Shared Vision: Training & Career Development in Leicester
The Current Job Market and Employment Opportunities in Leicester
Leicester is one of the largest and most economically important cities of the East Midlands region. For several centuries, Leicester was known as a busy market town, although the onset of the Industrial Revolution brought new industries to the city, mainly engineering, textile manufacturing, and shoemaking. Today, food manufacturing and engineering are still important industries in Leicester, with companies like Walkers and Trelleborg Suspension Components being headquartered in the city.
Nowadays, the city benefits from excellent road and rail links with the rest of the United Kingdom, a fact that has attracted many important firms. In only 10 years, more than £3 billion have been invested by companies in the business services and retail industries. All in all, there are more than 26,000 registered businesses in the city, which provide more than 205,000 jobs to the local workforce.
The sectors that provide the largest number of job opportunities in Leicester include science research, education, retail, leisure, business services, and finance. The largest employers in these fields are Leicester University, De Montfort University, Loughborough University, Next, Goldsmiths, Pepsico, Fisher Scientific, ICICI Bank, the Bank of India, Santander Bank, Lloyds TSB, HSBC, Alliance and Leicester, British Gas, Expedia and Aviva Insurance.
Along with Nottingham, Leicester has one of the highest employment rates of the East Midlands region.
Professional career development in Leicester
Students who are considering embarking into higher education as a means to accessing the business world can choose from the courses offered at two Leicester institutions. The Leicester Business School is based at De Montfort University and offers a large range of qualifications in the areas of finance, accounting, corporate development, strategic management, and marketing. Thanks to its links with universities in other countries, the school offers a study abroad programme in which students can gain invaluable business and transferable skills. Placements in local companies are also available. In addition, the Business Works project facilitates the exchange between employers and students and serves the local business community by putting it in touch with new talents.
The University of Leicester is another business training provider, with courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA level, which can also be undertaken via distance learning. Some of the courses on offer include management, organisational studies, finance, business administration, marketing, as well as research degrees on the topics of critical management, leadership, labour markets, and the knowledge economy.
Alternatively, you can develop marketable skills by signing up to one of the government funded apprenticeships available in Leicester. The main provider is Leicester College, although further information can also be obtained from Connexions Leicestershire and the Leicester city council.
The Business School at De Montfort University has a successful track record of corporate development. For many years, the school has been assisting local business achieve their potential thanks to knowledge transfer partnerships, advice from expert business development managers, courses in executive education, and professional development events. Some of the subjects dealt with include leadership and change, conflict management, innovation, risk management, and international skills for cross cultural management. The school can also help with bespoke corporate training to suit your organisational needs.
Business networking events take place on a regular basis in Leicester. Further information can be obtained from organisations like Business Networking South Leicestershire, Evolve Business Networking, Leicester Business Women, Business and Bacon, the Business Club Leicester, and the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, which also provides business support services, corporate training, and workforce development programmes.
You'll find more information about business training companies and services on Actual Leicester.
Further Considerations: No matter what career you are pursuing or what location you wish to work in being able to drive is offers a distinct advantage. Although not always required, having a current, clean license allows you an advantage over those that do not as it makes you more flexible and able to get to more locations, often quicker or at times that aren't convenient by public transport. If you do not yet know how to drive have a look through the Driving Schools directory to find instructors in your area.
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