The top sectors to target in 2025 if you’re thinking about changing careers from teaching to logistics

WITH the New Year just around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about changing careers.

Days off over Christmas give us the chance to reflect and consider what we want to do next.

But latest employment figures from the Office for National Statistics show the jobs market is falling faster than Santa coming down the chimney.

Vacancies dropped by 31,000 to 818,000 from September to November, and it’s now 29 months in a row that the number of available jobs has declined.

So if you’re going to make a move, it makes sense to pick a sector where the number of roles is on the up.

To help you, we’ve teamed up with Adzuna to reveal the top sectors to target in 2025.

Andrew Hunter, co-founder of the jobs portal, said: “Spring is the prime hiring season so now is the perfect time to start planning.

“Consider using AI tools to streamline your job search, whether it’s freshening up your CV, polishing your cover letter or preparing for interviews.

“Editing is key as it’s easy for recruiters and employers to spot generic AI-generated content. Take the time to customise your application to make it relevant.”

LOGISTICS/WAREHOUSE

THE UK’s love of online shopping has seen demand for new delivery drivers surge to four times higher than last year.

Overall, the sector has seen a 31 per cent jump in vacancies since January, while the average salary is also up by almost 13 per cent to £31,727.

As well as driving, picking and packing, and warehouse positions, logistics offers careers covering everything from international trade and customs to sustainability.

For more, see generationlogistics.org/job-families-roles.

CUSTOMER SERVICES

JOBS in this sector rose in the pandemic, as firms dealt with worried clients facing extra needs.

And the ongoing cost of living crisis means demand is still high.

Pay is up by over 13 per cent this year to an average of £28,913 — and with 100,000 vacancies nationally, companies are offering flexible hours, perks and the option to work from home.

Find out if the role is for you at instituteofcustomerservice.com.

MAINTENANCE AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

EVERY workplace needs maintenance and facilities staff, whether this is factories, offices, schools, shops or leisure and cultural facilities such as swimming pools or museums.

Increasing health and safety regulations means that more staff are required to maintain standards — and this has led to a 12.7 percent surge in salaries.

Maintenance roles now pay an average of £37,409.

CHILDCARE

THE rollout of the Government’s free 30 hours of weekly childcare has led to an increase in demand for childcare staff.

Vacancies for childminders are seven times higher than last year, while the number of nursery manager jobs has tripled.

Find out more about this at earlyyearscareers.campaign.gov.uk.

TEACHING

Vacancies for teachers have increased by more than a quarter in the past year.

Recruitment campaigns including Get Into Teaching and Teach First offer help and financial assistance for both graduates and career changers to make the move into the classroom.

You can find out more at getintoteaching.education. gov.uk and teachfirst.org.uk.

ALLY MARSH has been a delivery driver for more than 20 years and is keen to promote the industry to new recruits.

Ally, 49, from Stratford, East London, now works for courier firm Packfleet.

He said: “I love the flexibility that being a delivery driver offers. I can work as much or as little as I want.

“An added bonus is getting to know regular customers over time.

“It’s nice to catch up and say hi to them each day, especially over the Christmas season.”

WHO CARES WINS

GENERATION Alpha kids, born after 2010, are planning to shun social media careers – with just three per cent hoping to be an influencer or YouTuber when they grow up

A study found 35 per cent of them would like to one day become a nurse or a doctor, 21 per cent a teacher and 18 per cent a vet.

The research for Spin Master TV show Vida The Vet also revealed that three quarters of parents believe their children’s current interests are likely to inspire their future career ambitions.

Jennifer Dodge, head of entertainment at Spin Master, said: “Generation Alpha have their sights firmly set on helping others and making a positive impact.”

HAS SANTA BIN?

IF YOUR work Secret Santa gift was not quite what you hoped for, you are far from alone.

New research finds 2.5million unwanted such pressies just go straight in the bin – wasting around £32MILLION.

While the number of employees taking part in these gift swaps is down from 50 per cent last year to just 44 per cent in 2024, the average cost of the mystery parcel has risen to £14.

Staff aged 18 to 24 spend the most, forking out between £23 to £35.

Workers aged 55 and over pay the least, at £10 per gift.

Frank Creighton from gift card firm Love2Shop, which carried out the research, said: “Not only is Secret Santa another expense at this time of year, it has a wider impact on the environment as unwanted gifts are often binned.”

SET YOUR EMAIL TO HOLIDAY MODE . . . 

ENJOYING some downtime from the daily grind over the festive break?

It might be a good idea to perfect your out-of-office email replies with these top tips from Amanda Augustine, careers expert at TopCV . . . 

1. TARGET AUDIENCE: Consider who will be reading your email. Friendly co-workers will enjoy a cheerful tone – for them, signing off with a cheesy “Yules truly” shows you’re part of the festive fun. But if you’re likely to be receiving incoming messages from customers or clients, err on the side of caution and keep the festive frivolity to a minimum.
2. COMPANY POLICY: Are there workplace policies or guidelines to follow? If you’re unsure, check with an HR rep or your manager. A formal style may be mandatory, although some employers encourage their team to put personality into communications, to better engage with the outside world.
3. PERSONAL BRAND: If you are given the go-ahead, an out-of-office email is a great opportunity to project your own brand. If you are known for being witty, your message can reflect this. If you are a no-nonsense type, play it simple and direct.
4. CHASING A PROMOTION? Act the role you want. Use your manager’s out-of-office email as a template to ensure your tone is right for the next level up. Alternatively, if your aim is to grab attention, why not make yourself stand out with an upbeat, outgoing holiday message – Christmas emojis included.
5. KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET: Ultimately, the recipient wants useful information. Bear in mind that you being out of office may be inconvenient for the emailer, so keep your email clear and concise. Make it obvious when you are back, whether you are checking your inbox, and who to contact for urgent matters.