Did you know?
Our region has a higher than average number of small employers compared with the rest of the UK. Over 70% of the people employed in the Humber region work in manufacturing, distribution, hotels, public administration, education or health industries. Relatively few jobs exist in the high technology industries and those that do tend to be in aerospace, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries.
Local employment reflects what is happening nationally and is moving away from jobs in manufacturing and construction industries to what is known as the service sector. In our region we still have more people working in manufacturing than the national average, but fewer jobs in banking, finance and insurance.
The river Humber is one of the busiest shipping routes in Europe and handles more European trade than any other UK port and transport makes an important contribution to our region’s economy.
It’s no surprise that evidence shows that ‘a job for life’ is no longer a realistic option. Young people starting work can expect to change jobs several times during their working life and now face more options about their choice of future employment and training than ever before. Young people are required to be ‘flexible’ and offer a range of skills. Many new jobs being created are part-time and also temporary or short term contracts.
Whilst unemployment has fallen in our region, it is still above the national average. Unemployment affects a wide range of people, but without qualifications you significantly increase your chances of being out of work at some time.
Why is learning important?
The structure of employment continues to change. Demand for manual occupations declines, whilst demand for ‘white collar jobs’ increases (although not necessarily at the same rate!), particularly those that require higher level qualifications. Across the whole UK working population, the number of people holding a qualification has risen dramatically (especially higher qualifications such as degrees), although in the Humber region, the number is lower than the national average.
The bar chart shows the proportion of young people who now remain in full time learning, a substantial increase compared with fifteen years ago. If young people are to compete in the future job market, they must have qualifications and skills to offer employers.
2004 Year 11 Activity Survey Bar Chart