Parents & Carers :

Labour Market Information (LMI)

LMI comes from a range of sources which provide parts of a large and complex picture.  Individual pieces of information need to be treated with caution as they only tell part of the story and are easy to misinterpret. Here are some general observations which are useful background information when looking at different career and job options. They reinforce the need to research carefully before making choices between available education and training options and being realistic about career aspirations.

Most jobs at all levels will need more skills to do them due to:

• Increased use of technology such as computers, telecommunications and technical equipment
• More legal demands for qualifications to do the job and to comply with health and safety in the workplace
• Rise in customer expectation and competition giving a greater emphasis on quality and customer care

Employees need to be multi-skilled – able to undertake a range of tasks not just concentrate on one trade or skill area. Labour Market Intelligence predicts that

• Fewer people will be working in agriculture and manufacturing
• The largest rise in employment opportunities will be in the service sector – hotels and restaurants, retailing, health and social work and financial services
• In particular, jobs in childcare and health care will increase as more women enter the workforce and need childcare as well as an ageing population requiring more health care.

Surveys of skills and vacancies consistently show that the core characteristics employers are looking for, and not finding, include

• Flexibility and adaptability
• Willingness to work and learn
• Self-regulatory skills – disciplined about time-keeping, appearance and managing your work
• Self-assurance – being confident and self directed
• Good manners
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Team working.