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Working Abroad Job Vacancies Job Hunting Guide Voluntary Work Working Part-time and Temping Useful Job Hunting Resources Working in Somerset Wages and Employment Rights Somerset’s industries The links below lead to information about thirteen key industries in Somerset. Click on each to find out more about that industry. For web links to employers in each industry, go to Somerset employers. Arts, design and media Catering and hospitality Construction Defence, justice, legal and uniformed services Finance, business and IT Hair and beauty Health and social care Land-based industries Leisure and tourism Manufacturing and engineering Public administration, education and government Retail and wholesale Transport, distribution and communication General information about careers in each industry can be found in your careers or Connexions library or by going to www.connexions-somerset.org.uk/azcareers/index.html Arts, design & media in Somerset The Somerset picture   Arts, design and media in Somerset is a particularly diverse sector. It includes creative and performing arts, graphic design, interior design, fine art, illustration, film and media, photography, traditional crafts and architecture.   This means that arts, design and media jobs exist in a surprising variety of Somerset companies. These include specialist businesses (such as publishers and website designers) as well as those in catering, tourism, retailing and other sectors.   Larger local employers include interior designers, theatres, newspapers and television and radio companies. Related jobs exist with conference and event organisers, marketing firms and public relations businesses.   The total number of jobs is small compared with other industries. In Somerset no more than 1,000 people work in specialist arts, design and media companies. There are further opportunities in places like Bristol, Bath, Bournemouth and Exeter.   Over 60% of arts, design and media workers are freelance. Most companies employ fewer than 25 people.   Other industries employ specialist design staff. For example, manufacturing and engineering is strong in Somerset and many businesses employ computer-aided design (CAD) staff.   Examples of manufacturing and production companies employing CAD staff – and other types of designers – include Clarks, Mulberry, Pittards and Haynes Publishing.   The internationally-famous Glastonbury music festival is one of the largest of its kind and is run and organised from Somerset.   You can discover more about the arts in Somerset by looking at these websites: www.somersetarts.com, www.somersetartweek.org.uk and www.somersetfilm.com. Added background   The range of jobs stretches from architects and graphic designers through to journalists, photographers and conference organisers.   Artists, designers and performers need talent. Artists and designers also need an eye for detail and, normally, a degree or similar qualification.   Somerset colleges, together with other universities and colleges in the SW, offer a variety of university-level art, design and performance courses.   For more about these sectors go to www.ccskills.org.uk and www.skillset.org. Looking forward   IT and other technical skills are increasingly important for many careers in arts, design and media.   Web design and maintenance is a growing creative industry that has impacted on many design-related jobs.   Digital media skills are in big demand because of the growth of multi-channel TV and the internet.   The growth of broadband and other digital communication means it is possible to establish small businesses in rural locations such as Somerset.   Somerset is expected to see more arts, design and media businesses as the South West becomes an important centre for creative work. Return to top of page Catering and hospitality in Somerset The Somerset picture   Hospitality is an employment growth area in Somerset and employs over 11,000 people in the county.   The sector includes hotels, guest houses, restaurants, fast food outlets and bars. This means the industry caters for local people as well as those visiting, or passing through, Somerset.   The number of local hospitality establishments is rising. Many businesses are small and employ fewer than five people.   Somerset has several prestigious restaurants and hotels which regularly win awards from Michelin, Les Routiers and the AA.   The conference and events business is growing. This is partly because Somerset is a handy meeting place for people from all over the SW. Many rural hotels and historic buildings have also become popular wedding venues. See www.visitsomerset.co.uk/conferences   Visitors to Somerset tend to prefer weekend and short breaks rather than longer visits.   The local hospitality industry also benefits from motorists stopping for refreshments, or to spend the night, when travelling along the M5 or A303. This means there are service areas and hotels near these main roads.   There are many locally-run hotels in Somerset, several of which enjoy a national reputation. The county also has hotels that are part of groups such as Best Western, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Travelodge.   Other major catering and hospitality venues include the Royal Bath and West Showground, Butlins and various sporting venues (such as race courses, cricket and football grounds).   For more about food in Somerset go to www.tasteofthewest.co.uk and www.visitsomerset.co.uk/site/eating-out/food-festivals Added backgound   Customer service, interpersonal and communication skills are vital for this work. Being good with people is an important asset.   