Workforce statistics
- Newport has access to nearly half a million economically active people within 30 minutes’ drive and 1.6 million people within an hour's drive
- Newport’s workforce has a proven track record of flexibility, loyalty and dedication. Salary costs are some of the most competitive in the UK and staff retention is higher than the UK average
- There is expertise across a wide range of sectors including ICT and digital, advanced materials and manufacturing, financial and professional services, creative industries, transport and logistics and public services
- 97% of young people in Newport are in education, employment or training
- Office space and salary costs are 40% lower than London
- Staff retention in Newport is higher than the UK average
- Private and public sector organisations in Newport are committed to helping employers fulfil their recruitment and skills needs
Education, skills and training
Universities
Newport has an award-winning university in the city centre – part of the University of South Wales (USW). A core USW strength is to deliver industry relevant education and research that is applied to real life.
Other highly ranked universities within 30 miles of Newport are Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Bristol University and the University of the West of England.
Newport is realising its ambition to become a national digital hub delivering industry relevant education and research. We are home to:
- The National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA), the first of its kind in Wales is located in University of South Wales’s city centre campus. It is a joint public/private sector initiative with industry names including Airbus, General Dynamics UK, Wolfberry and the South Wales Cyber Security Cluster
- Cardiff University has established the UK’s first software academy in the city. The academy is recognised as a Centre of Excellence in producing up to 60 skilled graduates per year
- TESTIA (an Airbus company) is here, training highly skilled engineers for the aerospace industry
- The Alacrity Foundation UK provides an intensive training environment to prepare graduates for entrepreneurship in the technology sector
Other
- Coleg Gwent is one of Wales’ top performing further education colleges with a campus in Newport delivering vocational and main qualifications
- The council’s Work-Based Learning Academy is a flexible employment based development pathway that aims to develop the city’s workforce to meet the skills requirements of businesses and investors. Download the Work Based Learning Academy brochure (pdf) to find out more about how your business could benefit, or email wbla@newport.gov.uk or telephone (01633) 414838