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Occupation v2

Key Messages

  • Professional occupations account for the largest share of employment in Somerset. In April 2025 to March 2026, 23.4% of employed residents worked in professional occupations, broadly in line with the South West (26.8%) and the UK (27.3%).
  • Somerset has a relatively high proportion of its workforce employed in Skilled Trades occupations. Around 10.0% of employed residents worked in skilled trades occupations, compared with 8.2% nationally.
  • The proportion of Somerset’s workforce employed in Sales and Customer Service occupations has declined in recent years. Of the workforce 8.4% were employed in these occupations in 2023, compared to 4.9% in April 2025 – March 2026.
  • Administrative and secretarial occupations account for a smaller share of employment in Somerset than nationally. In April 2025 – March 2026, these occupations represented 8.5% of Somerset employment compared with 9.1% across the UK.
  • There are substantial differences in the occupational profiles of men and women. Men are more likely to work in managerial, skilled trades and process, plant and machine operative occupations, while women are more likely to work in administrative, secretarial, caring, leisure and other service occupations.

 

Implications

Professional occupations account for the largest share of employment in Somerset and have increased since a low point of 18.7% in 2023. According to SOC 2020, many professional occupations typically require degree-level qualifications, specialist training or significant experience. The growing share of employment in these occupations may reflect increasing demand for higher-level skills within the local economy.

At the same time, Somerset continues to have a relatively high concentration of skilled trades occupations compared with the UK average. This highlights the importance of vocational pathways, apprenticeships and technical skills development alongside higher education routes.

Together, these trends suggest that Somerset’s economy requires a broad mix of skills, ranging from professional and knowledge-intensive occupations to practical and technical roles. Supporting access to both higher-level qualifications and vocational training will be important in meeting future workforce needs and supporting economic growth.

The decline in employment in sales and customer service occupations may reflect changes in business activity, consumer behaviour and the structure of local employment, although further analysis would be needed to understand the drivers of this change.

Significant differences remain in the occupational profiles of men and women. Men are more likely to work in managerial, skilled trades, and process, plant and machine operative occupations, while women are more likely to work in administrative, secretarial, caring, leisure and other service roles. These patterns are also evident nationally and may influence earnings, career progression opportunities, recruitment challenges and workforce availability across different sectors.

What Are We Doing?

Skills and Workforce Development

  • Skill Up Somerset provides free advice on skills, training, apprenticeships and workforce development for residents and businesses.
  • Apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps help people gain industry-relevant skills, progress in their careers and access employment opportunities.
  • These programmes support employers to address skills shortages while helping residents develop the skills needed for professional, technical and vocational occupations.

Find out more:

Local Colleges and Training Providers

  • Somerset’s colleges and training providers offer a range of academic, technical and professional qualifications.
  • Courses support progression into professional occupations as well as technical and vocational careers.
  • Key providers include Bridgwater & Taunton College, Exeter University, Richard Huish College, Strode College and Yeovil College.

Employment and Skills Support

  • Step Up Somerset provides information on employment, training, careers advice and business support available across the county.
  • Helps residents access opportunities to develop skills and progress in work.

Find out more: https://www.stepupsomerset.org.uk/