7 Top Industries in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester has a diverse workforce and is home to some amazing companies working across a variety of sectors. This creates lots of opportunities for individuals to find their career.
Greater Manchester is firing on all cylinders. Between 2004 and 2023, the region achieved the highest rise in productivity (GVA per hour worked) of any UK city region. This was a 31% increase. That signals not just expansion, but smarter, more efficient economic growth.
With that kind of momentum, it’s no surprise that Greater Manchester is home to a wide spread of industries. There’s everything from digital and creative, to healthcare, logistics, finance, and green tech.
Each sector is different and requires its own set of skills. There are also some key transferable skills which are important across all industries. You may read or hear these skills talked about in the news discussions around skills gaps.
Let’s take a look at some of the key industries in Greater Manchester.
1. Digital, Creative and Media
Digital skills are essential for all types of jobs. The digital, creative and media sector is a vibrant, fast growing and resilient sector in Greater Manchester. MediaCityUK at Salford Quays has become a hive for creative professionals from a range of industries including TV, radio, advertising, games design as well as computer programming and cyber security.
Some examples of careers include animator, cyber intelligence officer, graphic designer, digital marketer, software developer, website developer.
Check out what’s available in Computing & Digital and Creative and Digital Media.
2. Manufacturing and Technology
Manchester was home to the Industrial Revolution and keeping that trend going, now plays a role in the fourth Industrial Revolution. This revolution focuses on the rapid change to technology caused by increasing interconnectivity and smart automation. This means the sector is moving away from traditional production processes. There is now more of a focus on using digital technology like artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics. Future skills will include sustainability and moving to low carbon technologies.
Some examples of careers include mechanical engineers, plant operatives, electrical engineers, packers.
Check out the courses we have in Construction and Engineering.
Learn more: How Our Engineering Courses Prepare You for Cutting-Edge Careers
3. NHS, medical research and social science
This sector covers a vast range of careers where you could be helping people with their daily living needs. You could also be providing medical treatment or researching new vaccines and treatments for a variety of health conditions. You could work directly for the NHS, in private hospitals, laboratories, and residential and nursing home settings.
Some examples of careers include social worker, doctor, nurse, support worker, healthcare scientist, housing advisor, and occupational therapist.
Check out what’s available in Health & Social Care, Humanities and Social Science and Science and Medical Science.
4. Logistics and E-commerce
Logistics is a fast paced and dynamic industry, and you could be employed in a range of careers. Logistics is all about the movement of goods – think about the clothes you are wearing to the phone in your pocket – these goods have reached you thanks to logistics.
E-commerce refers to things that have been bought online. Organisations have had to adapt how they operate as consumers change the way they shop. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a boost in online shopping and next day delivery.
Some examples of careers include logistics supervisor, supply chain manager, sales assistant, buyer, delivery driver, packer.
Check out the courses we have available in Logistics to find out more.
5. Business, Finance, and Professional Services
This is a large wide-ranging sector and can cover careers in the legal, business, or the financial industries. The sector is also adapting to technology and is becoming more digital – particular with financial technology known as FinTech.
Whether you want to develop your own enterprise, or build a career within business, Manchester is full of opportunities.
Some examples of careers include lawyer, paralegal, accountant, company secretary, marketing executive, HR manager.
Check out the courses we have available in Business, Finance and Professional.
6. Green Industries
This industry is set to see huge growth. Greater Manchester has set a target to be carbon neutral by 2038, which is likely to mean there will be lots of opportunities in the sector over the coming years.
Jobs can be extremely varied and range from developing new technologies to make homes more energy efficient, developing low carbon transport systems and increasing local initiatives to protect the environment.
Some examples of careers include electrical engineers, smart meter installers, roofer, project management and architecture.
We offer a range of courses in a variety of industries and a big part of the future world of work will involve looking at how industries can become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint.
7. Artificial intelligence and data tech
The AI and data technologies industry is booming. In the UK, between 2023 and 2024, employment in AI‑related roles jumped from 64,539 to 86,139 - a 33% leap in just one year. Meanwhile revenue for AI firms surged to around £23.9 billion in 2024, up 68% on the previous year.
Greater Manchester is well positioned to tap into this growth. The city is already a magnet for tech and innovation hubs. There are over 142 high‑growth businesses announcing expansions or relocations into Manchester in 2024, reinforcing its status as a leading tech centre in the UK.
Some example roles: data scientist, AI engineer, machine learning specialist, data analyst, business intelligence developer.
Learn more: How to Choose Which College Course You Should Take
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