UK Business Information / Wales
Annexed to the heart of England, Wales is a small country with big ambitions. Although Wales' dominant industry remains manufacturing, new training schemes and apprenticeships have been put in place to ensure Wales has a workforce with the requisite skills for the 21st century.
25.4% of the Welsh population have achieved NVQ level 4 or above.
The table below shows how the Welsh workforce divide up into the main industry demographics.
EMPLOYMENT JOBS BY INDUSTRY (thousands):
|
|
All jobs (seasonally adjusted) |
All jobs |
Agriculture Forestry & Fishing |
Mining Energy & Water Supplies Industries |
Manufacturing Industries |
Construction |
Distribution etc, transport etc, finance & business services |
Education, health, public admin & other services |
|
Dec 08 |
1,141 |
1,145 |
7 |
7 |
152 |
48 |
483 |
448 |
|
Mar 09 |
1,125 |
1,116 |
8 |
7 |
146 |
40 |
466 |
450 |
|
Jun 09 |
1,121 |
1,123 |
9 |
7 |
143 |
45 |
469 |
450 |
|
Sep 09 |
1,113 |
1,113 |
10 |
7 |
141 |
36 |
470 |
450 |
|
Dec 09 |
1,111 |
1,117 |
7 |
7 |
140 |
35 |
475 |
453 |
Original data from ONS - labour market statistics.
The manufacturing industry is integral to the Welsh economy, evidenced by the fact that 17% of the population work in manufacturing compared with the UK average of 14%. Manufacturing provides 179,000 direct jobs in Wales and supports many more.
180 aerospace and defence companies operate out of Wales, employing over 25,000 people.
Welsh service industries have grown considerably over the last few years. 136,000 people are now employed in business services.
The financial services sector, however, remains comparatively small in Wales, employing just 2.7% of the workforce, around 28,000 people.
