56% of sector employment is in skilled trades occupations, machine and transport operatives, plus elementary occupations, which is almost double their average share in the economy as a whole.

An additional 150,000 jobs are expected to be lost from the sector over the next ten years.  Half of this reduction will be amongst the skilled trades occupations.  Total requirement is, however, positive for all occupational groups with the exception of elementary occupations.  Over the next ten years, the net loss in elementary occupations outweighs the replacement demand requirement.

Source: Working Futures 2006

For further occupational projections see Data and charts