It’s about time that preconceived notions about working in Sheffield were laid to rest. Ask anyone about Sheffield and they will immediately talk about the city’s reliance on steel and how a downturn in fortunes made it a less than ideal place to live. Try telling that to the hundreds of thousands of people working in Sheffield who are thoroughly enjoying themselves. It is a huge city with a remarkable amount of amenities but most importantly, it is a city filled with employment opportunities.

It’s true that once upon a time, working in Sheffield involved being employed in the steel industry (stainless steel cutlery was a mainstay) or in the coal mines. Historically, Sheffield has always been a major UK city and was targeted by German bombing raids during World War II. It suffered as a result of a massive economic downturn which crippled the country with especially severe problems in the North of the country. Sheffield was one of the cities hit hardest and for a time, the city was in freefall.

The Rise Of Sheffield

However, Sheffield has benefited from a remarkable turnaround in fortunes, aided and abetted by the government’s massive investment. The 21st century has seen a rise so rapid that only London is clearly above Sheffield in terms of economic growth. By 2005, more than £250 million had been pumped in the city’s economy. The results have been extraordinary. From 1997 to 2007, Sheffield’s Gross Value Added has increased by more than 60%, an incredible turnaround. The city’s economy is worth around £7 billion a year and is increasing by 5% per annum. Compare this with the national average which is less than 1% and you begin to understand why working in Sheffield is so desirable.

Job Opportunities

Although working in Sheffield is certainly no longer exclusively associated with steel, the industry which made the city famous is still an important part of its economy with approximately 12% of annual revenue coming from the steel manufacturing industry. Yet those who wish to work in Sheffield can now benefit from the city’s new interest in digital and creative industries. Almost 10% of the economy is generated from these sectors which include nationally recognised companies such as Zoo Digital, Sumo, AutoDesk and The Designers Republic. In fact, around 20% of available jobs in Sheffield come in this industry.

If you are experienced in the commercial sector, working in Sheffield also offers a host of opportunities. The finance sector hosts companies like HSBC and Abbey/Santander. Call centres in Sheffield employ some 25,000 people with the city’s legal sector also growing extremely quickly. Look for companies such as Nabarro and Irwin Mitchell as they are constantly on the lookout for new recruits.

When working in Sheffield, it is important to note that the public sector offers the greatest opportunity of employment with 30% of the workforce engaged in this market. The field of government, health and education are expanding and in need of dedicated and experienced employees. Sheffield is home to the Departments for Education & Skills and Work & Pensions with Universities such as Sheffield and Halsam also seeking qualified candidates. More than 20% of the city’s workforce are employed in the retail and hospitality industry. This is not a surprise with the influx of students and tourists ensuring that the city is vibrant at all times with stores and hotels in need of high quality staff.

Sectors

There are business sectors spread throughout the city with Sheffield Digital Campus the heart of the creative sector. Some of the most important employment areas in the city include Velocity Business Space, Sevenstone Retail Quarter and Tudor Square. Travelling to and from these locations is easy thanks to the city’s excellent public transport system. There are trains and buses that are punctual and plentiful as well as the FreeBee shuttle bus service that runs several times an hour.

If you were not convinced about working in Sheffield prior to reading the above information, your mind will hopefully be changed now and you will understand why the city of Sheffield is such a great place to live and work. There are probably more employment opportunities here than anywhere else in the United Kingdom with scores of amenities and facilities to keep you occupied outside of work.