The range of possible employers is vast and includes conference centres, chalet and villa complexes, staff restaurants, heritage and tourist attractions, sporting venues and hospitals.   There is a constant demand for new recruits who are enthusiastic, committed and willing to learn.   Health and safety is vitally important and employees need training in food handling, food production and food storage.   For more about this industry go to www.people1st.co.uk Looking forward   The current local shortage of chefs and waiting staff is expected to continue in the future.   More hospitality businesses will use the web for advertising and bookings.   Somerset’s hospitality industry is likely to benefit from people living longer, extended opening hours and an increase in second holidays.   There is likely to be more interest in sustainable tourism and consumption (including organic produce). This could impact on how people dine out in future and what they expect of hotels and guest houses. Somerset is well-placed for these developments. Return to top of page Construction in Somerset The Somerset picture   Around 8,000 people work in the construction business in Somerset.   More houses are to be built throughout Somerset. This suggests the local construction industry will thrive for the foreseeable future.   Somerset is seeing several major commercial property construction projects. These include the expansion of business projects along the M5 as well as the Morlands site at Glastonbury - www.morlandsenterprisepark.com.   A large-scale project is also planned for the centre of Taunton. This will include homes, shops and work places (see www.projecttaunton.co.uk).   Somerset is at the fore of sustainable construction developments. One of these is the Genesis Project based at Somerset College in Taunton - www.somerset.ac.uk/genesis05 .   Somerset has several large locally-run construction businesses that undertake building work both locally and elsewhere. Somerset builders are often found on sites in Exeter, Plymouth, Bristol and elsewhere.   National construction companies, such as ROK and Morgan Sindall also have offices in the county.   Examples of Somerset business working throughout Britain include Stacey Construction (petrol forecourts), Space Decks (skylights and facades) and Wells Cathedral Stone Masons (renovation of historic buildings).   Many Somerset construction businesses are small (employing fewer than four people) and owner-managed.   There is a wide range of full-time and part-time construction courses at colleges in Somerset (including some at university-level). Many local businesses offer apprenticeships that provide the chance to learn practical and technical skills. Added background   Construction includes all the activities that contribute to the development of the built environment. This includes site preparation, creating and completing buildings, building repair and maintenance, developing the infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc) and installing services and utilities.   As well as construction businesses potential employers include councils, civil engineering firms, estate agents, plant hire firms, DIY stores, builder’s merchants and colleges (as teachers and technicians).   The smallness of many construction businesses means that self-employment skills (eg accounts, management and administration) are vital for success.   The use of subcontractors is common for all stages of a project. Companies often employ contract managers to deal with subcontractors. Project management is a key skill for this role.   There are construction opportunities for people of all academic abilities across a wide-range of skills and talents. Jobs range from professional-level (involving university or similar study) through to apprenticeships and less-skilled occupations.   For extra information go to www.constructionskills.net and www.summitskills.org.uk Looking forward   Somerset will need an extra 3,000 construction workers by 2012 to replace those approaching retirement. There will be a particular need for plumbers, carpenters and joiners, managers, electricians, bricklayers and building office and sales staff.   Customer expectations are rising. This means there will be a bigger emphasis on safety standards, agreeing costs in advance and ensuring buildings are completed on time.   Quality, innovation and customer satisfaction will be the key to future success in the construction industry.   Sustainable construction – minimising waste, using low energy, being environmentally friendly - will be important in the future. Return to top of page Defence, justice, legal and uniformed services in Somerset The Somerset picture   Over 4,000 people work in the defence, justice and emergency services sector in Somerset. In addition significant numbers of people work for firms of solicitors.   Somerset is served by the Avon & Somerset Constabulary, Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust.   There are 18 police stations in Somerset, split into two divisions centred on Taunton and Yeovil. The same constabulary also covers Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare.   The fire service covers Devon and Somerset. There are 24 fire stations in Somerset with a control centre in Taunton and divisional HQs in Taunton and Yeovil. The county has 180 full-time “whole” fire fighters and 390 part-time “retained” fire fighters.   The ambulance service covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. There are 10 ambulance stations in Somerset.   