Explore High Demand UK Jobs: Know Your Options
Job hunting is a never-ending battle, especially for fresh graduates in the labour market. Whether you’re experienced in the job market or fresh out of college, career prospects and development are every person’s concern.
As children and young adults, we all had fantastical dreams about fantastic careers, the emotional satisfaction, the thrill of it all.
However, only some of us get to make our dreams a reality. Nevertheless, the reality is that we all want (and strive) for a job and financial satisfaction.
The UK is a land of opportunities and is ripe for the picking. It has a strong economy, a diverse range of career paths, and opportunities for everyone worldwide. As a result, candidates search for high-demand jobs in the UK, and recruiters are constantly on the lookout for different talents.
So, what jobs are in high demand in the UK?
Well, this article explores the best high-demand jobs in the UK currently, along with salary expectations and job training programmes.
Mandatory requirements to work in the UK
The UK is a popular place for employment opportunities, so it’s no wonder many people apply for jobs there. However, you must fulfill certain mandatory requirements before you can work in the UK.
To work in the UK, you need;
- To be a British or Irish citizen or get a permanent resident status.
- An indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
- A visa with a time limit (limited leave to enter or remain in the UK.
- The right to abode.
- A pre-settled, settled status, or family permit from the EU settlement scheme.
If you are a non-resident, your eligibility is based on your immigration status or a valid work permit. In addition, if you’re an illegal occupant or your leave has ended, you cannot work in the UK.
The Best and persistently high-demand jobs in the UK
The number of people in the labour market looking for the best job opportunities is rising rapidly. The United Kingdom has an excellent atmosphere for work and offers various opportunities for everybody. Below are the top high-demand jobs in the United Kingdom:
Information Technology (IT)
The UK is a highly industrialized nation, so there is a high demand for IT professionals. Technology and the integration of digital systems, automation, and AI are rapidly evolving and growing. This has increased IT job opportunities and the demand for skilled technicians. IT professionals with significant work experience can look forward to attractive prospects in the UK.
Roles and Salaries for IT
According to Glassdoor, IT professionals in the UK earn an average of £47,018 per annum.
The IT industry has various roles, so the salaries may vary, depending on the role or employer. Below are current high-demand IT roles with their annual average salaries, according to Indeed.
- IT Analyst: £30,000 yearly
- Engineer: £38,501 yearly
- Software Architect: £99,273 yearly
- Information Technology Directors £73,571 yearly
- Full Stack Developer: £52,250 yearly
- Cyber security expert £47,320 yearly
- IT Manager: £50,000 yearly
- Project Engineer: £41,043 yearly
- Security Engineer: £37,000 yearly
- Frontend Developer: £50,434 yearly
- Development Operations Engineer £69,733 yearly
- Design Engineer: £40,000 yearly
- Systems Engineer: £44,012 yearly
- Data Scientist: £49,696 yearly
- Systems Architect: £72,190 yearly
- Network Manager: £45,000 yearly
- Field Engineer: £30,344 yearly
- Field Service Engineer: £31,000 yearly
Qualifications and requirements
Qualifications depend on the role you’re applying for, but employers will typically choose applicants with a degree in computer science or mathematics. Common requirements include;
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, information technology management
- Must have taken a course in Data Networking, Computer administration, information security, or Information technology system analysis
Certifications
Before qualifying for a certification examination, you must have experience. For your benefit, first, you’ll need to get a job to gain experience for the certifications. Common standard IT certifications include:
- Certified information systems security professional (CISSP): Applicants must have at least five years of work experience before writing the exam for the certification.
- Certified data professional (CDP)
- Certified information systems auditor (CISA): For IT professionals in security or auditing, this is their standard certification.
- Project management professional: This certification helps IT professionals qualify for IT management roles.
Certifications in specific programming languages or technologies can improve a candidate’s eligibility.
Human Resources Director
Human resources is responsible for recruiting, developing, training, managing, and retaining employees. A company’s human resource department manages the workforce and employee relations. The human resources director heads this department and is responsible for planning and driving human resource initiatives. He/she ensures that employees are accustomed to the organisational culture and that all disputes are addressed.
