Understanding the Realities of the Local Job Market can help you make the right choice about which career and education pathways to follow.

Matching Aspirations to the Realities of the Local Job Market

As you near the end of secondary school or college, you’re probably already envisioning what your future holds. It’s exciting to imagine the countless opportunities that await you, from cutting-edge technology jobs to creative endeavors that let your passions shine. But as you dream about your future career, it’s crucial to ground those dreams in the reality of the job market.

Let’s take a look at why having realistic career aspirations linked to the demands of the local labour market is vital for your career success.

A World of Choices: What jobs can I do in Stockport?

In today’s fast-paced world, there are thousands of unique jobs waiting for talented individuals like you. The best part? Everyone’s career journey is different. Your interests, aspirations, skills, and personality shape the path you’ll take. Whether you’re drawn to technology, healthcare, arts, or any other field, there’s something for everyone.

However, it’s essential to recognize that some jobs are more popular than others. That’s why you often hear about specific professions that seem to be on everyone’s radar. But the key is to choose a career that aligns with your interests and strengths, rather than simply following the crowd.

Take a look at the video below from local Stockport employers sharing what they do. This is just a small poll of some of the jobs available. How many different job roles/titles can you hear in this clip? Can you find out what some of these jobs involve?

Top Jobs in 2023: Unveiling the Trendsetters

Here’s a glimpse into the top jobs that are making waves in the UK job market this year:

Data Analyst: Transforming data into insights to drive informed decisions.

Renewable Energy Technician: Leading the charge in sustainable energy solutions.

Digital Marketing Specialist: Crafting online strategies to captivate audiences.

Healthcare Support Worker: Providing essential assistance in the healthcare sector.

Software Developer: Building the apps and programs that power our world.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapist: Offering crucial mental health support.

UX/UI Designer: Shaping seamless and enjoyable user experiences.

Cybersecurity Analyst: Safeguarding digital systems from threats.

Robotics Engineer: Pioneering advancements in automation and robotics.

E-commerce Manager: Navigating the online marketplace for businesses.

Clusters of Careers: The World of Sectors

Choosing a career isn’t just about doing what you love. While your interests and skills are fundamental, it’s equally important to consider job demand, availability, and market trends. Why? Because a thriving job market ensures that your dream job is not just a fantasy but a tangible goal.

Imagine if everyone pursued the same popular job, flooding the market with candidates. This could lead to fierce competition and potentially lower salaries. Conversely, some niche roles might have limited openings, making it tough to secure a position even if you’re highly qualified.

To simplify the vast array of career options, we group them into sectors or job families. This helps us understand the broader picture of industries, such as education, healthcare, technology, and more. These sectors encompass a variety of roles that share similar skills or functions.

GMACs have produced some handy infographics that showcase some of the most popular and fast-growing sectors across Greater Manchester. They include things like the number of people employed, top employers, most in-demand skills and average salaries.

You can view the full range of career insights and infographics to see how your chosen sector is performing by visiting our career guides.

Knowing Your Local Job Landscape: A Smart Move

Understanding the Realities of the Local Job Market is like having a secret map to success. Researching which companies and industries are prevalent in your area can guide your career choices. By aligning your aspirations with the opportunities around you, you increase your chances of finding meaningful employment right in your backyard.

This means that if your first-choice job role isn’t available (or maybe not yet), you can branch out into similar roles in the same job family as you gain more experience or qualifications and keep on applying. Likewise, knowing about the companies based closer to home or those who are hiring en masse, will help you target your job search when the time comes so you’ll have more chances of achieving success and more quickly.

Here’s a list of the top 10 employers in Stockport currently by size:

  1. Stockport Council based in Stockport town centre with c.6,000+ employees
  2. Stockport NHS Foundation Trust based in Hazel Grove with c.2,790 employees
  3. Lex Auto Lease based in Cheadle Heath with c.850 employees
  4. Frederic Robinson Ltd based in Bredbury with c.830 employees
  5. Vitality Health based in Stockport town centre with c.800 employees
  6. Together Trust based in Cheadle with c.800 employees
  7. Nexperia based in Hazel Grove with c.780 employees
  8. Totally Local Company based in Cheadle Heath with c.750 employees
  9. Stockport Homes based in Stockport town centre with c.720 employees
  10. AA based in Cheadle with c.650 employees

As the biggest employer in Stockport, take a look at this short clip to learn about careers with Stockport Council:

Getting the Inside Scoop: Leveraging LMI Data

So, how can you gather the information you need to make informed decisions? Labor Market Information (LMI) is your ally. LMI provides insights into job trends, average salaries, required qualifications, and more. Here’s how you can tap into this valuable resource:

Online Resources: Websites like government labor department sites, industry associations, and career planning platforms offer up-to-date information.

Careers Advisors: Your school or college might have experts who can guide you through local job market insights.

Networking: Connect with professionals in your chosen field to gain insights into the current job landscape.

Internships and Work Experience: Hands-on experience can reveal the reality of a job and help you make better decisions.

In Stockport, you can also take a look at the One Stockport Borough Plan and the One Stockport Economic Plan, which outlines the key priorities for our region and the main areas for expected business growth and investment. This gives you an insight into where we might see the biggest jobs growth or demand for services over the coming years.

Visit One Stockport

Final Thoughts: Building Your Bridge to Success

As you consider your future career, remember that your aspirations should be as grounded as they are ambitious. Your passions and skills are the foundation, but understanding the realities of the Local Job Market is the bridge that connects your dreams to reality. By exploring job sectors, staying informed about trends, and utilizing LMI data, you’re equipping yourself to make well-informed decisions that will set you on a path toward a fulfilling and achievable career. So, go forth with confidence, armed with the knowledge that your future is yours to shape!

Similar Posts