Top Skills in Demand Across Yorkshire

September through to the end of November tends to a busy time recruitment wise, as leaders and managers return from holidays with fresh energy to roll out projects and grow their teams.

Yorkshire’s job market is experiencing significant shifts driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and changes in economic dynamics.

For employers across the region, understanding which skills are most in demand is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent.

We thought now would be a good time to provide some insight into the skills that are currently shaping the current workforce.

1. Digital and Tech Skills

Industry Focus: Tech, Finance, Creative Industries

Yorkshire’s reputation as a growing tech hub is well-earned, with cities like Leeds and Sheffield at the forefront of digital innovation. As competition for tech talent intensifies, employers need to be proactive in identifying and recruiting individuals with the right digital skills.

Key Skills in Demand

AI and Machine Learning: As AI continues to revolutionise industries, professionals with expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and AI ethics are highly sought after.

Full-Stack Development: With the ongoing demand for digital solutions, full-stack developers skilled in both front-end and back-end technologies, such as React.js and Node.js, are invaluable.

Cybersecurity: The rise in cyber threats has made cybersecurity a top priority for businesses. Employers should seek professionals with skills in threat analysis, incident response, and security architecture.

Cloud Architecture: As cloud adoption continues, expertise in designing, deploying, and managing cloud infrastructures on platforms like AWS and Azure is in high demand.

 

2. Sustainability and Environmental Knowledge

Industry Focus: Manufacturing, Construction, Energy

With sustainability becoming a key focus across industries, the demand for green skills is rapidly increasing in Yorkshire’s manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors. Employers must adapt to meet the growing need for environmentally conscious practices.

Key Skills in Demand:

Green Engineering: Skills in designing and implementing sustainable manufacturing processes, such as energy-efficient production techniques and waste minimisation strategies, are critical.

Environmental Compliance: Professionals who are knowledgeable about environmental regulations and can ensure compliance with local and international standards are essential.

Renewable Energy Expertise: The expansion of renewable energy projects in Yorkshire requires engineers and technicians skilled in solar, wind, and biomass technologies.

 

3. Healthcare and Social Care

Industry Focus: Healthcare, Social Services

Yorkshire’s healthcare and social care sectors are critical to the region’s well-being and economy. The ongoing challenges of an aging population, increased demand for mental health services, and post-pandemic care needs are driving demand for specialised skills. Employers in these sectors must navigate a competitive landscape to secure top talent.

Key Skills in Demand:

Advanced Nursing Skills: The ageing population is creating a need for nurses with advanced skills in geriatric care, chronic disease management, and palliative care.

Mental Health Expertise: With rising awareness and demand for mental health services, professionals skilled in psychotherapy, counselling, and psychiatric care are highly sought after.

Care Management: As the complexity of patient and client needs grows, professionals with skills in care coordination, case management, and social work are essential.

Elderly Care and Support: There is a significant demand for care workers and support staff trained in elderly care, including dementia care and end-of-life care.

 

4. Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

Industry Focus: Engineering, Automotive, Aerospace

Yorkshire’s engineering and manufacturing sectors are undergoing a transformation driven by technology and innovation. The demand for skilled professionals in advanced manufacturing continues to rise, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Key Skills in Demand:

Automation and Robotics: With increasing automation in manufacturing processes, professionals with expertise in robotics, PLC programming, and automated systems design are essential.

Additive Manufacturing: As additive manufacturing becomes more prevalent, skills in 3D printing technologies and materials science are crucial for innovation and production efficiency.

Lean Manufacturing and Quality Management: The focus on efficiency and quality has led to a demand for professionals skilled in Lean methodologies, Six Sigma, and quality control systems.

5. Life Sciences

Industry Focus: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Research

Yorkshire’s life sciences sector is thriving, driven by ongoing advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. The demand for skilled professionals in these areas is growing, particularly as personalised medicine and advanced therapies become more prevalent.

Key Skills in Demand:

Clinical Research and Trials Management: As pharmaceutical companies increase their focus on personalised medicine, professionals with expertise in clinical research, trial management, and regulatory affairs are in high demand.

Biotechnological Innovation: Expertise in genetic engineering, CRISPR technology, and bioinformatics is crucial as Yorkshire’s biotech sector continues to grow.

Regulatory Compliance: The complex regulatory environment for new drug approvals and biotechnological innovations necessitates professionals skilled in navigating and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and standards.