Roles and Salaries for HR
According to Talent.com and Glassdoor, a human resources personnel earns an average salary of £35,000 per annum, while a human resources director can earn an average of £120,000 per annum. HR salaries vary based on qualifications, skills, experience, employer, location, etc.
- HR administrators: £18,000 to £25,000 yearly.
- HR officers: £24,000 yearly.
- HR Manager: £35,000 to £55,000 yearly.
- HR Business Partner: £45,000 yearly
- HR Advisor: £35,000 yearly.
Qualifications and requirements
Most employers will consider graduates of any subject, regardless of whether or not you studied human resources. However, you need to have learned a course or have a degree in economics, business management, HR, psychology, or finance to stand a better chance of getting an HR job. Employers seek people with managerial skills and significant work experience in HR.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry offers several job opportunities with high financial rewards for qualified candidates. The decline in health and lifespan, advances in medical technology, and an aging population have increased the demand for healthcare professionals and made them highly sought after.
A healthcare worker earns an average of £23,400- £29,250 per annum. Experienced workers have higher earnings.
Roles and Salaries for Healthcare
The salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation, academic background, experience, certifications, and location. Below are the roles and salaries for healthcare gathered by Talent.com and Indeed.
- Health Manager: £42,150 yearly
- General practitioner: £65,941 yearly
- Medical director: £103,637 yearly
- Health Care Assistant: £23,400 yearly
- Psychologist: £35,609 yearly
- Psychiatrist: £87,760 yearly
- Program Manager: £57,500 yearly
- Paediatrician: £95,492 yearly
- Paramedic: £36,293 yearly
- Physiotherapist: £36,600 yearly
- Cardiologist: £79,421 yearly
- Optometrist: £54,249 yearly
- Clinical Manager: £43,182 yearly
- Clinical director: £66,932 yearly
- Veterinarian: £46,510 yearly
- Dentist: £76,016 yearly
- Nurse Manager: £40,000 yearly
- Nurse: £32,350 yearly
- Director of Nursing: £72,243 yearly
- Technical Analyst: £40,000
- Pharmacist: £46,961 yearly
- IT Analyst: £30,000 yearly
- Dermatologist: £92,757 yearly
- Surgeon: £77,338 yearly
- Plastic surgeon: £91,826 yearly
- Neurosurgeon: £94,434 yearly
- Psychotherapist: £47,423 yearly
- Physician: £59,523 yearly
Qualifications and requirements
Qualifications and requirements depend on the role. Nonetheless, with a relevant degree (Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s), practical work experience, and professional certifications, you can work as a registered healthcare worker in your respective field.
Engineers
The demand for qualified engineers is constantly rising in the UK and other parts of the world as well. Due to the rapid growth in technology, there are numerous job positions available to you as an engineer with significant experience in your field.
Roles and Salaries for Engineer
An engineer in the UK can earn an average of £41,930 per annum. For entry-level positions, the average salary is £32,000 per annum and £65,000 per annum for more experienced workers. From the data provided by Talent.com, the engineer roles and salaries are as follows:
- Engineer £40,000 yearly
- Structural engineer £42,500 yearly
- Design Engineer £40,000 yearly
- Service Engineer £32,000 yearly
- Software engineer £60,000 yearly
- Engineer £40,000 yearly
- Mechanical Engineer £38,000 yearly
- Civil engineer £42,153 to £57,500 yearly
- Maintenance Engineer £35,000 yearly
- Chemical engineer £45,879 to £55,000 yearly
- Field Engineer £32,000 yearly
Qualifications and requirements
Recruiters seek candidates with a degree in mathematics, programming, and computer science.
Finance and Accounting
The finance and accounting industry in the UK is in constant demand of professionals in the field. Finance and accounting professionals handle company accounts, transactions, assets, shares, and cash flows. Due to a shortage of this skill, experts in the industry can find attractive job opportunities.
