Labour market information for schools and colleges

What is labour market information?

Labour market information is facts about jobs: what they pay, how many there are, where they are, which are growing, and how people get into them. It helps young people base their choices on what jobs are really like, not guesses or stereotypes.

How LMI links to Gatsby Benchmark 2

Benchmark 2, Learning from career and labour market information: during each Key Stage, all pupils should access and use information about careers, pathways and the labour market to inform their own decisions.

See all eight Gatsby Benchmarks

Free official LMI sources

• National Careers Service job profiles

  Pay ranges, entry routes and day-to-day tasks for hundreds of jobs.

• Nomis (official labour market statistics)

  Local employment and job figures by area, from the Office for National Statistics.

• Office for National Statistics

  National data on jobs, earnings and young people not in work.

• Local Skills Improvement Plans

  What employers in your area say they need now and next.

Five ways to use LMI in lessons and tutor time

Five-minute starter

Show the pay and entry route for one job linked to today's lesson.

Local jobs map

Students look up the biggest employers and growing sectors in your area.

Myth or truth

Test common beliefs ("you need a degree to earn well") against the real figures.

Route comparison

Compare A levels, T Levels, apprenticeships and university for the same job.

Personal action

Each student saves one job and one next step they will take.

Want it done for you?

Shine runs labour market information workshops for groups of up to 30, from £150 online, and offers free subject resources for teachers. Students can also explore jobs, pay and routes free on Shine.

Common questions