Top 10 In-Demand Skills in UK

The UK is facing a skills shortage due to demographic changes like an aging workforce and economic changes from Brexit and COVID-19 which have disrupted the labour market. As experts look to future projects and economic recovery, the need for a skilled workforce is important, especially in areas like tech, healthcare and construction.

According to the latest data, skills shortages now cost the UK economy approximately £39 billion per year. To overcome these challenges and be more employable, job seekers need to learn new skills that match the market. By investing in skill development, workers can not only improve their job prospects but also help bridge the gap between the current workforce skill shortage and the country's industry needs.

Work Culture in the UK

Understanding the work culture in the UK is key to succeeding in the workplace. Knowing the local customs and expectations will help you build better relationships and a more productive environment. Here are a few key elements of UK work culture:

1. Professionalism and Punctuality: Professionalism is highly regarded, and employees are expected to show a strong work ethic and adhere to professional standards. Punctuality is important; being on time for meetings and work commitments is not just nice but expected.

2. Hierarchy and Communication: The UK workplace has a clear hierarchy where roles and responsibilities are defined. Respect for authority is important, but the culture also encourages open communication where employees at all levels can share ideas and suggestions.

3. Work-Life Balance: UK employers generally put work-life balance first and recognize the importance of mental health and employee well-being. Regular check-ins are common to review workloads and offer support when needed.

What Skills are In Demand in the UK?

According to Official Statistics in Development, the UK is facing a shortage of 39 occupations, including engineering, IT, healthcare, and more.

1. Software Development Skills

As the UK software market grows, the challenge of hiring software developers increases. According to Morgan McKinley, the country is facing a skills shortage, 25% of hiring managers say a shortage of skilled candidates is their biggest obstacle. This gap is evident in the demand for specific roles, including Python Developers, Java Developers, JavaScript Developers, C# .Net Developers and Full-Stack Developers. 

2. Cybersecurity Skills

The UK is experiencing a major cybersecurity skills shortage, which puts businesses at risk and their ability to defend against cyber threats. 44% of UK businesses have basic technical skills gaps where employees don’t have the confidence to do the tasks outlined in the government-backed Cyber Essentials scheme. 27% of businesses have advanced skills gaps, in fields such as penetration testing. As cyber threats get more severe, addressing these skills gaps is key to protecting digital assets and being able to respond to a breach.

3. Project Management Skills

Project managers are in high demand in the UK as projects across various sectors, including IT, construction and healthcare, are getting more complex. With over 2 million people working in project-based roles, these professionals contribute around £156.5 billion to the economy. But many organizations are struggling to find qualified candidates with skills like Agile project management, change management and communication. 

4. Graphic Designing Skills

According to the Department for Culture, the Media graphic design industry has grown by 18% over the last 5 years and is now worth £3.6 billion in 2023. However, the number of skilled graphic designers in the UK has not kept pace with this growth and there is a significant skills gap in the industry. This shortage means businesses are struggling to find the talent they need, and there is increased competition for the designers who are available. Key sectors like advertising, marketing and digital media are particularly affected as good design is essential to attract customers and build brand presence. 

5. Architecture Skills

Post Brexit, delivering big projects in the UK is getting tougher due to uncertainty in the job market. The UK is facing a big shortage of skilled workers, particularly in architecture and construction. This affects clients as well as design and construction teams. Companies in the UK are actively looking for more skilled architects to complete their projects in time. 

6. Digital Marketing Skills

Digital skills are key as the demand for digital skills in the UK workplace continues to rise.  According to a government report, 82% of employers need employees with digital skills. As companies are using digital channels to reach consumers, these skills are key for job seekers and companies to succeed in a competitive market.

7. Business Analysis Skills

Business analysts are in high demand in the UK, driven by the need for organizations to adapt to rapidly changing technology and data-driven decision-making. According to Brainstation, the demand for business analysts is expected to grow significantly, with jobs projected to increase. A report from McKinsey highlights that the UK faces a shortage of 140,000 to 180,000 people with analytical skills and more than 1.5 million managers and analysts who can use data analysis to inform decision-making.

8. Healthcare Skills

According to NHS data, England has a low number of doctors per head of population, with 2.9 doctors per 1,000 people. This is below the OECD EU average of 3.7 and way below Germany’s 4.3. As of September 2024, there were 107,865 vacancies in secondary care in England, including 7,768 medical vacancies, which is 4.9% of all medical posts. The common reason for this is the increasing skill gap. Although this vacancy rate has improved from 6.0% the previous year, nursing shortages are still a big issue, with 31,773 unfilled nursing posts, 7.5% of all nursing posts.

9. IT Support Skills

The UK is facing a big shortage of IT user support technicians, with an official figure of 140,400 more professionals needed in this area. This shortage is caused by several factors, including the pace of technological change and the increasing use of IT across all sectors. Plus, companies are adopting more complex technologies and digital solutions, and the demand for IT support has increased as a result, with more qualified people needed to manage these systems.

10. Artificial Intelligence Skills

The AI market is growing fast and big numbers for the future. Research says 68% of IT leaders cite "lack of skills and expertise" as the main barrier to implementing AI and 28% say this is a "big" challenge in the next 12 months. This skills shortage is more pressing than other challenges like data integration and fragmented systems.

How to Upskill for the UK Job Market?

In today’s job market, upskilling is key to career progression and employability. With technology and industry changing so fast, using the right resources and training opportunities can make all the difference. Here are some training providers in the UK:

1. City & Guilds: City & Guilds is a well-established organization that has been providing vocational qualifications for over 140 years. They offer qualifications across many sectors including engineering, construction, hospitality, and health. Their courses are employer-focused and include practical assessments so learners gain the skills they need. City & Guilds also offer apprenticeships and bespoke training for businesses.

2. The Open University: The Open University (OU) is a pioneer in flexible learning, offering vocational courses and degrees for adult learners. Their programs cover business management, IT and health sciences. OU is learner-centric, with support from tutors and online resources. Many courses include work-based learning so students can gain real-world experience.

3. Pearson: Pearson is a global education company that provides vocational qualifications through its BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) framework. Employers and education institutions recognize BTEC courses and cover areas such as business, engineering, health, and the arts. Pearson focuses on practical learning experiences and assessments that reflect real-world applications so students develop skills for the workplace.

Summary

The UK job market is changing fast and needs a highly skilled and professional workforce to meet the market demands. Sectors like technology, healthcare, and digital marketing are experiencing talent shortages, so upskilling is key for job seekers and employers. As companies adapt to new technology and changing consumer behavior, having the right skills is key to being competitive.

Edstellar offers training programs that help you upskill, and the Skill Matrix helps employers identify skills gaps in their teams. Use these to help yourself and your organization to stay ahead of the curve and future-proof.