Roles and Salaries for Finance and Accounting
The list below is compiled based on the data obtained from Glassdoor and Edmissions.com.
- Key Account Manager: £40,000 yearly
- Finance Manager: £46,399 yearly
- Account Executive: £27,500 yearly
- Analyst: £37,468 yearly
- Financial Analyst: £42,500 yearly
- Business Analyst: £45,000 yearly
- Auditor: £39,167 yearly
- Tax Manager: £55,000 yearly
- Tax Accountant: £53,183 yearly
- Account Manager: £33,667 yearly
- Financial Accounting Manager: £69,000 yearly
- Financial Accountant: £55,972 yearly
- Finance Director: £85,000 yearly
Qualification and Requirements
To pursue a career in finance and accounting, you need to have a degree and knowledge in finance, economics, or accounting. Additionally, candidates will need professional certificates like CIMA to improve their chances of getting a job.
Teachers
Teachers are in high demand in the UK because of their human-centric features. Whether in the primary, secondary, or tertiary sector, you can get a job with the right qualifications. On average, a teacher can earn £34,616 per annum, while experienced ones earn £48,515 per annum.
Roles and Salaries for Teachers
The pay range for teachers varies based on the school and qualifications. From the data provided by GOV.UK and Talent.com, below is an estimated pay that teachers earn on average:
- Leading practitioner: £48,723 – £81,051 yearly
- Instructor: £28,316 yearly
- Principal: £53,042 yearly
- Director: £65,976 yearly
- Unqualified/trainee teacher: £17,208 – £27,216 yearly
- Lecturer: £37,050 yearly
- Head teacher: £53,634 – £67,479 yearly
- Teacher: £34,616 yearly
Qualifications and Requirements
To qualify as a teacher, you must have a GCSEs at grade 4 in mathematics, English, and science to teach in primary schools. You can also have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any subject. If you do not have a degree, apply for an undergraduate teacher training course.
Marketing and Sales
The marketing and sales industry is in constant need of professionals and offers diverse career opportunities.
Roles and Salaries for Marketing and Sales
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for marketing and sales personnel in the United Kingdom is £37,622 per annum. The list below is an estimate based on the data from Talent.com.
- Market Manager: £44,962 yearly
- Business Development Manager: £41,803 yearly
- Manager: £40,000 yearly
- Director: £67,500 yearly
- Sales Manager: £40,000 yearly
- Sales Consultant: £30,800 yearly
- Sales Executive: £30,000 yearly
- Supervisor: £28,055 yearly
- Team Leader: £28,962 yearly
Qualifications and requirements
Candidates need a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Negotiation and communication skills are necessary qualifications as well.
Writer
Everyone needs a writer these days, and thanks to the internet, writers can find freelancing and full-time job opportunities. Every business needs a writer, and because skilled writers are rare, there is a high demand for qualified writers.
Roles and Salaries for Writer
According to Talent.com, a writer in the United Kingdom earns an average of £35,000 to £53,397 per annum, depending on the experience level.
- Writer: £35,000 yearly
- Content Writer is £30,000 – £42,500 yearly
- Lead Writer: £54,260 yearly
- Senior Writer: £42,178 yearly
Qualifications and requirements
Interested candidates are required to have:
- A degree or take a course in English language, media, journalism, and communication
- Writing and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge of SEO
- Relevant work experience.
Customer Assistant
As a customer assistant, you interact with all kinds of customers. As such, you will be exposed to many different opportunities and enjoy certain benefits as well.
Salaries for Customer Assistant
Depending on the location and experience, the average salary (according to Talent.com) for a customer assistant in the United Kingdom is £22,019 – £30,086 per annum.
Qualifications and requirements
To be eligible for recruitment, candidates must have taken a university course in customer service or business. However, you don’t necessarily need a formal education for this job. As long as you possess GCSEs in English and maths, a positive attitude, and communication skills, you’re good to go.
Certifications like the Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service or the Level 2 Certificate in Contact Centre Operations can improve your eligibility.
