Living And Working In Swansea

The city of Swansea is situated on the south coastline of Wales. It is the second largest city in Wales and is approximately 185 miles from London by car. The nearest airport to Swansea in Cardiff Airport or alternatively a direct train will get you to London in less than three hours.

Historically, Swansea had strong connections with coal mining, iron, shipbuilding and a woollen industry. This expanded into pottery and metal which were exported via the busy port. In the 1800’s the population boomed and much work was put into improving general living standards. In the early 1900’s, Swansea continued to thrive up until around the time of the economic depression of the 1930s and then after World War Two the metal industry declined rapidly which hit Swansea quite hard, as did the demise of coal mining towards the latter part of the century. In modern times however, Swansea’s economy has developed a diverse range of sectors which include manufacturing, public administration, healthcare, education, financial, hospitality and retail.

It is a city with a rich heritage and an unfaltering passion for innovation. There are a number of regeneration projects happening such as Copr Bay and the city has been generously invested in. There is a new look emerging for the city which will undoubtedly attract more visitors and expand business opportunities, giving a major boost for local employees and businesses alike.

Swansea University, which is over a century old and is situated on the stunning waterfront, is renowned for its research excellence and also its reputation of fine teaching standards. It is a popular university with students from all around the world and is ranked third in Wales by the Times Good University Guide.

There is much to explore in this vibrant and desirable city which is full of culture. The National Waterfront Museum is an extremely interesting architectural masterpiece show piecing themed galleries which celebrates both the maritime and industrial history of Wales over the last few centuries. Plantasia Tropical Zoo is a magical place where you can step into a real rainforest zoo in the heart of the city while the Egypt Centre holds the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in Wales with over six thousand artefacts on display.

The Mumbles is an exciting and often busy seaside village to one side of Swansea Bay which offers fresh seafood, some of which is sold at the fascinating indoor Swansea Market. Oystermouth Castle, which dates from the Norman era sits on the top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There are several beautiful gardens and parks to admire, a huge stadium and plenty of cultural venues where you can enjoy theatre, museums and numerous festivals throughout the year.

The nearby Gower Peninsula is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the UK’s very first to be designated in 1956!) and is a haven for wildlife and birds, having a diverse landscape of stunning beaches, cliffs and moorland.  Rhossili Bay has been in the top ten of best beaches in Britain for over eight years while Llangennith is a popular destination for surfers.

Swansea’s welcoming community, excellent schools and a lower cost of living compared to many other UK cities, make it an ideal place for families. Swansea offers a high standard of living with good employment prospects whilst never forgetting its unique Welsh heritage.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on March 7th 2024 between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the Grand Hotel, SA1 1NX. This beautiful, unique building dates back to the 1930s and is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, adjacent to the train station.