Cardiff graduate job market remains resilient despite year-on-year dip, Indeed data shows
Cardiff graduate job market remains resilient despite year-on-year dip, Indeed data shows
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Cardiff’s graduate job market held firmer than expected in October, according to new figures from global hiring platform Indeed, despite wider economic pressures and a sharp year-on-year decline in advertised roles.
Indeed’s latest analysis shows the share of graduate-titled job postings in Cardiff last month was 3% higher than the average October level recorded between 2019 and 2024.
However, postings were 33% lower than in October 2024, reflecting the cooling labour market seen across the UK this year.
Even so, demand for early-career talent has remained notably strong in engineering and project management, the sectors accounting for the largest proportion of graduate positions currently available in the city.
But the outlook for the coming year is less certain, with employers facing rising costs and new legislative requirements.
Indeed’s report highlights several headwinds, including measures expected in the Autumn Budget, the potential introduction of the Employment Rights Bill, and increasing unemployment levels.
The Bill, which could come into force before the end of 2025, aims to bolster worker protection, but may introduce new obligations such as guaranteed working hours and clearer rules for seasonal roles.
Despite these pressures, Cardiff continues to post competitive salaries for key graduate roles. According to Indeed, the top three occupations with the highest share of graduate-titled vacancies also offer some of the strongest starting salaries in the city:
- Civil Engineer – £42,163
- Electrical Engineer – £45,199
- Project Manager – £44,584
Matt Burney, Senior Strategic Advisor at Indeed, said: “Graduates who focus on building relevant skills, staying informed about sector trends, and targeting sectors with sustained demand for workers are best placed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving labour market.
“And with signs that demand for graduate talent is rising again, it’s worth making the most of it by networking, sharing tailored job applications, and building a strong professional presence online.”
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