January 2022 - Who’s Hiring?

As we enter the new year, many people will be looking to explore new job opportunities and consider the possibility of a career change. They also tend to put off job searches until after the busy Christmas period. Due to this, the January and February months are traditionally busy hiring periods for recruiters and a time when companies post positions to capitalise on the larger talent pool.

According to data released at the end of 2021, job vacancies rose by a record 1.22mn between September and November 2021, highlighting a continued recovery from pre-pandemic levels. If you’re considering a career move, take a look at who’s hiring and what requirements you’ll need to fit the roles.

Sales

The bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic has been stronger than expected. As a result, there’s been an increase in demand for sales staff to help companies continue to drive revenues and promote growth.

Tech sales is one of the fastest-growing sectors, as there are new innovations and SaaS products that can optimise company operations. To land a position, you’ll typically need previous sales experience. If you don’t have any, estate agents and high-end clothing retailers are a great place to start.

Construction

There’s been a significant increase in job positions in the construction sector after numerous lockdowns slowed down projects and created a backlog of work that needs to be completed. According to estimates, there are 216,800 jobs to fill in the sector by 2025. Making it a fantastic industry to go into.

Most entry level positions will require at least a Construction Skills Certification Scheme qualification, whilst more advanced positions, such as engineering and management, will require experience and a university degree.

Care Workers

Shortages of care workers in the UK were reported well before the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector is a fantastic place for those looking to enter a rewarding career where they can have a tangible impact on helping people. Reports show that 488,000 new care workers will be needed by 2030/31 to meet demand and recover from the pandemic.

There aren’t any strict requirements to become a care worker, although some establishments will require entry-level health and social care qualifications. These will help you later when looking to climb into management roles in the industry. On average, care assistants in the UK earn between £16,000 and £18,000, rising with training and experience.

Tech and IT

As companies continue to digitise their businesses, the demand for tech and IT professionals will rise in the UK. Significant demand areas are in cyber security, data analysis, and technical architecture. It’s a rewarding career, with the average IT professional making £47,500 per year. Typically, you’ll need qualifications or enough industry experience to land a job.

Transport and Logistics

Like much of Europe, the UK faces a massive shortage of transport and logistics workers. Mainly qualified lorry drivers for national and international work. This has led companies to increase monetary compensation, with some paying up to £20 per hour. To qualify, you’ll need an HGV license, with some companies covering the cost of the tests.

Warehouse floor staff are also in demand, such as pickers and truck loaders. You don’t usually need any qualifications or experience for these positions, and you can expect to earn up to £10 per hour.