Shared Vision: Training & Career Development in Swansea
The Current Job Market and Employment Opportunities in Swansea
Swansea, Wales' second largest city, has undergone significant regeneration and economic growth in the past two decades. Key sectors of Swansea's economy include information technology and communications, life sciences, professional services, tourism, marine industries, and creative industries. The top employers in the city include 3M, Admiral Insurance, BT Group, EDS, International Rectifier, and Pure Water. The public sector is also a major employer, particularly the City and County of Swansea and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
The vast majority of employment opportunities in Swansea are in the services sector, including hotels, restaurants, transport, communications, banking, finance, insurance, public administration, health, and education. Among the city's strengths is activity in the commercial and leisure sectors. Swansea is a regional shopping hub that serves South West Wales. Much of the city's shopping district is undergoing significant regeneration, which will solidify Swansea's place as a regional commercial and shopping centre. Swansea is also home to the National Waterfront Museum, the Wales National Pool, and Liberty Stadium.
Swansea has seen significant construction and property development in recent years. The SA1 Swansea Waterfront, Swansea Enterprise Park, and Swansea Vale are key focus areas for residential and business development in the city. With continued efforts in redeveloping the city's economic infrastructure, and its strategic location along the M4 motorway connecting Wales with London and other markets in the United Kingdom, Swansea is well positioned to continue to attract businesses.
Professional Career Development in Swansea
Much of the recent economic growth Swansea has experienced is the result of strategic investment and planning, including the development of Swansea 2020. Developed by the Swansea Economic Regeneration Partnership, Swansea 2020 aims to increase productivity and economic activity in and around the city. The strategy's objectives include focusing on key sectors of the local economy, skills training for youth, and promoting entrepreneurship.
With the city hosting Swansea University, Gower College Swansea, and Swansea Metropolitan University, Swansea is a significant and emerging centre for training, education and research. Swansea Metropolitan University offers a variety of vocational and industrial courses, including art, craft, design, and media programmes. The university's Centre for Research and Innovation in Creative Industries features a world-class incubator space for creative industries. Swansea Metropolitan University also delivers bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree programmes in a range of disciplines, including applied design, engineering, art and design, humanities, education, social sciences, business, and management.
Swansea University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, sciences, human and health sciences, business and economics, arts and humanities, medicine, and law. It is also a hub for research, being the home of over 50 centres of research. The university's Institute of Life Sciences, a scientific and computing facility for medical research, plays a key role in building Swansea's knowledge-based economy. Also located at Swansea University is Technium Digital, a business incubation network that is supporting technology businesses and training programs. Technium Digital also supports the development of scientific and high-performance computation, next-generation optical and wireless communication, and graphics software.
Gower College Swansea delivers various vocational and technical programmes, including courses in travel and tourism, humanities and social studies, engineering, business studies and finance, and health and social care. Gower College Swansea also provides training in various business skills. Apprenticeships funded by the Welsh Government are also available to anyone 16 years of age or older. The college offers a broad menu of apprenticeship options, including apprenticeships in media and design, hairdressing, digital technology, plumbing, welding, and mechanical engineering.
The City and County of Swansea Education Directorate supports skills training through Employment Training, a vocational training scheme that assists more than 3,500 clients each year. Employment Training works with over 500 local and national employers to help individuals improve their skills and employability. Programmes delivered by Employment Training include apprenticeships and skills courses leading to a diploma.
Swansea has a number of business parks that play an important role in business and skills development. Several businesses in these parks provide independent training and education programmes, particularly for knowledge-based and IT sectors. A joint venture between the City and County of Swansea and the Welsh Assembly, Park Vale features two business parks. The SA1 Swansea Waterfront is also the site of several knowledge-based businesses in communications, software, multimedia, medical, engineering, electronics, and other sectors.
You'll find more information about business training companies and services on Actual Swansea.
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.
Recommended by Prime Office Space, the commercial property partner for Shared Vision: Training & Career Development in Swansea.
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