Derbyshire is more famous for its coal-mining history and its current status within the manufacturing industry than in construction. It is an area dominated by three key employers: Rolls Royce, Toyota and Bombardier. Nevertheless, around 5% of Derbyshire’s population are employed in the construction sector within the county. The vast majority of those work in businesses with less than 20 employees and over a third are self-employed – whether as labourers, tradesmen, surveyors, architects or civil engineers. And with 98% of staff being male, Derbyshire has significantly fewer women in construction than the national average of 9%.
As with most industries, experience and qualifications can significantly impact on salaries, but with the average wage in the region of £35,000, employment in construction generally offers a better than typical rate of pay (currently £25,000). With so many people working for themselves, job seekers should not expect the number of available positions advertised by recruitment agencies to be as high as in other parts of the country.
Thanks to cheap living costs in a region that is relatively low in population density, with its capital Derby by far the largest settlement, and the Peak District taking up part of the county. Derbyshire is considered by many to be a desirable place to live and work.