Stoke-on-Trent, located in the heart of the Midlands, is known for its rich industrial heritage, particularly in ceramics and pottery production. While the city’s historical connection to the ceramics industry remains strong, Stoke-on-Trent has diversified significantly over the years, offering job opportunities across a range of sectors. From manufacturing to technology, healthcare, and education, Stoke-on-Trent is home to a growing number of industries that continue to provide employment to locals and attract professionals from all over the UK. If you’re looking for a career in this vibrant city, here’s a look at some of the top job opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent today.
1. Manufacturing and Engineering
Historically, Stoke-on-Trent has been a major player in the manufacturing industry, especially in ceramics, with world-renowned brands such as Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Portmeirion based in the area. While these iconic ceramics companies continue to operate, the city has also diversified its manufacturing base, with growth in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and general engineering.
Manufacturing remains a vital part of the economy, with major employers like JCB, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment, and Bet365, an online gambling company with a large operations centre in Stoke, providing a range of roles.
Roles in demand: Engineers, machine operators, production managers, quality control inspectors, and technical specialists.
Why Stoke-on-Trent? With its well-established manufacturing base, Stoke-on-Trent offers stable, long-term career opportunities in a sector that is integral to the city’s economy. The presence of global brands like JCB and local manufacturing hubs ensures that there is always a steady demand for skilled workers.
2. Healthcare and Social Care
Stoke-on-Trent has a thriving healthcare sector, supported by major institutions such as Royal Stoke University Hospitaland a number of GP practices, care homes, and clinics. The demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, particularly with an ageing population in the region and increasing need for both physical and mental health services.
Additionally, social care is a significant sector in the city, with numerous opportunities in adult care, children’s services, and support roles for vulnerable individuals. Stoke-on-Trent City Council also regularly recruits for roles in social care, offering a variety of positions in the public sector.
Roles in demand: Nurses, healthcare assistants, social workers, care home staff, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.
Why Stoke-on-Trent? The healthcare sector offers excellent job stability, with the Royal Stoke University Hospital providing career advancement opportunities, and many organisations focused on care for vulnerable populations, which are growing in demand.
3. Technology and Digital
Over the last decade, Stoke-on-Trent has been making strides in the digital and tech sector, with a growing number of start-ups and established companies in the area. With the rise of digital transformation and the city’s push for innovation, the demand for tech professionals has skyrocketed. The region’s digital economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors, offering diverse opportunities for those with skills in software development, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
Stoke’s proximity to larger cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and London also benefits the tech sector, creating a tech hub where professionals can collaborate and share resources.
Roles in demand: Software developers, web developers, data analysts, IT support technicians, cybersecurity experts, and digital marketing specialists.
Why Stoke-on-Trent? The digital sector in Stoke is booming, with ample opportunities for growth, especially for those looking to get involved in innovative projects. With digital companies flourishing, Stoke is a great place for tech enthusiasts to establish or further their careers.
4. Education and Teaching
Stoke-on-Trent is home to several well-regarded educational institutions, including Staffordshire University and a large number of primary and secondary schools. Education is a key employment sector in the city, with continuous demand for teachers, teaching assistants, administrative staff, and support roles.
The education sector in Stoke has also been growing, with a focus on vocational training and apprenticeships. There’s a rising need for instructors in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects as well as special educational needs (SEN) specialists.
Roles in demand: Teachers (particularly in STEM subjects), teaching assistants, education support staff, lecturers, and academic researchers.
Why Stoke-on-Trent? With excellent educational institutions and a growing focus on skills development, Stoke-on-Trent offers a solid platform for a career in education. Whether you’re interested in teaching, administration, or research, the city offers diverse roles in education.
5. Retail and Customer Service
Retail is another prominent sector in Stoke-on-Trent, with a number of large shopping centres such as Intu Potteries and Festival Park, as well as a thriving high street. The city is also home to a variety of independent retailers. As a hub for retail, there is ongoing demand for sales assistants, store managers, and customer service professionals.
Customer service roles are also in high demand, especially with companies like Bet365 and JCB providing customer service operations in the area.
Roles in demand: Retail assistants, customer service representatives, store managers, and warehouse operatives.
Why Stoke-on-Trent? Retail and customer service roles in Stoke offer both part-time and full-time opportunities, making them ideal for those looking to start their careers or seeking flexible working options.
6. Logistics and Distribution
Stoke-on-Trent is strategically located in the Midlands, with excellent transport links to major cities, ports, and international markets. This makes it a key location for logistics and distribution companies, which is a rapidly growing sector in the region.
The city is home to major distribution centres, including those for Amazon, Tesco, and DHL, offering a variety of roles in warehousing, logistics coordination, and supply chain management.
Roles in demand: Warehouse operatives, forklift drivers, supply chain managers, logistics coordinators, and delivery drivers.
Why Stoke-on-Trent? Stoke’s central location and strong transport infrastructure make it an ideal location for logistics and distribution companies. If you're interested in working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, this sector offers great opportunities for career progression.
7. Creative Industries and Design
Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial history is closely tied to the arts and ceramics, but the city’s creative sector is also experiencing a resurgence. The Spode Works and Middleport Pottery are just a couple of examples of the city’s rich creative legacy, which continues to provide opportunities in design, art, and the media.
With the rise of creative agencies, marketing firms, and digital design companies, Stoke-on-Trent is also becoming a popular location for creative professionals. The city offers opportunities for graphic designers, digital artists, video producers, and marketing professionals.
Roles in demand: Graphic designers, web designers, photographers, videographers, digital marketing specialists, and brand managers.
Why Stoke-on-Trent? The city’s creative sector is on the up, offering a vibrant community for artists, designers, and digital creators. With a range of local agencies and independent firms, Stoke is an exciting place to launch or develop a creative career.
Final Thoughts
Stoke-on-Trent offers a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries, from its traditional roots in ceramics and manufacturing to rapidly growing sectors like technology, healthcare, and creative industries. Whether you're looking to work in education, logistics, retail, or the digital world, Stoke-on-Trent has something to offer.
The city’s central location, well-established industries, and commitment to innovation make it an attractive destination for job seekers. By leveraging your skills, networking with local employers, and staying up to date with the job market, you can secure a rewarding role in one of the Midlands' most exciting cities.