Engineering Recruitment Challenges in 2023

Hand with finger touching a digital hand depicting the future

 

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
  • 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!

  • 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,...

  • Happy businesswoman working in modern office using laptop for video call and online meeting with fellow employees, woman smiling and having fun giving a presentation

    The Future of Recruitment Consultancies: Embracing Change and Innovation

    In a world where job markets are constantly evolving, recruitment consultants play a crucial role in connecting talented individuals with businesses seeking top-tier talent. As we look towards the...

  • Red & Black autonomous vehicles under a bridge with high rise building in the background

    How AI Technology is driving the next generation of autonomous vehicles.

    The growth and development of Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the automotive sector in many different ways, particularly within the electric vehicle (EV) market.

  • AI generated image showing world of digital and silhouettes of people

    How will Artificial Intelligence (AI) benefit the Recruitment Sector

    With the continuous and fast paced development of technology on a global scale, Artificial Intelligence is transforming the recruitment industry by bringing efficiency, accuracy, and fairness to the...

  • Back of women's head at an interview with a panel of interviewers in the background blurred.

    How to Maximise your Interview Impact

    Any interview is a crucial opportunity to make a positive impression on your next potential employer. While your qualifications and experience will undoubtedly play a significant role in your...

  • Career plan concept on a notepad showing a maze and a red route next to a cup of tea.

    The Path to Smarter Recruitment

    As competition for the best candidates intensifies, employers need to reassess their recruitment strategies. Making the transition to becoming employers of choice can seem an arduous task, yet with...