Key Messages

What this means for you

The groups expected to show the most significant increases in employment in the next ten years are:

• managers and seniors officials
• professional occupations
• technical occupations.

These groups have qualifications at levels 3, 4 and above. Plan to achieve these levels at school, college, university or through an Apprenticeship.

Level 3 – A level, International Baccalaureate, BTEC Advanced National, Higher Diploma, Advanced Apprenticeship, NVQ 3.

Level 4 – Degree, Foundation Degree, BTEC Higher National, NVQ 4 and 5.

The demand for those with higher level qualifications and skills is increasing.

Low skilled jobs are going abroad where labour is cheaper.

Improving your qualifications and skills will give you a better chance of getting and keeping a job. Be prepared to continue learning.

The majority of new jobs created in the next ten years will be part-time.

The willingness to work flexibly might be important.

Self-employment is expected to rise in the next ten years.

Those who will be successful will have the right management, business and financial skills.

Employers rely on employees who are keen to improve their skills. Many companies invest in training their own staff.

When you are looking for work, be enthusiastic about training. Be prepared to keep learning new skills.

Employers need their staff to have the right skills and attitudes.

Personal, learning and thinking skills and functional skills in English, maths and IT are valued by all employers. Give practical examples on application forms and during interviews.

Employers agree that work experience helps prepare young people for work.

When applying for work, stress the skills you gained whilst on work experience.

The main recruiters of young people are small and medium sized firms.

When you are looking for work, don’t just contact large companies.

The recent ‘credit crunch’ has not changed long-term trends.

All the points above are still relevant. Be prepared – be successful.