Preston, situated in the heart of Lancashire, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving economy, and diverse range of career opportunities. Whether you’re a current resident or planning to relocate, gaining insight into the local job market is key to making well-informed career choices.
In this guide, we’ll explore the various industries driving employment in Preston, the types of roles available, major employers in the area, and the latest trends in the job market.
Understanding Preston’s Economy
Preston boasts a robust economy supported by a wide variety of industries. While historically known for manufacturing, particularly textiles, the city has evolved into a vibrant hub for sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and engineering. This diversification has enabled Preston to attract both established corporations and new startups, resulting in a dynamic job market.
Major Economic Sectors in Preston
Public Services: As the administrative heart of Lancashire, Preston is home to local government bodies, NHS services, and several educational institutions.
Tech and Digital Innovation: The city has seen a surge in digital technology companies, ranging from IT services to software development and digital marketing.
Healthcare: The NHS remains one of the city’s largest employers, with the Royal Preston Hospital offering a wide array of healthcare-related roles.
Engineering and Manufacturing: Though diversified, Preston still has a strong manufacturing base, particularly in the aerospace, automotive, and engineering sectors.
Higher Education and Research: The presence of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) offers numerous employment opportunities in academia, research, and student support services.
Types of Employment Opportunities in Preston
Public Sector Roles
Preston is home to a variety of public sector organizations, from local government offices to health services. Common roles in the public sector include:
Local Government Jobs: Roles in administration, project management, and community development.
Healthcare Careers: Jobs in hospitals, clinics, and NHS facilities for nurses, doctors, medical researchers, and other healthcare professionals.
Educational Positions: Opportunities for teachers, academic staff, and support roles in schools, colleges, and universities.
Private Sector Employment
The private sector in Preston offers a wide array of roles across industries such as technology, retail, and engineering. Examples include:
Technology and IT: Demand is high for software developers, digital marketers, network administrators, and IT consultants.
Engineering and Manufacturing: The city’s aerospace and automotive sectors employ mechanical and electrical engineers, technicians, and factory workers.
Retail and Hospitality: With a growing population, Preston’s retail and hospitality sectors require staff for customer service, management, and operations.
Creative Industries
The creative sector in Preston is expanding, with an increasing need for professionals in digital content, graphic design, and marketing. Key roles include:
Graphic Designers
Content Creators and Copywriters
Digital Marketing Managers
Web Developers
These positions are crucial as businesses look to build their online presence and connect with a broader audience.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing jobs are abundant in Preston, especially in the retail and tech industries. Common roles include:
Sales Executives
Marketing Managers
Customer Service Representatives
Digital Marketing Specialists
These positions help companies drive growth and customer engagement.
Key Employers in Preston
Preston is home to a mix of well-established companies and local institutions that contribute significantly to the job market. Some of the most notable employers include:
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
UCLan is one of the largest universities in the UK and a major employer in Preston. The university offers a wide range of roles in education, research, administration, and student services.
BAE Systems
BAE Systems, a global leader in defense, aerospace, and security, has a major facility in Preston. It provides numerous opportunities in engineering, project management, research, and technology.
Royal Preston Hospital
As part of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal Preston Hospital employs a large number of healthcare professionals, from doctors and nurses to administrative staff and researchers.
Preston City Council
Preston City Council is a key employer for roles across various departments, including urban planning, social services, public health, and legal services.
Retailers and Hospitality Businesses
The city’s retail scene includes major chains such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Debenhams, along with independent stores, all offering job opportunities in retail management, customer service, and more. Similarly, the hospitality sector is growing, with positions in hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Salary Expectations in Preston
Salaries in Preston tend to be lower compared to larger cities like London or Manchester, but they are generally competitive within the region. Here are some average salary ranges for common professions in the city:
Engineers: £30,000 to £45,000 per year
Healthcare Professionals: £25,000 to £50,000 per year (depending on role and experience)
Retail Managers: £20,000 to £30,000 per year
Administrative Roles: £18,000 to £22,000 per year
Technology roles, such as software developers and IT consultants, tend to command higher salaries, with experienced professionals earning upwards of £40,000 annually.
