Career Energy, a specialist career management and outplacement consultancy, has launched a free career guide highlighting the top ten career opportunities for people seeking to change their working lives in 2010. 

The guide, based on research into current and projected business, social and economic trends, and interviews with leading bodies and employers from selected professions, covers key facts on demand, entry requirements and finances.

The top ten careers of 2010, in no particular order, are:
 
1. Environmental consultant
2. Network architect
3. Chef
4. Risk manager
5. Social worker
6. Maths or science teacher
7. Counsellor
8. Commercial diver
9. Welder
10. Entrepreneur
 
Martin Baxter, executive director responsible for Policy at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment said:  'It is exciting and rewarding to make and lead changes in the way organisations and people live, work and develop.  In particular, the environmental goods and services sector, providing environment related technologies and service, is growing.  The need to bring the environment into the economy is providing opportunities for growth in this sector.'

Career Energy research indicates that more than one in four people working in established professions are unhappy with their career and feel they would be better suited to another.  'We think this guide is timely given this is our busiest time of year,' said Harry Freedman, chief executive of Career Energy. 'Enquiries peak towards the end of January as people who are unhappy at work find themselves back in the same place at the start of a New Year and feeling just as negative as they did at the end of the old one.  However, with unemployment still over 2.4 million people, people are more aware than ever of the benefits of being employed in areas that are relatively recession proof and with long term prospects, so their priorities are more likely to include being in a growth area than used to be the case.'

The Career Guide serves as a resource for older people looking to change their careers, as well as people considering training and career options ahead of entering the workforce.

'The most popular destinations for career changers include some of these areas where we see many opportunities, such as environmental work,' said Freedman. 

'But I would stress that if your choices lie in areas where finding work is tough, don't be deterred.  Even though we can tell you where it is going to be easier to succeed, you should follow your heart as well as your head; our experience shows that if people persevere and plan they get into their chosen field eventually.'