The Somerset coast is patrolled by Maritime and Coastguard Agency staff from outside the county. MCA staff are based at places such as Swansea, Brixham, Cardiff and Plymouth.   Somerset has a prison at Shepton Mallet. There are other prisons and similar institutions in Bristol, Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire.   Other justice-related employers in Somerset include youth offending teams, the probation services, courts and the Crown Prosecution Service.   Magistrates courts are found in several towns together with a Crown court in Taunton and County courts in Taunton and Yeovil.   There are military bases in Somerset at Norton Fitzwarren (Royal Marines) and Yeovilton (Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm).   There are firms of solicitors, large and small, throughout Somerset. Several local firms have branches in different towns. Major solicitors such as Ashfords and Clarke Willmott are also represented in Somerset.   Other legal employers include a small number of barristers’ chambers and specialist legal services providers such as Clerksroom. Added background   Many emergency services jobs in Somerset involve shift work and awkward hours. Physical fitness is important and you need to cope with tricky and difficult situations.   As well as front line staff Somerset’s emergency services also employ people in catering, vehicle maintenance, administration and many other roles.   There is a huge variety of careers within the armed forces. This includes training, medical work, legal work, catering, air traffic control and photography.   People employed in military, prison and emergency services are likely to be posted to other locations. This means you must be prepared to move around.   There has been a growth in legal work and in the variety of roles. Together with solicitors and barristers there are jobs as legal executives, paralegals, and conveyancers. Offices also employ administration and finance staff.   The various types of courts in Somerset – Crown, County and magistrates – employ clerks, administrators, ushers, baliliffs, court reporters, etc.   For more information go to www.skillsforjustice.com. Looking forward   There is a continuing demand for new recruits in each of the armed forces.   Jobs in the forces are becoming more technical. The Army, for instance, is one of the largest training organisations in the country and offers the chance of getting all sorts of civilian qualifications.   As the prison population increases there will be more prison officers.   The growing legal sector, and changes in the way the work is done, will lead to new roles and responsibilities for legal executives, paralegals and others supporting the work of solicitors.   With the emergency services under public scrutiny, and facing new legislation and ways of working, jobs will evolve in different ways. Keeping up-to-date and undertaking training will be an important part of the job. Return to top of page Finance, business & IT in Somerset The Somerset picture   This is a large sector comprising several industries which, all together, employ over 25,000 people in Somerset.   The sector covers many activities including banking, building societies, insurance, advertising, marketing and call centres.   Taunton is Somerset’s main centre for jobs in this sector. However, in reality, jobs and businesses are spread across the county in towns, villages and rural areas.   Although Somerset has a good share of this type of work there are greater concentrations of employers elsewhere. In the SW, Bristol is particularly strong for jobs in the financial and insurance sector.   Most Somerset businesses are small or medium-sized, often employing less than 5 people. This is especially true in the IT industry.   Somerset has important major employers – such as Clarks, Westland and Somerset County Council. Together a small number of these big organisations employ around a quarter of the local workforce. Each employs people in all sorts of capacities: IT, business administration, training, finance, personnel, etc.   Examples of other prominent Somerset businesses include Western Provident Association (health insurance) and Debenhams (some HQ functions conducted from Somerset).   Somerset has a call centre industry represented by businesses such as Screwfix Direct and Booking Services International.   Specialist IT businesses include Passgo, WCBS, Bluefinger, Applied Technology and Iconography. Added background   Finance, business and IT jobs are not restricted to this sector. Somerset organisations employing staff to do this type of work include councils, garages, colleges, hospitals, manufacturing businesses and engineering firms.   IT jobs, within many types of organisation, include. Many organisations – not just IT businesses - employ people in IT roles. This include network support, internet solutions, hardware maintenance and systems administration.   Large businesses also need personnel, catering, administration, security, distribution, customer service, training and all sorts of other staff.   Nationally, many banking, finance and computing jobs are concentrated on London and the South East.   For more about the various branches of this sector go to www.fssc.org.uk, www.e-skills.com and www.assetskills.org. Looking forward   This sector has been revolutionised by technological change and changing job roles. This will continue as businesses strive to become more competitive.   The internet and email is having a big impact on customer behaviour and business practice. For example, more people are now banking and buying online.   