Job Search Tips and Resources
Online Job Portals
Various online platforms can help job seekers find roles in Preston. Popular job search websites include:
Indeed
Reed
Monster
CV-Library
These sites allow users to filter job opportunities by skills, location, and industry.
Recruitment Agencies
Preston is home to several recruitment agencies that can assist in matching candidates with suitable roles. Some well-known agencies in the area include:
Adecco
Hays Recruitment
Kelly Services
Brook Street
Recruitment agencies can also guide CV writing and interview preparation.
Networking and Events
Networking plays a key role in the job search process. Attending local career fairs, professional events, and meetups can help expand your professional network. The University of Central Lancashire regularly hosts career events that are particularly beneficial for those seeking opportunities in education, research, and technology.
Looking Ahead: Future Job Trends in Preston
The future job market in Preston looks promising, with continued investment in key sectors like technology, sustainability, and urban development. Key trends to watch for include:
Digital Transformation: As technology advances, opportunities in IT services, tech startups, and digital marketing are expected to grow.
Green Jobs: As the world shifts towards sustainability, sectors like renewable energy, environmental science, and eco-friendly construction will create new job opportunities.
Urban Regeneration: Ongoing regeneration projects will increase demand for professionals in construction, engineering, and urban planning.
Final Thoughts
Preston’s job market offers a diverse range of opportunities across many sectors, from healthcare and education to technology and creative industries. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, Preston’s dynamic economy provides options for every skill level and experience.
By staying up to date with local job trends, using online job portals, and networking with professionals in the area, job seekers can successfully navigate the Preston job market. With its growing economy and increasing focus on digital and sustainable industries, Preston is an exciting place to build a career.
FAQs:-
What are the most common jobs in Preston?
Preston has a range of industries providing employment opportunities. Some of the most common jobs in Preston include:
Healthcare & Social Care: With hospitals like Royal Preston Hospital and various care homes, healthcare roles are in high demand, including nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants, and social workers.
Retail: Large shopping centers such as the Fishergate Shopping Centre offer retail roles in customer service, sales, and management.
Education: Preston is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), leading to teaching and administrative roles.
Manufacturing & Engineering: Preston has a strong engineering and manufacturing sector, especially in aerospace and defense, providing opportunities in production, engineering, and design roles.
Technology & IT: Growing tech startups and IT companies are providing roles for software developers, network engineers, and digital marketing professionals.
Hospitality & Tourism: Due to its historical significance and local attractions, Preston has a demand for chefs, waitstaff, hotel management, and customer service roles.
How can I find jobs in Preston?
To find jobs in Preston, you can:
Job Search Websites: Websites like Indeed, Totaljobs, Reed, and CV-Library are great places to search for job listings.
Local Newspapers: Preston’s local papers, like the Lancashire Evening Post, often advertise job openings.
Recruitment Agencies: Several recruitment agencies in Preston specialize in different industries. Examples include Hays Recruitment, Adecco, and Kelly Services.
Networking: Attending job fairs, university events (if you’re a student), or industry-specific meetups can be a great way to find hidden job opportunities.
Company Websites: Check the careers pages of companies based in or around Preston. UCLan, BAE Systems, and local government bodies often post job openings online.
What are the average salaries in Preston?
Salaries in Preston can vary widely depending on the industry, role, and level of experience. However, here are some general figures based on the latest data:
Healthcare: Nurses in Preston earn between £24,000 and £35,000 annually, while senior doctors or consultants can make upwards of £60,000.
Retail: Retail workers earn on average between £18,000 and £22,000 annually. Retail managers can earn between £25,000 and £35,000.
Teaching: Teachers in Preston can expect to earn between £24,000 and £45,000 annually, depending on experience and the level they teach.
Engineering & Manufacturing: Roles in engineering and aerospace manufacturing have salaries ranging from £30,000 to £50,000 annually, with senior engineering roles or project managers earning upwards of £60,000.
Hospitality: Entry-level positions in the hospitality industry may offer wages of around £18,000 per year, while managerial roles can go up to £30,000 or more.
To read more, Click Here
