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Workforce Summary

Harlow is a major employment centre in the sub-region, providing 42,000 jobs. The Harlow workforce has one of the highest economic activity rates in the country (83.3%). There is a very large workforce available outside of the town boundaries, with 4 million people said to be within an hour's travel of the town. 

 "Because of Harlow's rich base of technically educated residents, the local talent pipeline fulfils Raytheon's recruitment needs in the area."

Richard Daniel, Executive Director of Programme Leadership, Raytheon Systems Limited

 "One thing I noticed coming from outside Harlow is the loyalty of the staff. We don't have a churn of employees. People come and stay. Building up a level of expertise and retaining staff over a long period of time gives stability of operations and a reliable, conscientious level of customer service... Whilst we do not manufacture, we often have to modify equipment for clients. We can tap in to the local community of fabricators which we can call on if and when required."

Mike Attard, Managing Director, RIDI Lighting

Education and Qualification

Harlow is a sub-regional employment centre with particular strengths in the following sectors; advanced electronics and ICT, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and health related industries. These have been highlighted as sectors with significant potential for economic growth with the associated skilled workforce in the sub-region.

"Skilled programmers and systems analysts are not easy to find but there is a cluster of people in the area who have the skills required. This is almost certainly because of the major companies in the area such as Glaxo Smith Kline. We can also recruit from a wider area because Harlow is so easy to get to."

Jon Lidbury, General Manager, Configure One Europe Limited

Labour Costs

The wage level in Harlow is competitive in comparison to London and Cambridge with the full time employee receiving £507 per week on average. The fact that employees in Harlow earn more than the national average can be attributed to their high level of skills.

Training and Recruitment Initiatives

Apprenticeships - Harlow College

Harlow College's Business Team will work with you to:

• Understand your business
• Identify your needs and scope your requirements
• Recommend and plan suitable programmes
• Advise on employment regulations and requirements, including health and safety, safeguarding (safe working practices, and equality and diversity
• Advise on recruitment – through the NAS online database

Call our Business Team and find out more: 01279 868 106
Or email us at: business@harlow-college.ac.uk
Web: http://www.harlow-college.ac.uk/cms_/index.php/apprenticeships.html


Opportunities include:

Business Administration
Brickwork
Carpentry and Joinery
Childcare
Customer Service
Electrical Installation
Engineering
Health & Social Care
IT
Maintenance Operations
Motor Vehicle
Painting & Decorating
Plumbing
Warehousing
Administration
Construction Operations
Health & Safety
ICT
Logistics
Management
Property Services