what UK industries actually have any vacancies and where to look?

[bobajob1]

NCed for this as a bit outing. I work in the field of international development but as anyone who reads the media will know, there have been/will be big job cuts. So I thought I would take the opp to consider changing industry to do something else entirely. Another factor worth knowing is that I am about 50. I'd prefer London & SE but will travel anywhere in principle and could work on site/in office 5 days.

There is not much work out there as the economy is so down - and 100+ applicants for every job it seems. But there must be some work somewhere, right?

I can see from looking online that there are vacancies in these sectors (most requiring qualifications):
social care
secondary teaching
construction
nursing

In theory AI and tech is a growth area - but several IT-related people I know are actually out of work.

Anyone got any general good ideas about other sectors I could research? Much appreciated!

Try Optical Technology/Photonics

TY, very interesting idea.

Engineering, the trades, mechanics, etc. Never too late to learn a new trade.

There also always seem to be vacancies on the railways (at least around here) for train drivers, conductors/guards, platform staff, etc. Again, age not really a barrier.

TY. I love the idea of driving a train!
Trades is also an interesting idea. You are reminding me that my dad actually did this towards the end of his working career.

More ideas very welcome 😀

There was a thread on here week or so ago specifically about train drivers for East Midlands Rail iirc

Allied health professions, such as speech therapy, radiography, physiotherapy?

Bus drivers - constantly advertising round here
BA were advertising for pilot trainees

Human Resources

I’m in exactly the same position and thought of starting my own thread. 30 years experience in international development, currently working as a consultant and I have had all my work til June cancelled, nothing else on the cards and the double whammy is the amount of ex USAID staff also now looking for work.
Of course we are all used to highs, lows and curve balls in this field but this doesn’t feel like it’s possible to ride out this time. It feels to me that it’s very much time to pivot but I’m also mid 50s with kids that need me, do a lot of solo parenting due to DH who is away more than half the month, so a bit restricted.
Considering teaching or training in an allied health profession, but would love some thoughts that I haven’t considered…

Of course we are all used to highs, lows and curve balls in this field but this doesn’t feel like it’s possible to ride out this time.
Yep, agreed.

I feel quite energetic generally speaking and ready to do something else (ie not just fade away!). It could be a more physical face to face job (like trades, teaching or airline pilot - see PP). But also in an emerging industry in the science and tech area such as photonics which PP mentioned.