Growth areas
Some industries seem to do better during uncertain times than others. Take debt collection for example - insolvency firms and bailiffs never have it so good as when things are looking down for the rest of us. And as theft always seems to rise when times are tight, security work, the prison service and the police service often look like pretty good bets too.
But short of becoming a bailiff, a police officer, an undertaker or a vicar, are there any rock solid employment options to help see you through leaner times?
Looking to forge a secure career?
Try engineering
Given that the demand for skilled engineers far outstrips the number of graduates, engineering is a great bet if you're looking for the protection of a surefire career with great security.
Sustainability
With green being the new black, one way to boost your employment prospects is to improve your knowledge of energy management and sustainability issues. Expertise in these areas is becoming increasingly attractive to a host of employers from architecture and engineering firms to schools, colleges and media organisations.
There are expected to be around 160,000 jobs in renewable energy in the UK by 2020
Check out some of our environmental science courses
Gaming
Recruitment continues apace in the gaming industry as demand for games and consoles continues to grow. Partly due to the fact that games are seen as a cost-effective entertainment option as we retreat further into our living rooms, and partly due to the advent of more family orientated games systems like the Wii, gaming continues to be an increasingly lucrative industry.
In 2008 alone UK gamers spent £82.8m on computer games according to The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA)
Find out more about what it takes to become a games developer
Retail
Although many retailers were badly hit by the financial crisis, things remained rosy in certain quarters. Business continued to boom in the home entertainment and discount supermarket sectors for example – suggesting that a career in retail could still be a viable option, even when things take a turn for the worse.
During the recession of the early 1980s, sales of video recorders in the UK grew by 440%*
Could you see yourself as a retail buyer or sales manager?
Get the low down on what's involved.
For advice and support on getting into retail,
try The Retail Trust
*source: Home Media Magazine
Care
When it comes to copper-bottomed career options, you could do a lot worse than carving out a future in care. There is an ever growing demand for trained carers, particularly with today's ageing population and fewer families caring for their own elderly relatives.
The number of people likely to need access to care services is predicted to double over the next 25 years*
Explore different roles in health and social care
Search and apply for jobs with the NHS
Check out some of our health and social care courses
*Source: South West Observatory 2006