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Operations Manager
The specifications of an operations manager’s responsibilities depend on the employer and industry. Nevertheless, an operations manager is responsible for running the organisation smoothly and the overall function of the organisation.
An operations manager typically has a high salary and broad responsibilities. The average salary of an operations manager, according to Glassdoor, is £54,862 per annum.
Digital Marketing
In recent years, technological advancements and e-commerce have led companies to shift their focus to online marketing. The digital marketing industry is very dynamic and keeps evolving, and as such, there are job opportunities and career advancements for experts in the field. Most people spend their time on the Internet, and companies need professionals to reach these people using digital marketing strategies.
Roles and Salaries for Digital Marketing
The pay range for digital marketing depends on location, company size and industry, work experience, qualifications, and role. Talent.com states that the average salary for digital marketing in the United Kingdom is £30,602 per annum. Entry-level positions earn £25,500 per annum, while very experienced positions earn an average of £47,500 per annum.
- Digital Marketing Assistant/Coordinator: £20,000 – £30,000 yearly
- Digital Marketing Consultant: £45,000 yearly
- Digital Marketing Manager: £40,000 – £70,000 yearly
- Digital Marketing Director: £55,000 yearly
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): £70,000 yearly
- SEO Manager/Director: £45,000 – £80,000 yearly
- SEO Specialist: £35,000 – £45,000 yearly
- Social Media Manager: £30,000 – £50,000 yearly
- Content Marketing Manager: £45,000 yearly
- Content Marketing Specialist: £30,000 – £40,000 yearly
- Email Marketing Manager: £30,000 – £55,000 yearly
- PPC Specialist (Pay-Per-Click): £35,000 – £60,000 yearly
Qualifications and Requirements
- A degree in business marketing, business, or related field
- Good knowledge of the Internet, internet marketing, and digital marketing management
- Digital skills
Logistics and Delivery
Logistics and delivery might not be a dream job for many, but it is one of the highest-paying jobs in the United Kingdom. Many companies need to move their goods and services around constantly, and so they need logistics and delivery personnel. The logistics and delivery sector offers several roles and salary growth.
Roles and Salaries for Logistics and Delivery
The salary range may vary depending on location, role, and experience. However, the average salary for logistics and delivery in the United Kingdom is £29,215 per annum.
For more experienced workers, the average salary is £50,000 per annum. Based on the data compiled from Talent.com, Popular logistics and delivery roles include:
- Delivery Manager: £50,000 yearly
- Delivery Driver: £25,000 to £40,000 yearly
- Service Delivery Manager: £47,500 yearly
- Logistics Manager: £41,819 yearly
- Logistics Associate: £28,222 yearly
- Warehouse Supervisor: £30,000 yearly
- Operations Manager: £44,480 yearly
- Transport Planner: £30,000 yearly
- Contract Manager: £45,000 yearly
Qualifications and Requirements
The requirements and qualifications vary depending on the particular role. Candidates must have good driving skills, a valid driver’s license, customer service skills, and good communication skills
Jobs that are likely to be in demand in the next ten years
The world is changing and constantly evolving. Businesses are dynamic and are now operating digitally. But what does this mean for various careers? This means that some jobs will be in less demand than others.
Here are several jobs that will be in high demand and provide many employment opportunities in the next ten years:
- Accountancy
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Healthcare professionals and support services like Home health aide, Phlebotomist, Nursing Assistant, or Medical assistant
- Information Technology (IT) systems developers, analysts, programmers, Cyber Security Specialists, and other IT-related occupations.
- Construction trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, etc., for building projects
- Electrician
- Statistician
- Mathematicians
Job Training Programmes in The UK
There are several job training programmes available in the United Kingdom. They are designed to teach those the skills required for specific career areas and those who want to change career pathways. These programmes allow individuals to further their careers and learn new skills, ultimately developing their professionalism.
Additionally, job training programmes also offer entry-level courses and continuing education for already existing staff. Depending on your career goals and area of interest, different job training programmes range from short courses to apprenticeships.
