A misguided and out-dated perception of Cornwall is that it lacks diverse and interesting career opportunities due to its peripheral location, rural nature and reliance on tourism. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth!
We’ve done some research to unearth the best career opportunities just waiting to be discovered here in Cornwall, covering everything from tech to aerospace, maritime to design. We think you’ll be surprised!
The Tech Sector
Nationally, the UK tech sector is growing 2.6 times quicker than the rest of the economy and Cornwall has one of the fast growing tech clusters in the UK. Job opportunities in Cornwall’s thriving tech sector are diverse; from software testers to web designers, app creators to coders and 3D designers, demand for talented individuals isn’t forecast to slow down anytime soon.
There are a number of organisations geared towards supporting the digital sector in Cornwall to grow and expand. Software Cornwall– an independent community funded by its members, sponsors and supporters – works to promote Cornwall as a serious location for hi-tech business, nationally and internationally.
Digital transformation, a European-Funded programme, helps businesses to create specialist digital sector jobs for graduates. They recently opened a new HQ at FibreHub in Pool, Redruth, which is a collaboration space for businesses, freelancers and consultants in the tech sector who need flexible workspaces, rapid internet connectivity, and a community where they can share ideas:
“The Digital Transformation space is a place for people to make connections: between Cornwall’s hi-tech digital businesses and the wider Cornish business community, and connections, too, between Cornish companies and the national and global commercial worlds beyond Cornwall.”
Falmouth University’s Launchpad – an innovative programme to support entrepreneurs and new businesses in Cornwall – also supports many tech companies to get established and grow in the county.
Some great examples include AI company Hertzian, Penryn-based game studio Waving Bear Studio and 3D Visualisation company Amutri– all of these began life at Falmouth Uni.
Launchpad start-ups remain headquartered in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for at least five years after incorporation, meaning the skills, talent, investment and opportunities stay in the region.
The Aerospace Sector
Cornwall’s Aerospace sector has been going from strength to strength in recent years, offering careers in engineering, research, design and aviation.
Research and innovation organisation AeroSpace Cornwall champions the sector. Thanks to the dedicated horizontal space launch site at Newquay, and the Satellite ground station at Goonhilly Earth Station, Cornwall’s Space Cluster is rapidly becoming a World leading technology destination for businesses.
Cornwall Spaceport is set to make its first rocket launch into Lower Earth Orbit this summer. Their ambition is to be the most sustainable Spaceport in the world, challenging the space launch industry to overhaul their practices. Their success has led to many other businesses in this sector to move to the South West to maximise the potential of the area.
As AeroSpace Cornwall reports:
“Recently we have welcomed a range of innovative companies to the region: businesses who specialise Earth Observation like 4 earth intelligence and Aspia Space; Pelory, a data science company specialising in space, and Space Engineering Systems; who design and manufacture spacecraft for a wide range of flight profiles.”
The Creative Sector
Cornwall has a rich and diverse artistic history. For hundreds of years artists have been drawn to the region, inspired by the light, the landscape and the people. It remains a base for many people working in the creative industries to this day.
Falmouth University formerly an Art College and now a public university specialising in the creative industries, has encouraged many alumni to remain in the region after graduation and setting up businesses.
Krowji, Cornwall’s largest creative hub, provides studios, workspaces, meeting rooms and other services for a wide range of creative businesses. Part of the charity Creative Kernow, which administers creative and cultural sector support for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Krowji houses workshops and community outreach projects for the local area.
Creative Kernow also have an annual Studio Award which gives selected Creative Contemporary graduates from Cornwall College the opportunity to work rent free for 12 months in a shared studio space, bridging the gap between college and professional practice.
Branding agencies like Kingdom and Sparrow and A-side Studio lighting and furniture design companies Skinflint and Tom Raffield, or fashion design businesses such as Rosa Bloom, Finisterre and Seasalt all provide opportunities for pursuing a creative profession in the county.
The Marine and Sustainability Sectors
Cornwall is, of course, well-known for its long-established fishing and maritime industry and is now also home to world-leading experts in marine and low-carbon technologies and offshore renewable energy.
The Cornwall Marine Network highlights career opportunities in everything from cutting-edge tidal turbine technology to boatbuilding and marina supervising.
Falmouth Docks, on the southern shore of the Fal Estuary (the third largest natural harbour in the world and the deepest in Europe) covers a range of services for military and commercial shipping vessels such as repair, refuelling, cleaning and waste disposal.
Pendennis Shipyard, based at the docks, is one of the world’s leading superyacht refit and custom build facilities renowned for its diverse sailing and motor yacht projects, providing vast and varied career opportunities.
So, if you’re looking to relocate to Cornwall or to stay in the Duchy and build a world-class career, we think you’ve chosen a great place!
Here at Harding Laity, we are one of Cornwall’s leading estate agents with offices in St Ives and Wadebridge. As you can see, we love sharing our local knowledge! So, if you’re looking to buy a house in Cornwall or sell with a Cornish property specialist on hand to give you top-tips why not get in touch and start the conversation today!