The ever-developing global economy means that businesses need to be flexible to survive. This means that businesses often change direction at short notice.   Although many people are still employed on permanent contracts the move towards short-term contracts and, in some cases, freelancing and sub-contracting is expected to continue. Return to top of page Hair & beauty in Somerset The Somerset picture   Around a thousand people work in this sector in Somerset.   Many Somerset hair and beauty businesses are small and employ fewer than five staff .   Most businesses are based in the county with just one branch. A few, such as Sarah Hodge, have several salons in Somerset. National chains, such as Toni & Guy also operate in Somerset.   The number of unisex salons is growing in Somerset but there are fewer men-only hairdressing businesses.   Several Somerset colleges and training companies offer courses and apprenticeships in hairdressing and beauty therapy.   The importance of tourism in Somerset, and surrounding counties, has led to extra hair and beauty jobs in hotels, health farms and spas.   Cedar Falls and Monty’s Spa are examples of prominent local spas and health farms. Added background   This is a sector with plenty of self-employment opportunities. You could open your own salon or run a mobile hairdressing business.   There are hair and beauty jobs in less-likely places such as hospitals, care homes, nursing homes, hotels and health farms. Retail and department stores employ beauty consultants. Theatre productions need skilled make-up artists and many TV studios employ hair and make-up specialists.   Business owners need financial, accounting, personnel and health and safety awareness.   An experienced beauty therapist can go on to massage, hair removal, nail technician work, TV and film make-up work, teaching or freelance work.   An experienced hairdresser can specialise in cutting, colouring, barbering or Afro-Caribbean hair styling.   There is a steady demand for hairdressers and there is always work because everyone needs a haircut.   Due to competition in the industry customer service skills have become much more important in recent years. Looking forward   There are likely to be more beauty therapy businesses owing to the growth in luxury products and services.   Changing lifestyles mean more people will opt for services offered by health farms and spas.   Constant new developments mean that hairdressers and beauty workers will increasingly need to keep up-to date with trends. They must also be ready to upgrade their skills and knowledge. Return to top of page Health and social care in Somerset The Somerset picture   Over 25,000 people work in the health and social care sector in Somerset.   Somerset has above-average numbers of people aged 60 and over. This means relatively good employment opportunities in residential care and sheltered housing.   Most health jobs are in the public sector. Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust and Yeovil District Hospital NHS Trust (Yeovil) are among the largest employers in the county. Find out more at www.somersetpct.nhs.uk   The Nuffield Hospital in Taunton is an example of a private health care provider.   Social care services – including social workers – are mainly provided by Somerset County Council. The council’s work is split into various services: adult social care; children and families; learning disabilities.   Many different organisations run care homes including Somerset Care, Abbeyfield Society, Barchester Healthcare and Brunel Care.   Specialist, private health and social care services include the British Institute for Brain Injured Children (near Bridgwater) and the National Austistic Society (Brent Knoll.   Child care in Somerset is a growing area. Services are offered by a wide range of private and public sector organisations. More at www.childcarelink.gov.uk.   Somerset’s colleges run a number of health and social care courses at both further education and university level. This includes nursing at centres in Taunton and Yeovil.   Apprenticeships in health and social care are available through local training companies. Added background   Health and social care is a broad area. Job opportunities are available in opticians, charities, complementary medicine practices, health centres and many other organisations.   As well as day nurseries, crèches and child care facilities can be found in shopping centres, tourist attractions, holiday resorts, colleges and large workplaces.   Most health and social care careers need specialist knowledge. They also require excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Report writing and IT skills are also important.   Running a health or social care business requires business and self-employment skills such as management, organisation, finance, administration and marketing.   For more about this sector go to www.skillsforhealth.org.uk and www.skillsforcare.org.uk . Looking forward   There are shortages of qualified staff in many health and social care professions. Some vacancies remain unfilled for long periods.   The care sector is growing and around 10,000 new care workers are needed between now and 2012. This will also replace staff currently approaching retirement.   With Somerset already having an above-average number of people aged over 60 employment opportunities in residential care and sheltered housing are expected to grow.   The growing interest in complementary therapies means that doctors are increasingly referring patients for treatments offered by acupuncturists, aromatherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and reflexologists. Return to top of page Land-based industries in Somerset The Somerset picture   Land-based industries are important in Somerset and employ over 8,000 people.   