What is Labour Market Information (LMI)?
Labour Market Information (LMI) helps us understand the world of work, including the jobs available in different areas, the skills employers need and how employment opportunities may change in the future.
LMI provides information about:
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Job opportunities: Which jobs and industries are recruiting locally and nationally.
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Skills and qualifications: What employers look for and the qualifications needed for different careers.
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Salaries and earnings: How much people may earn in different occupations.
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Career pathways: Routes into employment, including further education, apprenticeships, T Levels and university.
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Future opportunities: How technology, artificial intelligence, environmental changes and economic developments may affect employment.
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Local employers: Businesses and organisations offering jobs, training and work experience.
At Madeley School, we encourage students to use LMI alongside their interests, strengths and aspirations to make informed decisions about their futures.
Why is LMI important for young people?
The world of work is constantly changing. New technologies are creating opportunities, while existing occupations are developing and requiring different skills.
Understanding LMI can help students make informed decisions when choosing GCSE options, researching post-16 pathways, preparing for work experience and exploring future careers.
LMI should open up opportunities, not limit ambitions. Students should not feel restricted to the jobs currently available locally. Many careers offer opportunities to work nationally, internationally, remotely or in industries that are still developing.
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent: Our local labour market
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have a diverse economy, with opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, education, digital technology and professional services.
The regional Local Skills Improvement Plan identifies several priority sectors where developing skills and training opportunities is particularly important.
Engineering and advanced manufacturing
Careers include mechanical engineer, manufacturing technician, maintenance engineer, robotics technician and quality engineer.
Useful subjects: Maths, Science, Design and Technology, Computing.
Logistics and transport
Careers include logistics coordinator, warehouse manager, transport planner, supply chain analyst and HGV technician.
Useful subjects: Maths, Business, Computing, Geography.
Health and social care
Careers include nurse, paramedic, occupational therapist, care worker, social worker and healthcare scientist.
Useful subjects: Biology, Health and Social Care, English, Maths.
Construction and the built environment
Careers include electrician, plumber, carpenter, civil engineer, architect and quantity surveyor.
Useful subjects: Maths, Physics, Design and Technology, Geography.
Energy and green careers
Careers include renewable energy engineer, environmental consultant, electrical engineer, sustainability officer and energy technician.
Useful subjects: Science, Maths, Geography, Design and Technology.
Digital, business and professional services
Careers include software developer, cybersecurity analyst, accountant, solicitor, marketing specialist and data analyst.
Useful subjects: Computing, Maths, English, Business.
These are examples of careers and relevant school subjects, not exhaustive lists or fixed entry requirements. Students should check individual job profiles and course requirements.
Which jobs are currently in demand locally?
Staffordshire County Council's economic reporting identifies recruitment demand across occupations such as care workers, teachers and teaching assistants, drivers, warehouse operatives, chefs, accountants, social workers and engineering-related roles. Demand changes over time and differs between employers.
Staffordshire County Council
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What skills do employers value?
Alongside qualifications, employers value transferable skills that can be used in many different jobs.
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Communication
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Teamwork
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Problem-solving
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Digital confidence
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Time management
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Reliability
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Adaptability
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Initiative
Students develop these skills through lessons, extracurricular activities, volunteering, work experience, careers encounters and their everyday responsibilities.
Useful LMI and careers websites
The following links provide useful information about careers services, government information and regional skills resources.
Staffordshire County Council – Economic Bulletin
Regional employment trends, advertised vacancies, recruitment demand and economic developments.
Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub
Information about regional priority sectors, workforce skills and training opportunities.
National Careers Service – Explore Careers
Research hundreds of careers, including responsibilities, salaries, qualifications and progression routes.
Discover Your Skills and Careers
Complete a skills assessment to explore career ideas linked to personal interests and strengths.
Find an Apprenticeship – GOV.UK
Search current apprenticeship vacancies by occupation and location, including opportunities in Staffordshire.
Skills England – Apprenticeship Standards
Explore the skills, knowledge and training associated with different apprenticeship occupations.
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Careers Hub
Regional careers education and employer engagement information.
Staffordshire – Jobs, Careers and Training
Explore local employment, volunteering, training and work-related opportunities.
How students can use LMI
Years 7–8: Discover possibilities
Explore different occupations, find careers connected to favourite subjects and identify personal interests and strengths.
Year 9: Make informed GCSE choices
Investigate subjects, career pathways and qualifications while keeping future options open.
Year 10: Explore workplaces
Use LMI to research work experience placements, investigate local employers and understand workplace skills.
Year 11: Plan your next steps
Compare A Levels, vocational qualifications, T Levels, apprenticeships and other appropriate post-16 routes.
Advice for parents and carers
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting career decisions. You can help by discussing your child's interests, exploring job profiles together, attending college and sixth-form open events and encouraging encounters with employers.
Useful questions to ask include:
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What does this job involve on a typical day?
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What qualifications or training are required?
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Are there apprenticeships or other practical routes into this career?
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What are the local and national employment opportunities?
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Could the skills gained lead to other occupations in the future?
Explore careers with Unifrog
Madeley School students can also use Unifrog to investigate career profiles, compare post-16 pathways, record experiences and reflect on the skills they are developing.
Students should use Unifrog alongside the National Careers Service and current local LMI, rather than relying on a single source.
For further support, students and parents/carers can visit the Madeley School Careers & Work-Related Learning webpage or contact the school's Careers Team.