Benefits of Job Training Programmes
Having 100% of the skills for a role is impossible for a person or employees. However, as businesses grow over time, people need more skills to be successful in the competitive job market. Job training programmes underscore the importance of upskilling and career advancement.
According to a LinkedIn newsletter, investing in training programmes helps develop your skillset. It can help people and employees gain a qualification and build confidence in a specific industry.
A training course or programme decreases employee turnover, saving time and money spent during the hiring process. 93% of employees in a survey were shown to stay longer in a company when they received proper training.
Other benefits of job training programmes are that they:
- Improve motivation, confidence, and productivity.
- Are cost-effective
- Are flexible
- Enable you to take a course in a different field.
- Give people a demonstration of their role in the workplace
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are paid programmes that provide on-the-job experience while earning a wage. Apprenticeships are temporary and may run for one year or three. Apprentices can even be retained and hired after they have completed their term. These work-based training are typically combined with classroom learning and cover various sectors like IT, construction, healthcare, business, engineering, law, etc.
Apprenticeships work well for both employed and unemployed persons. University or college students can also apply for apprenticeships.
Certificate programmes
As someone looking to succeed in the job market, enrolling in a certificate programme to obtain a certification is a plus. Some employers provide such training to their new and existing staff. Certificate programmes are designed to equip you with professional skills and usually aid advancements within the same field.
This training provides courses on every aspect and area of any career you choose. For some programmes, you may have to take classes regularly or once a week. However, you can make arrangements with your learning facility to fit these courses into your schedule.
Depending on the type of certification and coursework scheme, a certificate programme may take several months to complete
Traineeships
A traineeship is a course and skills development programme that offers work experience and training to prepare a person for an apprenticeship. Traineeships are short unpaid work placements designed for 16 to 24-year-olds to gain experience in a particular field or industry.
A traineeship is shorter than an apprenticeship, lasting from 6 weeks to a year or (for most traineeships) for less than 6 months. Traineeships provide work preparation training and can lead to a paid job upon completion of a placement.
Candidates can enrol for a traineeship if they are:
- Aged 16 to 24 years with a level 3 qualification (and up to 25 years for those who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan)
- Unemployed and have little or no work experience.
- Eligible to work in the UK or England
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps offer free courses that teach you the skills required for a particular role in industries like cyber, construction, digital, green technology, technical teaching, etc. Skills Bootcamps are typically (fully) funded by the government. They are developed in partnerships with local authorities, providers, and employers to fill vacancy gaps in local areas.
Skills Bootcamps provide the opportunity to change jobs, advance in a current career, or explore a new industry. It can lead to employment on completion.
Candidates can apply if they are:
- 19 years old and above
- Employed, self-employed, (recently) unemployed, or returning to work
- Currently living in England.
- Have the right to work in the United Kingdom
National Careers Service
This is a government-funded service that provides free courses, career information, advice, support, and guidance. This service helps identify transferable skills, offers support, and guides individuals on training, career, and learning choices. You can find out more about this service on the GOV.UK website.
Sector-Based Work Academies
Sector-Based Work Academies is a free government scheme/programme designed to help unemployed people apply for jobs in different areas of work. This programme helps people who receive unemployment benefits with their recruitment needs. Such needs include work experience placements, pre-employment training, and a guaranteed interview for participants.
The placements run for 6 weeks and help train and build the right skills for recruitment. One of the benefits of the scheme is that sector-based work academy has a flexible approach and is open for jobseekers aged 18 years and above.
Participants on a SWAP placement still receive benefits, and the government will pay travel (and childcare) costs as long as beneficiaries are on the scheme. Employers running a sector-based work academy suffer no direct cost as all costs are covered by government funding.
Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) offers free resettlement support services for personnel leaving (or who have left) the Armed Forces as they transition to civilian employment. Also, the CTP offers comprehensive support services to help ex-armed forces personnel further education, retirement, and offers employment support after two years of leaving the force.
