Other sectors
In looking at the future of the labour market in Glasgow, it is important not to discard some of Glasgow’s other key sectors:
Construction
The construction sector in Glasgow is quite healthy. The Housing Stock Transfer, school and hospital building and M74 extension have contributed to this. Major developments such as Glasgow Harbour, the International Financial Services District (IFSD), private house building and other commercial developments are also important. Currently 20% of the modern apprenticeships in Glasgow are in the construction industry. More information on the construction industry can be found at bCONSTRUCTIVE.
Energy and waste management
Recent research by Forward Scotland shows that the waste management and renewable energy sectors are set to grow and diversify. Significant opportunities for growth, particularly in recycling, have been identified. If the cost of traditional fossil fuels continues to rise, then the demand for renewable energy will increase. SqurrEnergy and Airtricity are two Glasgow companies currently working in renewable energy.
Health
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde is the largest single employer in the Glasgow area with over 33,000 employees. Jobs in health are spread throughout the city. The NHS in Glasgow is predicted to grow. The new South Glasgow Hospital will employ over 3,000 when it is fully operational.
Information Technology
There are no reliable figures on how many people are employed in the IT sector alone in Glasgow. In the UK, there are 1.1 million IT professionals; about half work in IT companies and half in other industries such as financial services and transport. IT is now in almost every part of modern life and the industry will continue to need IT professionals. More information on the IT industry can be found at e-skills UK.
Logistics (road haulage industry)
The logistics sector employs 126,550 people in Scotland. Some companies manage their own distribution system (such as Weetabix) and others manage it on behalf of other companies, for example Eddie Stobart. There is currently a major shortage of LGV drivers. There are also opportunities in logistics for school leavers with few qualifications or no experience, for jobs such as a driver’s mate or warehouse operative. More information on the logistics industry can be found at Skills for Logistics.
Passenger Transport
There are 69,000 people employed in the Passenger Transport sector in Scotland, with an estimated 9,000 in Glasgow. First Scotrail, First Bus, Scottish Citylink and Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) represent some of the large employers. There are opportunities within the passenger transport sector, particularly around replacement demand. Particular areas such as bus driving offer the chance to train for a semi-skilled job with limited entry qualifications. More information on passenger transport can be found at GoSkills.
Public administration
Glasgow has a high proportion of public sector jobs. The public sector includes local government (including police and fire related services), the Civil Service, public corporations and non-departmental public bodies. Glasgow City Council employs nearly 29,000 staff. Local Government Careers contains details of the range of careers in local government and the Civil Service Recruitment Gateway has information on careers with the Scottish Executive.
Retail
Glasgow is the number 1 shopping centre in Scotland and number 3 in Britain, only behind London and Birmingham. 55,000 people are employed in retailing in Glasgow. Fewer new jobs are predicted but retailing has a high turnover so there will continue to be plenty of entry level opportunities. More information on the retail sector can be found at Skillsmart Retail.
Social care
There are around 138,000 social service workers in Scotland. Glasgow City Council employs over 7,000 staff in social work. Care workers and care assistants are the single biggest occupational group. Opportunities for school leavers are limited as the work requires a degree of maturity. More information on social care can be found at the Scottish Social Services Council.
