From seeing the commencing patterns of the new hiring year, the UK engineering industry continues to face significant challenges in hiring and staffing in 2023. The demand for highly skilled engineers in all the key sectors of Manufacturing and Engineering remains high, and companies are still struggling to find the right talent to fill critical positions. In this article I wanted to give my thoughts on what are some of the key challenges faced by the UK engineering industry in the area of hiring and staffing, as well as potential solutions to these challenges.
Skills gap: One of the main challenges faced by the UK engineering industry is a significant skills gap. Many companies are finding that there are simply not enough qualified candidates to fill the very high level of open positions, and this is leading to longer recruitment times and increased costs. The skills gap is particularly pronounced in areas such as digital engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, where there is a high demand for expertise.
Retention: Another key challenge faced is the retention of highly skilled engineers. With a competitive job market and the attraction of higher salaries and better opportunities abroad, many engineers are leaving the UK for greener pastures. This has led to a constant cycle of recruitment and training, which can be costly for companies and disruptive for their teams.
Ageing workforce: The UK is facing a significant challenge in terms of workforce aging in this space. Many experienced engineers are reaching retirement age, and there are not enough younger engineers to replace them. This is leading to a significant loss of expertise and knowledge, which could have serious implications for the future of the industry without the
Lack of diversity: Another challenge faced by the UK engineering industry is the lack of diversity in the workforce. The industry continues to be heavily dominated by men, and there is a lack of representation of women, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups across the board. This not only limits the pool of available talent, but also leads to a lack of diversity of thought and ideas which could inherently have a negative impact on the innovation and competitiveness of the UK on the global stage.
Solutions: In my view in order to overcome these challenges, the UK engineering industry needs to adopt a multi-pronged approach. This could include initiatives to increase the diversity of the workforce, to improve the retention of highly skilled engineers, and to develop new strategies to attract and retain talent with a genuine long-term focus on work life balance and employment flexibility.
Additionally, companies need to invest in training and development programs to ensure that they have the necessary skills and expertise to succeed in the future and proper investment into STEM activity and placing a genuine focus on making this career a genuine and desirable alternative from junior school level onwards is a must.
Conclusion
The UK engineering industry continues to face significant challenges in hiring and staffing, however by taking a proactive approach and investing in initiatives to improve diversity, attraction, retention, and ongoing skills development, companies can overcome these challenges and secure a bright future for the whole UK manufacturing and engineering sectors.
If you would like to discuss any of the challenges you are facing as a business in terms of the attraction and retention of staff, please don’t hesitate to reach out and we would be happy to give any insight and support available from an Envisage perspective.
Similar Articles
-
![Father Christmas Reviewing CV's for new Elves]()
How Father Christmas Recruits the Best Elves in the North Pole
Have you ever wondered how the man in the big red suit manages to recruit all the staff he needs to pull off such an extensive operation over the holiday season?
-
![USA People network and national connection in innovative perception]()
Understanding the US Job Market Post-Election: Trends and Top Jobs in Key Industries
In the wake of the recent US election, the job market landscape is experiencing significant shifts.With a new administration in place and a renewed focus on economic recovery, both candidates and...
-
![Hands of an Engineer working on technical drawings]()
From Engineering Shortage to Dream Job
The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of engineers, making it a competitive market for both candidates and hiring businesses. But fear not, as a leading recruitment agency, we are here to guide...
-
![An engineer on a high-tech robotic line for the production of aerospace engines controls information using a modern innovative graphical interface.]()
Recruitment considerations for Aerospace and Defence
Whether you're a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, there are endless opportunities waiting for you in the fast-paced and dynamic field of Aerospace and Defence read our blog to learn...
-
![Computers and peoples hands looking at work they are working on.]()
The Power of Skills Based Recruitment
Traditional resumes and qualifications are no longer the only measures of success, skills-based recruitment is gaining traction like never before. Employers are realising the value in focusing on...
-
![Corporate business team and manager in a meeting room at large table.]()
Executive Search: A Guide for Candidates and Hiring Businesses
Executive search can be a daunting process, filled with complexities and nuances requiring careful consideration. This article will explore the intricacies of executive recruitment and provide...
-
![Silhouettes of politicians debating in a parliament session, highlighting the intense discussions shaping the political landscape Realistic, Highdefinition, Dynamic]()
Adapting in a changing Political Landscape
In a world where change is the only constant, the political landscape can have a significant impact on industry, including recruitment. The recruitment sector is no stranger to the influence of...
-
![10-Facts-about-the-Recruitment-Industry-2 (1)]()
10 Facts about the Recruitment Industry
Whether you're a job seeker looking for your dream role or a hiring manager seeking top talent, these facts will give you a fresh perspective on the world of recruitment!
-
![Digital line drawing of an aeroplane with world map showing global connectivity.]()
Piloting the skies: Challenges and Opportunities in the Aerospace Industry for the year ahead
The aerospace industry is at the forefront of innovation, pushing boundaries and reaching new heights, but with great heights come great challenges. As we gear up for the next 12 months, it’s...
-
![Animated AI vehicles managing automated supply chain logistics]()
Navigating the Future: AI in Supply Chain, Logistics, and Transport
In the fast-paced world of supply chain, logistics and transport, one of the most significant advancements is Artificial Intelligence (AI), transforming traditional processes, optimising efficiency,...
