As Wigan continues to develop and adapt to changing economic circumstances, new industries and job opportunities are emerging. The town’s historic roots in manufacturing and mining have long shaped its economy, but in recent years, Wigan has embraced a more diverse and forward-looking approach to its workforce. From the rise of digital technologies to a growing focus on green energy and healthcare, Wigan’s job market is evolving rapidly. In this blog, we’ll explore what the future holds for jobs in Wigan and highlight some of the key sectors that are expected to drive employment growth in the coming years.
1. Healthcare and Social Care
One of the most promising sectors for the future of Wigan’s job market is healthcare. As the population continues to age and the demand for healthcare services increases, jobs in this field are expected to grow substantially. Wigan is already home to major healthcare employers like Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, which provides a wide range of roles in hospitals and clinics.
The shift towards community-based care and home services is another factor that will drive job creation in the healthcare sector. This trend is expected to lead to more opportunities for healthcare assistants, district nurses, and other care professionals. Additionally, roles in mental health services and geriatrics are likely to see growth as the population becomes older and more people seek specialist care.
Social care is also set to expand, with an increasing need for social workers, support staff, and carers to assist vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and children in need of protection.
With the ongoing evolution of the health and social care sectors, Wigan’s job market will remain strongly focused on healthcare and care services for the foreseeable future.
2. Green Energy and Sustainability
The green energy and sustainability sectors are rapidly growing across the UK, and Wigan is no exception. As the government commits to reducing carbon emissions and increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, new opportunities are emerging in fields such as solar energy, wind power, and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Wigan is well-positioned to benefit from this shift. The town’s industrial heritage has made it a key player in sectors like manufacturing, which can now pivot towards green technologies. For example, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on producing sustainable products and eco-friendly alternatives.
Additionally, Wigan’s proximity to major transport networks puts it in a strong position to become a hub for the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. As EV adoption increases, the demand for roles in installation, maintenance, and servicing of charging stations will rise.
Expect to see more roles in environmental consultancy, renewable energy project management, and sustainability reporting in the near future, as both public and private sectors aim to meet sustainability targets.
3. Technology and Digital Skills
The digital transformation of businesses continues to accelerate, and Wigan is embracing this shift. The demand for technology-related jobs is set to increase as companies across all sectors seek to modernise their operations and improve efficiencies through automation and digital tools.
Key areas of growth within the tech sector include:
- Software Development: With businesses increasingly investing in technology, the demand for skilled software developers is on the rise. Roles in mobile app development, website development, and bespoke software solutions will continue to grow.
- Cybersecurity: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, organisations are ramping up efforts to protect their data and networks. This has led to a surge in demand for cybersecurity experts.
- Digital Marketing: As more businesses rely on online channels to reach customers, digital marketing professionals skilled in SEO, content creation, and social media marketing will be highly sought after.
Wigan’s thriving digital sector has been supported by initiatives such as the Wigan Digital Hub, which helps local businesses access digital resources and expertise. The growth of the digital economy will provide more opportunities for individuals with technical skills to find employment in the area.
4. Logistics and Distribution
Wigan’s central location between Manchester and Liverpool, combined with its excellent transport links, makes it an ideal location for logistics and distribution businesses. The logistics sector is experiencing significant growth due to the rise of e-commerce and an increased need for supply chain efficiency.
Warehousing, distribution, and delivery companies are continuing to expand, creating a range of job opportunities in warehouse management, delivery driving, and logistics coordination. Furthermore, as automation and robotics become more common in the logistics industry, there will be increased demand for roles related to maintaining and programming these technologies.
Given Wigan’s proximity to major motorways and transport hubs, the town is likely to remain a logistics hotspot, providing stable employment opportunities in the years ahead. Whether you’re interested in working in a warehouse or managing complex logistics operations, this sector will continue to offer diverse roles.
5. Creative Industries and Digital Media
While traditionally not known as a creative hub, Wigan is seeing a rise in creative industries, particularly in digital media and content creation. The town’s growing reputation for digital innovation, coupled with its vibrant arts scene, makes it an attractive place for creative professionals to work and collaborate.
As businesses place greater emphasis on online content, opportunities in graphic design, video production, and social media management are likely to expand. Local companies are increasingly hiring creative talent to help them engage with customers through digital platforms.
Wigan’s cultural and creative sector is also likely to thrive due to the development of creative spaces like the Wigan Pier Quarter and ongoing efforts to boost local arts and cultural initiatives. If you’re interested in the creative industries, expect to see growth in digital arts, event management, and content production in the near future.
6. Education and Training
As the town evolves, so does the need for education and training to support these emerging industries. Wigan’s schools, colleges, and training providers will play a vital role in preparing the workforce for the jobs of the future. There will be growing demand for teachers, trainers, and vocational education instructors in areas like STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), sustainable development, and digital skills.
As Wigan invests in its future workforce, training providers and colleges will be looking for specialists to help train the next generation of professionals. Expect opportunities in adult education, apprenticeships, and skills development to increase, particularly in response to new industries like green energy and technology.
Conclusion
The future of jobs in Wigan looks bright, with several key sectors poised for growth in the coming years. Whether it’s in healthcare, green energy, technology, logistics, or the creative industries, Wigan is evolving to meet the demands of a modern economy. With strategic investment and a focus on skills development, the town is positioning itself as an attractive destination for both established industries and new, emerging sectors.
As these industries expand, new opportunities will arise, providing a range of jobs for individuals at every stage of their career. Whether you’re looking to enter a growing field or retrain in a new area, Wigan’s future job market holds plenty of promise. Keep an eye on these sectors, and be ready to take advantage of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!