Farming is carried out throughout the local countryside making Somerset one of the most important agricultural areas in Britain.   Parts of Somerset – especially West Somerset – have concentrations of country estate and forestry plantations.   Horticulture is also important in areas such as Taunton Deane.   Most Somerset land-based businesses have fewer than ten employees.   Quarrying is very important in Somerset especially in the Mendip area. Foster Yeoman is one of the largest quarrying businesses in the country.   Rural crafts have a significant presence in Somerset. Examples include English Hurdle and Coates Willow.   Animal care employers include vets, the RSPCA rescue centre at West Hatch and animal sanctuaries such as Ferne and the National Animal Welfare Trust (Langport).   Food production is important to the rural economy. Somerset has many important food and drink businesses ranging from Blackacre Farm Eggs to Wyke Farms, Sheppys Cider, Moorlynch Vineyard and Styles Farmhouse Ice Cream. See www.tasteofthewest.co.uk. Added background   Land-based industries occupy 85% of the UK’s land surface and are at the heart of the rural economy.   The sector covers a wide range of activities such as agriculture, environmental conservation, fencing, floristry, game conservation, landscaping and commercial horticulture.   The whole sector employs over a million people in Britain. Others, mainly in environmental work, serve as volunteers.   Even though farming has shown signs of decline there is still a strong demand for new employees.   Many jobs overlap between industries. Land-based jobs can be found at sporting venues (e.g. cricket grounds, golf clubs), garden centres, heritage and environment sites (National Trust, English Heritage, English Nature) and with the Environment Agency.   For more about land-based and related industries go to www.lantra.co.uk, www.improveltd.co.uk and www.euskills.co.uk. Looking Forward   Farmers will continue to diversify and look for new sources of income. Farmer’s markets, organic farming, green tourism and equine tourism are all expected to grow.   Production and commercial horticulture jobs are expected to increase.   Sustainable land management is becoming more important.   Changes in agriculture are being influenced by consumer demands and requirements. Consumers want to know more about food production, animal welfare, food safety and where food comes from.   Larger farms, and changes in farm management, should mean more opportunities for qualified farm managers.   There is likely to be a future shortage of suitable younger workers. Return to top of page Leisure & tourism in Somerset The Somerset picture   Tourism is a significant part of the Somerset economy with over 23,000 jobs being directly or indirectly supported by tourism expenditure.   Somerset is a popular tourist area and attracts over 2.7 million visitors each year. The local industry is particularly concentrated around Minehead, Exmoor and Burnham-on-Sea.   Visitors to Somerset tend to prefer weekend and short breaks rather than longer visits.   The local tourism industry also benefits from motorists stopping to spend the night when travelling along the M5 or A303. This means there are service areas and hotels near these main roads.   Major employers include Butlins, Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village and Brean Leisure Park.   Tropiquaria, West Somerset Railway, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole and the Fleet Air Museum are some of the biggest tourist attractions in Somerset. English Heritage and the National Trust also have properties locally.   More about tourism in Somerset can be found at www.visitsomerset.co.uk.   Information about tourism in certain parts of the county can be found at sites such as www.heartofsomerset.com, and www.exmoor.com.   There are leisure and sport centres throughout Somerset. Many of these are run by the district councils: Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Taunton Deane and West Somerset.   Commercial leisure chains such as Cannons, Esporta and Fitness First operate in Somerset.   Adventure and outdoor activities are strong in Somerset. Employers include the Mill on the Brue.   Professional and spectator sport in Somerset is mainly represented by Somerset County Cricket Club, Yeovil Town Football Club and horse racing courses at Taunton and Wincanton.   Entertainment complexes include Cineworld, Odeon and Hollywood Bowl.   Somerset colleges run leisure and tourism courses at both further education and university level. Many include work placements designed to help you gain vital experience.   For more about getting more Somerset people to participate in sport go to www.sasp.co.uk. Added background   Leisure and tourism covers all sorts of activities such as entertainment, heritage, sport and recreation, health and fitness, caravan and holiday homes, leisure parks and tourist attractions.   Jobs can be found in health farms, spas, heritage properties, the holiday homes industry, colleges, schools, community centres, councils (including tourism development), tourist information centres and travel agencies.   The sector is customer focused and requires employees who are good with people.   For more about this sector go to www.people1st.co.uk and www.skillsactive.com. Looking Forward   Prospects for leisure and tourism are very good. The world tourist market is expected to double by 2010.   People are expected to spend more and more on leisure activities meaning that employment in this field will continue to rise.   