What technical jobs will be in high demand in 2022?
It’s been a challenging few years for many employment industries across the UK, with recruitment in travel, hospitality, retail, and leisure hit the hardest. Coupled with global shortages of materials, staff shortages, and transport delays, some job sectors in the UK are still experiencing persistent labour supply issues and difficulty filling vacancies.
With this in mind, let’s turn our attention to the top growing UK industries of 2021 and five technical jobs that will be in high demand in the coming year.
What were the fastest growing industries in the UK in 2021?
Based on expert analysis by Revenue Growth, the top 10 fastest growing industries in the UK this year were:
| Industry | Revenue Growth |
| Safety Equipment & Supplies Wholesaling | 95.4% |
| Telehealth Services | 63.2% |
| Online Food Ordering & Delivery Platforms | 45.1% |
| Bicycle Retailing | 42.5% |
| Online Alcohol Retailing | 42% |
| E-Commerce & Online Auctions | 40.2% |
| Precious Metals Production | 37.7% |
| Audiobook Publishing | 36.9% |
| Online Stock Brokerages | 36.6% |
| Online Greetings Card Retailers | 36.5% |
So, what technical jobs will be in high demand in 2022?
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HGV driver jobs
According to the latest Road Haulage Association (RHA) survey, estimates reveal there is now a shortage of over 100,000 qualified drivers in the UK. So, with HGV wages currently ranging between £35,000 and £50,000, there has never been a better time to retain and enter the logistics sector.
The 8 main steps to becoming a qualified commercial driver in the UK
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Warehouse operative jobs
In 2020, 87% of UK households made online purchases; Britain’s highest online purchase rate in 11 years! So, just like delivery drivers, increasing online purchases inevitably requires more warehouse operatives to keep the supply chain fit and healthy.
What are the top skills a warehouse operative could have?
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Computer programmer jobs
Although the technology market is booming, it may surprise you to learn that 70% of the tech industry is experiencing skills shortages – with the greatest deficits felt in Yorkshire (73%), London (62%), and the North (55%). Largely due to increasing investment in UK tech companies, Cyber Security, BI & Data Management, and Software Development are the most sought-after skills of the moment, so demand for developers is set to continue into 2022 and beyond.
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Skilled engineer jobs
186,000 engineers are needed annually until 2024 just to plug the skills gap, with almost 20% of the current workforce expected to retire by 2026.
What type of jobs are in engineering?
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Tradespeople jobs
The latest research by the ONS reveals the employment rate in the UK construction sector fell from 2.3 million in 2017 to 2.1 million at the end of 2020. Before the pandemic, there was already a shortage of skilled trade workers, which has only been exacerbated further with the UK’s thriving home improvement market which took hold through the various periods of lockdown. The highest paid construction jobs include Site Managers, Electricians, Plasterers, Plumbers, and Carpenters.
What qualifications do you need to be a tradesman?
Find contract & permanent staffing solutions with PPR Recruitment
From mechanical and electrical careers to industrial operatives and professional vacancies to careers in construction, get in touch with our recruitment experts on 01895 808188 or contact us online to get the ball rolling towards a fresh start in the new year.
