Future jobs

In these uncertain times, it's hard to know which qualifications will guarantee you a job in the future. Lifetracks.com investigates what's hot in the world of work.

"The UK food and drink industry will need around 137,000 new recruits over this decade"

It's safe to say some of the jobs that will be common in 2020 probably haven't been invented yet – space tour guide, anyone? Fortunately, it's easier to predict short term trends which might affect young jobseekers.

Work in IT

With computers everywhere, you can expect an explosion of jobs in IT. Microsoft predicts 80,000 new IT positions will be created over the next four years by new technology firms setting up in the UK. As a 'digital native' – someone who's grown up being able to use a computer – you have an advantage without even trying.

How do I get into the IT sector?

One route is the Microsoft Partner Apprenticeship, which matches young people with IT skills to jobs at small-to -medium sized IT companies. You can get more information about IT careers from e-skills UK. Website bringitonni.info has information for 14-19 year olds in Northern Ireland about IT careers.

Work in social care

Social care is one of the UK's fastest growing sectors, according to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), but young people currently make up less than 10 % of the social care workforce.

In the future, there will be a greater need for care workers because people are living longer. Jobs include working in residential homes or people's houses, working with adults with disabilities or social and family difficulties.

Under-18 year olds can work in social care in supervised posts. Whatever your age, you'll need a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. If you're working with children under the age of 18, you'll be checked against the Protection of Children Act.

What skills do I need to work in social care?

Social work offers you training on the job; you can gain qualifications like NVQs or train to become a care manager. For further advice on social care careers, visit www.socialcarecareers.co.uk or call the social care helpline on 0300 123 1100.

Work in retail

Despite all the doom and gloom about the recession, the UK's retail sector still employs one in 20 people in the UK. Jobcentre Plus claims to have 30,000 vacancies in retail available monthly. The industry actively looks for younger people to recruit – Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Phones4u have all invested in hiring and training young people, creating job and work experience opportunities. The downside is that you'll have to work shifts, including weekends, and may have to wear a uniform. Working with customers means you need to be a people person.

How do I get into the retail sector?

As well as the obvious sales assistant roles, jobs in retail include working in logistics, operations, buying and merchandising. For many roles you won't need qualifications, just a positive attitude and a good standard of literacy and numeracy. There is also a range of retail apprenticeships available. You may be able to train on the job and get work based qualifications including a BTEC First Certificate or an NVQ in Retail Skills.

Work in science and technology

Rapid scientific advances mean science jobs, so choosing sciences at A-level or as a degree will give you a springboard into an under-staffed sector. There's even a national shortage of science teachers, who get a £5000 'golden hello' just for training.

Researchers at the University of Reading predict the UK food and drink industry will need around 137,000 new recruits over this decade, with 45,000 of those jobs requiring high level science skills.

Biotechnology will also be a big recruiter– the UK biotech industry is second only to the US globally, employing 70,000 people and growing at 8% a year, according to the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA).

'Green jobs' are set to boom. The 'cleantech' industry (the development of technology which helps make goods and services more energy efficient) is set to become the biggest growth sector in our economy by 2020, according to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Getting a job in science

There are so many different jobs in science we can't list them all, but look at these job profiles to give you a picture of what's available and the qualifications you need. Being a scientist doesn't just mean being an academic – there are plenty of commercial roles available in defence, engineering and health.

By Emma Rubach

Did you know?

Three-quarters of 16-18 year olds in England have given serious thought to the kind of job they'd like to do according to the DWP.

Jargon Buster

Biotechnology: The use of biology to develop or enhance products - for example, genetically modified crops.
IT: Information technology, also referred to as digital technology.

Feeling confused? This article on career choices might help.
For advice on IT jobs, visit www.bigambition.co.uk
Xbox legends should check out these nine handy hints for wannabe game designers and this interview with a game developer.
For advice on retail jobs, visit www.skillsmartretail.com
To find out if you have what it takes for a career in science, check out the Government's Science So What website.

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