IT is increasingly important for marketing, booking accommodation, making payments and providing reception, room, food and bar services.   Foreign language skills will be important as international tourism grows.   There is likely to be more interest in sustainable tourism, organic produce, adventure tourism and other forms of environmental tourism. Somerset is well-placed for these developments. Return to top of page Manufacturing & engineering in Somerset The Somerset picture   Over 35,000 people work in manufacturing and engineering in Somerset. This makes it one of the county’s biggest employment sectors.   Manufacturing and engineering takes place throughout Somerset but over 70% of local engineering firms are based in South Somerset.   Somerset businesses make an amazing range of products ranging from beds to cigarette machines, face paint, garage doors, inflatable boats, irrigation systems, paper, pet food, poultry incubators, shopping trolleys and ventilation equipment.   Aerospace and defence work is important in Somerset. Major employers include Westland and Thales. Find out more about aerospace in SW England at www.weaf.co.uk.   Food and drink is another Somerset strength. This includes making things like yogurt, cider, cheese and soft drinks. See www.foodlinks.org.uk for more.   Other examples of local businesses include Relyon (beds), Mulberry (leather goods) and Numatic (cleaning equipment).   Many Somerset engineering and businesses offer apprenticeships that help you learn all aspects of the work.   Somerset colleges offer a variety of engineering courses, both general and specialist, at all levels (including university-level). Colleges also offer business, finance, marketing and human resources courses that are also relevant to careers in this sector.   For more about the importance of certain manufacturing industries to the SW economy go to www.southwestrda.org.uk/sectors/index.shtm. Added background   Manufacturing involves turning raw materials into finished products.   There has been a shift from manual and low skilled jobs towards more skilled occupations such as technician or engineer.   Engineering and manufacturing businesses don’t just employ people in the production process. They also employ computer programmers, industrial designers, sales and marketing staff, managers and administrators.   The sector links to construction through civil engineering and construction plant maintenance.   For more information about various areas of manufacturing and engineering go to www.proskills.co.uk - www.cogent-ssc.com - www.euskills.co.uk - www.improveltd.co.uk - www.skillfast-uk.org - www.motor.org.uk - www.semta.org.uk. Looking Forward   New technology is creating an increasing demand for computer-aided design, advanced engineering and robotics skills.   High-level skills will be more important as lower-skilled jobs continue to disappear from some industries.   Consumers demand the latest equipment. Industries such as telecommunications (including mobile phones) are at the cutting edge.   Globalisation will make manufacturing and engineering more competitive. Business survival and growth will often become dependent on winning new contracts. Return to top of page Public administration, education & government in Somerset The Somerset picture   Around 25,000 people work in the various branches of public administration, education and government in Somerset.   Local government services in Somerset are provided by six councils.   Somerset County Council provides services such as education, social care, trading standards, transport, highways and scientific analysis across the county. For more go to www.somerset.gov.uk.   District councils provide services such as planning, cemeteries, environmental health, housing and leisure. Somerset has five district councils: Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Taunton Deane, West Somerset.   Central government employers in Somerset include the Department of Health, HM Revenue & Customs, Ministry of Defence, Jobcentre Plus, Environment Agency and the Department of Food & Rural Affairs.   Government agencies such as the UK Hydrographic Office and the Charity Commission have major operations in the Taunton area.   In Somerset the county council has responsibility for the planning and funding of education. This means there are education jobs in Somerset County Council ranging from administration to funding management and strategy development.   Somerset has 284 schools: 224 primary, 9 middle, 30 secondary, 8 special and 13 pupil referral units. There are also 5 further education colleges.   The county also has around 25 independent schools providing education between ages 3 and 19. Added background   Most public services are provided by government-funded agencies. This work is often known as public administration.   Some of these services are provided through local government; others through central government and government agencies.   Public administration, government and education organisations employ people in many different roles. Many organisations have finance, human resources, catering, marketing and IT staff.   There are also highly-specialist jobs with councils and similar organisations. These range from architects and surveyors to engineers.   Education is made up of several branches: nursery, primary, secondary, further, higher and adult.   For more about the various branches of this sector go to www.government-skills.gov.uk - www.lifelonglearninguk.org - www.euskills.co.uk. Looking Forward   Following a review of local government services in 2007, Somerset will continue to have two tiers of local government: the county council and the five district councils.   