high demand across the country, providing numerous opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications.
Tech and Digital Industries
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the digital landscape in the UK is thriving. Job seekers with expertise in areas like software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are in great demand, as businesses across all sectors strive to stay ahead of the competition and embrace digital transformation.
Construction and Infrastructure
Major infrastructure projects and the UK government’s push for more affordable housing have fuelled a surge in demand for construction professionals. From architects and engineers to project managers and skilled tradespeople, a wide range of roles are available in this booming industry.
Online Education and Training
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of online education, leading to a surge in demand for e-learning specialists, instructional designers, and remote tutors. With more educational institutions and businesses adopting digital learning solutions, professionals with expertise in this field can look forward to a wealth of opportunities.
Jobs in Demand for the Next Decade
| Job Title | People in this job | Job Openings (2012-2022) | Employment change (2012-2022) | Starting salary | Average salary | Weekly gross pay | Average hours | % difference – UK salary | % difference – UK hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care Workers | 729,000 | 530,000 | +196,000 | £12k | £12k* | £244 | 40 | -41.5% | +2.6% |
| Construction Project Managers | 64,000 | 41,000 | +13,000 | £27k | £35k | £672 | 40 | +59% | +2.6% |
| Electricians | 297,000 | 70,000 | -23,000 | £17-20k | £29k | £553 | 43 | +31.8% | +10.3% |
| Farmers | 162,000 | 66,000 | -16,000 | £13k (Salary for farm worker) | £25k | £493 | 52 | +13.6% | +33.3% |
| IT Business Analysts | 113,000 | n/a | +23,000 (2012-2022) | £20k | £40k | £774 | 38 | +81.8% | -2.6% |
Note: *The average salary for Care Workers is the same as the starting salary.
FAQ
Which job is easy to get in the UK?
There is no one answer to this question, as it can depend on a variety of factors such as location, industry, and personal qualifications. However, some entry-level jobs in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and customer service may be easier to get into.
What is the hardest job to get in the UK?
Again, this can depend on various factors, such as industry and location. However, some jobs that are known to be highly competitive and require extensive qualifications and experience include roles in finance, law, and medicine.
Where in the UK has the most job opportunities?
Major cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham typically have the most job opportunities, as they are home to a range of industries and businesses. However, other regions such as the southeast and southwest of England also offer a significant number of job opportunities.
Which skill is highly paid in the UK?
Skills such as data analysis, software development, and artificial intelligence are in high demand and can command high salaries in the UK. Additionally, skills in management, finance, and marketing can also be highly paid depending on the industry.
Which degree is most in demand in the UK?
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees are often in high demand in the UK, as they are relevant to many of the country’s growing industries. However, degrees in other fields such as business, healthcare, and law can also be in demand depending on the job market.
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