Data Science in Life Sciences: The integration of data science in life sciences research is growing, with skills in bioinformatics, biostatistics, and big data analysis becoming increasingly important.

6. Sales and Customer Service Skills

Industry Focus: Retail, E-commerce, B2B Services

Sales and customer service skills have always been critical to business success, but in 2024, these roles are evolving to meet the challenges of an increasingly digital and customer-centric marketplace. Employers in Yorkshire must prioritise these skills to drive growth and customer satisfaction.

Key Skills in Demand:

Digital Sales Proficiency: With more transactions occurring online, skills in digital sales strategies, including CRM software usage, e-commerce platforms, and digital lead generation, are essential.

Customer Experience (CX) Management: As companies focus more on delivering seamless and personalised customer experiences, professionals who can manage and optimise the entire customer journey are in high demand.

Lead Generation and LinkedIn Proficiency: The ability to effectively generate and nurture leads through digital platforms, particularly LinkedIn, is crucial in modern sales roles. LinkedIn has become a vital tool for building networks, engaging prospects, and driving sales conversions.

Multichannel Communication Skills: Proficiency in engaging customers across multiple channels (phone, email, live chat, social media) is crucial, particularly as consumers expect instant and effective responses.

7. Creative and Digital Media

Industry Focus: Media, Advertising, Digital Marketing

Yorkshire’s creative industries are thriving, with an increasing demand for professionals in digital media, advertising, and marketing. As businesses continue to prioritise their online presence, employers need to identify and secure talent with the necessary creative and technical skills.

Key Skills in Demand:

Content Strategy and Production: Professionals skilled in creating and executing content strategies, particularly those involving video and interactive media, are in high demand.

Digital Marketing and Analytics: As digital marketing becomes more data-driven, expertise in SEO, SEM, and digital analytics is crucial for measuring and optimising campaign performance.

User Experience (UX) and Interface Design (UI): With the growing focus on customer experience, UX/UI designers who can create intuitive and engaging digital interfaces are highly sought after.

Final Thoughts

As we approach the latter half of 2024, the skills landscape in Yorkshire continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for employers. By staying informed about the most in-demand skills and proactively adapting your recruitment and retention strategies, you can ensure your organisation remains competitive in attracting top talent.

Advice for Employers

Stay Agile: The job market is dynamic, and skills in demand can shift rapidly. Regularly review your talent needs and adjust your hiring strategies accordingly.

Build a Talent Pipeline: Establish relationships with local universities to create a steady pipeline of emerging talent. Offer internships, apprenticeships, and graduate schemes that allow students to gain practical experience while contributing to your projects.

Prioritise Employee Development: Invest in the ongoing development of your workforce to build a resilient and adaptable team capable of meeting future challenges. Support for continuous learning, including certifications and specialisations, can be a significant draw for top talent.

Engage with the Community: Participate in local industry events, collaborate with educational institutions, and contribute to community initiatives to strengthen your employer brand and connect with potential candidates.

Offer Competitive Packages: In a tight labour market, salary is often not enough. Enhance your compensation packages with flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits packages, including mental health support, can help differentiate your organisation from competitors.

Highlight Sustainability in Your Brand: Make your commitment to sustainability a key part of your employer branding. Showcase your green initiatives on your website, social media, and in job advertisements to attract like-minded candidates.

Leverage Industry Networks: Join industry-specific associations and attend trade shows to connect with professionals in the field. Networking at these events can help you identify potential hires and stay updated on emerging skills in demand.

Build Strong Employer Branding: Leverage your digital platforms to showcase your company’s projects, work culture, and employee testimonials. A strong online presence can help you stand out to potential candidates in the competitive creative industry.

By aligning your talent acquisition and development strategies with the current demands of the Yorkshire job market, your organisation will be well-positioned to thrive in 2024 and beyond.

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We have launched a new service at Key Appointments. Our Key Outsource service is there to help SME’s be more proactive with their recruitment by having up to date market knowledge.

If you foresee that you will need to recruit 4 or more times in the next 12 months, then drop us a line to find out more.

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Hi I’m Keeley, MD of Key Appointments.

We offer Fixed Fee, Contingent, Retained and Recruitment Outsourcing services - providing support wherever it’s needed, allowing you to manage your budget effectively.

Talk to me if you’re an SME or Non-Profit with limited time and budget for your recruitment.

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