Public sector organisations will continue to be accountable, subject to scrutiny and customer-focused. Value-for-money and best practice working will be important.   In recent years public organisations have been subject to performance targets. How much this continues will depend on government policy.   Education will continue to undergo great changes in order to provide new ways of learning to suit people at different stages of their lives and careers. There will be changes to schools, colleges and qualifications.   Good teachers are in demand especially for certain subjects. For example, there is currently a big demand for mathematics teachers. Return to top of page Retail & wholesale in Somerset The Somerset picture   Around 20% of the Somerset workforce is the employed in the retail and wholesale industry. This amounts to around 40,000 workers.   Businesses and jobs can be found through Somerset. Although town centres are still important there as been a big growth in retail parks. These can now be found in many parts of Somerset.   Clarks Village at Street has 90 shops and draws shoppers from all over Somerset and beyond.   Many Somerset wholesale businesses are located in business parks on the edges of towns. Some of these are close to the M5 and other major roads.   An increasing proportion of local retail outlets are part of national chains that often have several branches in Somerset.   Examples of Somerset-run retailers include County Stores, Haskins Furniture, Hatchers and Sanders Garden World.   Other Somerset-based retail and wholesale businesses include Bradfords, Hickley Valtone, Screwfix and Toolstation. Added background   The range of retail outlets is enormous and includes pet shops, sports shops, car sales, wine merchants, computer sales, video/CD sales, garden centres, DIY stores, builder’s merchants, book stores and many other specialist retailers and suppliers.   Most retail and wholesale jobs require good people skills, the ability to cope with pressure and team work skills.   Many stores have extended opening hours and trade seven days a week. This means shift work is often part of the job.   New workers are often trained on the job alongside an experienced person.   Some businesses offer induction training and courses leading to NVQs in retail operation and other relevant qualifications.   For more about this sector go to www.skillsmartretail.com. Looking Forward   Retail and wholesale employment is expected to increase and provide many new employment opportunities.   High staff turnover means there is a steady demand for new recruits of all ages.   As in many industries IT will continue to have a big impact in the world of retail. ICT knowledge is increasingly useful alongside communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.   More retailers are using the internet by developing their own websites so that customers can buy online. Return to top of page Transport, distribution and communication in Somerset The Somerset picture   Around 8,000 people work in transport, distribution and communication in Somerset.   The M5 runs through Somerset close to Taunton and Bridgwater. This has led to new warehouses being built which provide many local jobs in this sector. The latest is a depot for Robert Wiseman Dairies.   Road haulage is important in Somerset. Businesses include Langdon, Framptons, J R Harding and Sparks Transport.   Walon, based in Yeovil, is a car transporter company operating throughout Britain.   Somerset is served by three rail companies operating from stations at places like Taunton, Yeovil (two stations), Bridgwater, Frome, Castle Cary and Crewkerne.   Over 80% of Somerset bus services are operated by First. Other bus companies include Berry’s and Cook’s Coaches.   Close to Somerset’s there are airports at Bristol, Bournemouth and Exeter. There are also port and ferry facilities at various places on the English Channel and Bristol Channel coasts. Added background   Jobs in transport, distribution and communication include operations management, staff supervision, customer service, vehicle driving, vehicle maintenance and warehouse work.   Other jobs in the industry include administration, IT, finance, human resources and catering.   Training is important for many jobs. There are qualifications in warehouse operations, driving, airport work, supervisory management, etc.   Customer care and communication skills are important. A clean driving licence helps for certain jobs.   Foreign languages can be useful for some jobs with transport and distribution companies.   There are university-level courses in transport and logistics management. For more about careers in logistics go to www.careersinlogistics.co.uk.   For more about the various branches of this sector go to www.skillsforlogistics.org - www.automotiveskills.org.uk - www.goskills.org. Looking Forward   Systems will continue to improve thanks to technology. For example the time between ordering and delivery is lessening.   Internet shopping will make businesses take new approaches to marketing, delivery and sales.   The logistics industry will be putting a big emphasis on improving management and basic skills.   Logistics job prospects will be strong because of a shortage of good recruits.   The public transport industry will remain dynamic as companies introduce new routes, compete against each other and bid for contracts and franchises. Return to top of page Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Disclaimer