Recruitment Challenges in the Engineering & Manufacturing Sectors

1. Skills Shortage

• There is a significant shortage of skilled workers in key areas. The rapid pace of technological change in some sectors has outstripped the availability of workers with the necessary skills.

• Many experienced engineers and manufacturing professionals are nearing retirement, leading to a loss of critical knowledge and expertise that is not being replaced quickly enough.

2. Attracting Young Talent

• Some areas of engineering and manufacturing are sometimes perceived as less attractive career options by younger generations, who may prefer tech or creative industries. This makes it harder to attract fresh talent into these fields.

• There is a without a doubt, a disconnect between educational institutions and industry needs. There are not enough graduates possessing the practical skills required for modern engineering and manufacturing roles.

3. Brexit Impact

• Brexit has led to a reduction in the availability of skilled labour from the EU, which previously filled many roles in the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors. This has exacerbated the skills shortage.

4. Competition for Talent

• The increased demand for skilled engineers and manufacturing professionals is high, leading to intense competition among employers. Companies are finding it difficult to stand out and attract top candidates, especially in a tight labour market.

• As a result of the competition, there is upward pressure on salaries, which can strain budgets, particularly for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) that may not be able to match the offers from larger companies.

5. Retention Challenges

• Retaining skilled workers has become more challenging as employees are often tempted by better offers from competitors. This is particularly problematic in niche areas where expertise is rare.

• The demand for flexible working arrangements has grown, however, some manufacturing environments struggle to accommodate this, leading to dissatisfaction among employees and ultimately a higher turnover.

6. Technological Advancements

• The fast pace of technology means that continuous upskilling is required. Companies are finding it challenging to keep their workforce updated with the latest skills, particularly in digital and automation technologies.

• There is often a lag between the adoption of new technologies and the availability of workers trained to use these effectively, creating bottlenecks in productivity.

7. Diversity and Inclusion

• Engineering and manufacturing sectors have historically been male dominated. This limits the talent pool and the range of perspectives in the workplace.

• Many companies are still struggling to implement inclusive hiring practices that attract a diverse range of candidates.

8. Environmental Pressures

• As the push for sustainable manufacturing grows, there is a rising demand for professionals with expertise in green technologies and sustainable practices. However, there is a shortage of candidates with these skills.

• Navigating increasingly stringent environmental regulations requires hiring compliance experts, adding another layer of complexity to recruitment efforts.

9. Remote and Hybrid Working

• While many sectors have shifted to remote or hybrid work models, this transition is more complex in manufacturing environments where an onsite presence is often essential. Balancing these needs with employee expectations for flexibility is a significant challenge.