10 Most In-Demand Jobs in the UK

by | Aug 2, 2022

Job-seekers struggling to find open jobs in the United Kingdom may believe that there aren’t any jobs available. However, the skilled worker shortage makes it abundantly clear that there are plenty of open positions on the job market. If you’re hoping to find a job quickly, check out the jobs in high demand in the UK.

 

1. Delivery Driver

Dropping packages on someone’s doorstep may not be glamorous, but you certainly won’t have trouble finding work; many stores and restaurants need drivers to drop off furniture, groceries, or take-out. It’s also relatively easy to pick up contract work through delivery apps like Deliveroo or UberEats.

 

What’s Required

There are only three hard requirements for becoming a delivery driver: a full driving licence, a clean driving record, and knowledge of English and maths. However, strong communication and customer service skills are essential when it comes to soft skills. If you’re working as a contractor, for instance, delivering for Deliveroo, you’ll also need your own car.

 

2. Sales Assistant

There’s high demand for work on the high streets. If you enjoy helping people find the products and assistance they need in the shop, finding a job as a customer assistant shouldn’t be a tough sell.

 

What’s Required

Sales assistants must have strong customer service skills, the ability to upsell a product and stay level-headed under pressure. Most jobs as a sales assistant don’t have hard requirements, but there are some exceptions: for instance, anyone selling alcohol must be at least 18 years old.

 

3. Store Manager

If you’ve had plenty of experience as a sales assistant, you may be able to make the step up to becoming a store manager. Store managers are in charge of scheduling, stock, the store’s budget, and everything in between.

 

What’s Required

A sales assistant’s customer service skills will come in handy as a store manager: store managers must be able to communicate well among their staff and have strong leadership skills. You’ll also need to be well-organised and have a good sense of business and budgeting, as these play key roles in your work.

 

4. Software Engineer

Job seekers skilled in computer science will have little trouble finding work, as the technology industry is growing rapidly and shows no signs of slowing down. Software developers are a crucial part of the industry, making it easy to find work.

 

What’s Required

Every job in computer science requires different skills and experience; for example, an IT business analyst must have strong business and leadership skills, which isn’t necessarily required of a programmer. However, all software engineers should have an in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of programming and technology and good maths ability. 

 

A degree is often recommended, but it’s not strictly required. However, it’s a good idea to store code samples on an external drive or repository so potential employers can see your skills.

 

5. Graphic Design

If you’re interested in the world of computer science but aren’t interested in programming, graphic design is an in-demand alternative. Whether you build book covers, advertisements, or website designs, you’ll always find steady work at your fingertips.

 

What’s Required

Up-and-coming graphic designers must undertake a college or university course to build the prerequisite skills. Unsurprisingly, creative thinking and knowledge of technology are crucial for the role and a thorough understanding of how to communicate through visual mediums.

 

Having a portfolio on hand demonstrates your skills in graphic design is vital. Keep a collection of your work on a flash drive or website that you can share with potential employers.

 

6. Business Project Manager

Finding someone capable of managing all the moving parts of a business is tricky, which means many top companies need business project managers. If you have experience juggling large-scale projects involving multiple people, various resources and budgets, and strict deadlines, then project management is likely a great fit for you.

 

What’s Required

Working as an operations manager often requires a degree though it’s possible to work your way up into the role, but the position requires more soft skills than hard skills. Most project managers are expected to be highly motivated leaders with strong business skills, communication skills, and a good understanding of technology.

 

7. Architect

If you enjoy designing new structures, you’ll be able to land work in the UK easily. Architects take on the task of creating new buildings and structures but are currently in short supply.

 

What’s Required

Becoming an architect requires a university degree that meets the standards of the Architects Registration Board, as well as two years of hands-on training and work experience. Once you have completed your coursework and training, you must earn a passing score on a qualifying exam. (The Architects Registration Board has an in-depth student handbook on the matter.)

 

You can also pursue a degree apprenticeship, where you learn both at a university and on the job. To qualify for a degree apprenticeship, you must earn at least a 4 (C or higher) on four or five of your GSCEs and A-levels.

 

8. Engineer

If you work as an engineer, the work world likely has an open position for you, no matter what kind of engineer you are. A widespread engineering shortage has left mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers in high demand in the UK. 

 

What’s Required

All engineers must have a university degree; however, the specific degree varies depending on their engineering type. For instance, a civil engineer needs a university degree in civil engineering, but a design and development engineer can focus on industrial design or materials science.

9. Scientist

Much of the UK is experiencing a shortage of scientists, regardless of the field. Many employers are in need of biological scientists, physical scientists, archaeologists and nuclear scientists in Scotland.

 

What’s Required

Every scientist requires a university education, but the specific degree you need depends on the field of science you pursue. A geoscientist focuses on geology or Earth sciences. It isn’t strictly required to have a postgraduate degree. A geophysicist (also known as a seismologist) can concentrate their studies on environmental or computer sciences and is generally expected to have a PhD.

 

10. Healthcare Providers

The NHS needs healthcare providers, particularly in the post-pandemic world. If you’re interested in working in healthcare or already have your medical degree, you can easily give a healthcare career a shot. However, many jobs within the healthcare field don’t require a degree. You can get on-the-job training working as a carer in an old folks home, work as a phlebotomist, medical assistant or a medical records specialist. 

 

What’s Required

Hard requirements for working in healthcare vary greatly, depending on what position you’re seeking. For instance, becoming a care worker may require as little as passing a background check, while working as a GP requires you to have been to university. Many healthcare jobs are somewhere in between: becoming a children’s nurse requires either university or an apprenticeship.

 

However, the soft skills for healthcare are universal: compassion, good people skills, keeping a clear head under pressure, and attention to detail. You’ll also need to undergo a background check.

 

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