Wales

Jobs in Wales

Known for its stunning coastlines and charming villages, sweeping landscapes and bustling cities and towns like Cardiff, Swansea, Barry, Newport and Aberystwyth, Wales offers an array of opportunities for those seeking vacancies.

With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, the Welsh economy expanded significantly and the few small industries that existed before the 18th century - such as agriculture, milling, textile production and mining - all grew rapidly.

Techniques for copper smelting were developed in Swansea, while ironwork, slate quarrying and coal mining were also big business. Meanwhile, the Cardiff docks were extremely important during the 19th century for the shipment of coal and steelwork.

Today, Wales has a predominately post-industrial economy and the service sector has grown significantly since the end of the second world war. A number of financial companies have regional headquarters here, including Legal & General, HBOS, ING Direct, the AA and BT.

In addition, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is situated in Swansea - it maintains a database of vehicles in Great Britain and deals with other tasks like selling private number plates and issuing licences.

While heavy industry in Wales has declined over the years, the country is still home to a number of manufacturing and steelmaking facilities. Indeed, the Port Talbot Steel Works produces around five million tonnes of steel every year. There are also two oil refineries in Milford Haven, as well as a Ford engine factory in Bridgend.

Agriculture and food production are another element to the Welsh economy, while forestry and fishing are small but thriving industries in the region.