St. Austell, a charming market town nestled in the heart of Cornwall, England, offers a diverse range of employment opportunities. From tourism and hospitality to manufacturing and the public sector, the local economy provides a mix of career paths for residents and those seeking to relocate.   

St Austell, a picturesque town in Cornwall, England, is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its dynamic job market. As of December 2024, the employment landscape in St Austell reflects broader regional trends, with unique local opportunities and challenges.

Employment Trends in St Austell

The employment rate in Cornwall, which encompasses St Austell, stood at 76.1% for individuals aged 16 to 64 in the year ending December 2023. This marks a slight decrease from 77.6% in the previous year, positioning Cornwall’s employment rate below the South West regional average of 78.8% 

Unemployment in Cornwall has seen a modest decline, with the rate dropping from 2.9% to 2.7% between December 2022 and December 2023. This is slightly above the South West’s average unemployment rate of 2.5% during the same period 

Economic inactivity, representing individuals neither employed nor actively seeking work, has risen in Cornwall. Approximately 22.4% of the working-age population were economically inactive in the year ending December 2023, up from 20.7% the previous year. This rate surpasses both the South West (19.1%) and Great Britain (21.2%) averages 

Key Industries and Employment Opportunities

St Austell’s economy is diverse, with several key industries contributing to employment:

Hospitality and Tourism: Given its coastal location, St Austell thrives on tourism. Establishments like St Austell Brewery play a significant role in this sector, offering various employment opportunities. The brewery, with a history dating back to 1851, owns over 160 pubs and inns, employing around 1,700 individuals

Retail: The retail sector provides numerous jobs, with positions ranging from store assistants to management roles. Companies such as Pets at Home have advertised roles for store assistants and colleagues in St Austell 

Healthcare: The demand for healthcare professionals remains steady, with opportunities for support workers, office administrators, and specialized roles like metallurgists in nearby areas 

Logistics and Delivery: The rise in e-commerce has led to increased demand for delivery drivers and logistics personnel. Companies like Evri Couriers have been actively recruiting delivery drivers in the St Austell area 

Job Search Resources

For those seeking employment in St Austell, several platforms offer updated job listings:

Indeed: Features a wide range of job postings across various industries in St Austell 

Reed: Lists numerous opportunities, including roles in retail, healthcare, and administration 

Totaljobs: Provides listings for both temporary and part-time positions in the area 

Find a Job (DWP): Offers government-supported job listings, including permanent positions in St Austell 

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the availability of jobs, certain challenges persist:

Seasonal Employment: The hospitality and tourism sectors often offer seasonal positions, which may not provide year-round employment stability.

Wage Levels: Cornwall has been identified as a region with relatively low wages, which can impact job satisfaction and retention 

Economic Inactivity: The rising rate of economic inactivity suggests that a segment of the population is disengaged from the labor market, which could be due to various factors, including health issues or lack of suitable opportunities.

Key Industries in St. Austell:

Tourism and Hospitality: As a popular tourist destination, St. Austell boasts a thriving tourism industry. Job opportunities abound in hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes, and attractions such as the Eden Project.   

Retail: The town center and surrounding areas offer a variety of retail outlets, creating job openings in shops, boutiques, and supermarkets.   

Construction and Trades: With ongoing development projects and a focus on maintaining the local built environment, there is a demand for skilled tradespeople such as builders, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.   

Healthcare: The local healthcare sector provides employment opportunities in hospitals, care homes, and GP surgeries.   

Education: Schools and colleges in the area offer a range of teaching and support staff positions.   

Public Sector: St. Austell has a presence of local government and public services, creating job openings in areas such as administration, social care, and law enforcement.

Where to Find Jobs in St. Austell:

Job Boards:

Indeed: A popular job board with a wide range of listings, including local positions in St. Austell.   

LinkedIn: A professional networking platform that can be used to search for jobs, connect with recruiters, and build your professional network.   

Jobcentre Plus: The UK government’s job center provides resources and support for job seekers, including access to job vacancies.   

Local Newspapers: Local newspapers often have dedicated job sections with listings for positions in the St. Austell area.

Company Websites: Many local businesses advertise vacancies on their official websites.   

Recruitment Agencies: Local recruitment agencies can provide personalized job search assistance and connect you with potential employers.

Tips for Job Hunting in St. Austell:

Tailor your resume and cover letter: Customize your application materials to each specific job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience relevant to the role.

Network with local businesses: Attend local networking events, connect with people in your field, and build relationships with local employers.

Utilize online resources: Utilize online resources such as job boards and social media to connect with potential employers and stay updated on job openings.

Consider further education or training: Enhance your employability by pursuing further education or vocational training in areas of high demand.

Embrace the local community: Engage with the local community and participate in local events. This can help you build relationships and increase your visibility within the community.

Living in St. Austell:

St. Austell offers a high quality of life, with easy access to beautiful beaches, stunning countryside, and a range of leisure activities. The town boasts a vibrant community and a good range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.   

FAQs

What are the main industries in St. Austell?

Tourism and Hospitality: St. Austell benefits significantly from tourism, with opportunities in hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and attractions like the Eden Project.

Retail: The town center and surrounding areas offer various retail jobs, including sales assistants, customer service roles, and retail management positions.

Construction and Trades: The construction sector plays a vital role, with opportunities for builders, plumbers, electricians, and other skilled tradespeople.

Healthcare: The NHS and private healthcare providers offer a range of job opportunities, including nursing, care work, and healthcare administration.

Education: Local schools and colleges provide employment opportunities for teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff.

What are the top employers in St. Austells?

Eden Project: A major employer in the area, offering various roles in horticulture, education, and hospitality.

Local Government: St. Austells Borough Council and Cornwall Council provide employment opportunities in various departments.

Tourism Businesses: Numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions employ a significant number of people in the area.

Retail Chains: Major retailers with stores in St. Austell offer a variety of job roles.

Healthcare Providers: Local hospitals and GP surgeries employ healthcare professionals and support staff.

What are the average salaries in St. Austell?

Salaries in St. Austell vary depending on the industry, role, and experience.

Tourism and Hospitality: Entry-level positions may offer lower salaries, while managerial roles can offer competitive salaries.

Construction and Trades: Skilled tradespeople generally earn higher salaries.

Healthcare: Salaries in the healthcare sector can vary depending on the role and experience.

How to find jobs in St. Austell?

Online Job Boards: Utilize job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to search for job openings in St. Austell.

Local Job Centers: Visit the local Jobcentre Plus for assistance with job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation.

Company Websites: Check the websites of local businesses and organizations for job vacancies.

Networking: Attend local networking events and connect with people in your field.

Local Newspapers: Browse local newspapers and online publications for job advertisements.

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