T Levels Qualification
T Levels Qualification is a free and full time government scheme that offers free courses, hands-on skills and free industry placements for specific careers. T Levels are new 2-year courses that are equivalent to 3 A Levels and taken after GCSEs.
T Levels focus on combining practical and knowledge-based school/ college learning with industry placements. These industry placements provide on-the-job experience may run for (at least) 315 hours which is equal to 45 days.
Although T Levels are free, certain costs like paying students and time invested in supervising, planning, and training may incur.
Professional training programmes
Many large employers and professional bodies provide plenty opportunities for employees to refine and develop new skills, learn new things, and expand their networks. These training programmes lead to recognized qualifications in various sectors like HR, finance, management, sales, marketing, etc.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme is a government initiative that provides funds to create new jobs for 16-24-year-olds who are on Universal Credit and are liable to long term unemployment.
Once employers set the start dates, they will receive funding for 6 months (usually for setup costs) once the youngster starts working.
Professional and Technical Qualifications
Professional and Technical Qualifications are vocational training courses that are accredited by a recognized professional industry body. These qualifications relate to specific career paths and are essential for some careers like accounting, marketing, and law. For example, to become a chartered marketer or accountant you must pass the marketing and accounting exams.
They are regulated and awarded by professional bodies enable you advance in your field or change paths. Professional and Technical Qualifications are designed to help people meet the minimum required standards of a professional in a particular job. Even when professional qualifications aren’t needed, they make your CV and portfolio attractive and improve employment success.
Industries or sectors such as finance, IT, or marketing have certain qualifications needed to get a job in that field. For instance, the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualifications for marketing or Cisco’s certifications for networking.
University and College Courses
University and college degrees courses can train you for various professions. They also make their courses flexible by offering part-time, evening, and online courses for those who need it. It is important to choose a course that is relevant to the career path you want.
Distance learning
Distance learning allows you to study from anywhere, allowing you to gain and develop qualifications while working. Most UK accredited universities and colleges (such as University College London) offer distance learning, arranging your studies to suit your schedule. Students (both full-time and part-time) and workers can study flexibly from home by using online learning resources and study course materials.
National Retraining Scheme
The national retraining scheme is aimed at working adults who are at risk of unemployment because of technological advancements and automation. This scheme helps adults to retrain for a new profession and adapt to the changing economy.
Adult learning
Adult learning is open to people aged 19 years upwards and available to adults at any stage of their life. A local council or independent training provider can provide various courses for adults seeking to gain a qualification or learn a new skill.
UK Websites For Job Training Programmes
To find out more about job training programs in the UK, visit these websites:
GOV.UK: This website has a section on job training programs, how to find one, how to fund a programme, and things to expect.
Find a Course: With this website, you can search for a particular type of (online or course, courses, and training programs by location, subject, and price.
National Careers Service: This website offers free and confidential support and advice for a career or training programme.
Once you find a job training program you like, contact the provider to find out more details about the course and application process.
Optimizing your job application package
Most jobs are available for graduates because candidates with appropriate qualifications are lacking. With the right qualifications and experience, you can find high-paying jobs with a salary of over £100,000 in the UK.
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Final Thoughts: The Path To Success
Finding a job in the UK (or anywhere) is not a walk in the park. Landing the ‘dream’ job can take months or weeks. Therefore, you must have effective job hunting strategies at your fingertips. For people outside the UK, they will need to fulfill the mandatory requirements to work.
UK Immigration provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a UK work visa in a 7-minute video:
Your career journey is your canvas, and it is up to you to paint it with unique and meaningful strokes. In your journey, you will face challenges no doubt, and that is why you must be ready.
A rewarding career is built on the foundation of determination, confidence, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. By reading this article, you have equipped yourself with empowering education and taken a great step toward your future aspirations.
So remain unfazed by the challenges ahead and be eager to overcome them. Now is the time to register for that job training programme, take that (online, part-time, or full-time) course, and apply for that dream job.
With the expertise this article provides, you can be the architect of your success and set your course towards prosperity.
We can’t wait to see the mark you will make in the professional world. Best of luck!
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