Careers Resources

Careers Facts and Trends (LMI)

The term that is commonly used is LMI (Labour Market Information) which is basically facts and trends about jobs — what’s happening in the world of work right now and what might happen in the future.

This page will explain:

•             What jobs and careers exist locally

•             Which industries are growing or declining

•             Skills employers are looking for

•             Pay levels and working conditions

•             Future job trends and opportunities

This information can be used in careers lessons, guidance sessions, and when choosing GCSEs, post‑16 options, and future pathways.

2. Key Employment Sectors in Sandwell

Major Current Sectors

Sandwell has strong employment in:

  • Retail and wholesale

  • Manufacturing and engineering

  • Health and social care

  • Logistics and warehousing

  • Construction

  • Manufacturing is particularly significant, with a higher concentration of firms than the UK average.

Emerging and Future Growth Sectors

Local growth plans highlight opportunities in:

  • Advanced manufacturing and electric vehicles

  • Green technology and clean energy

  • Health technology and medical innovation

  • Digital, tech and creative industries

  • Professional and financial services

These sectors are important when advising young people about future career choices.

3. Local Careers Trends in Sandwell

Key trends affecting young people include:

  • Employment rate: around 69.8% (ages 16–64)

  • Unemployment rate: around 6%, slightly above regional average

  • Higher‑than‑average economic inactivity

What this means for young people:

  • Competition for some jobs may be higher

  • Skills and qualifications matter

  • Apprenticeships and technical training are strongly encouraged

4. Skills Employers Want

Local employers consistently highlight demand for:

  • Technical Skills

  • Engineering and manufacturing

  • Digital and IT

  • Construction and skilled trades

Employability Skills

  • Communication

  • Teamwork

  • Problem solving

  • Reliability and strong work ethic

Local strategies emphasise the importance of combining academic learning with practical, vocational skills.

5. Typical Career Pathways

Here is where you understand the different routes available after school.

Academic Route

GCSEs → A‑levels or vocational courses → University → Professional careers

Technical / Vocational Route

  • College courses (BTEC, T‑levels, vocational qualifications)

  • Apprenticeships

  • Technical training programmes

Common Apprenticeship Areas in Sandwell

  • Business administration

  • IT and digital

  • Construction trades

  • Early years and childcare

  • Marketing

  • Motor vehicle and engineering

6. Why Careers Facts & Trends Matter

Careers Facts & Trends help young people:

  • Choose subjects linked to future job demand

  • Understand local opportunities

  • Avoid training for declining industries

  • Explore apprenticeships and technical careers

  • Develop skills employers’ value

In Sandwell, this information focuses on helping young people understand the local economy (manufacturing, retail, health, logistics), future growth sectors (green tech, digital, advanced manufacturing), and the skills needed to succeed.

7. Sources of Careers Facts & Trends

Young people, parents, and schools can access high‑quality information from:

  • Black Country Intelligence Hub – Local socio‑economic data

  • Careers and Enterprise Company – Black Country careers and labour market insights

  • icould – Career videos and job stories

  • LMI Future Trends – Information on 25 sectors and occupations

  • National Careers Service (NCS) Job Profiles – Skills and qualifications for 800+ jobs

  • Nomis – Official labour market statistics

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS) – National economic and employment data

  • Regenerating Sandwell – Local regeneration and development projects

  • Careers Live UK – West Midlands career opportunities now and in the future