The engineering industry is no stranger to change, and 2023 is proving to be another demanding year, as companies are expected to accomplish more with fewer resources. However, the market is showing no shortage of engineering job opportunities. In fact, according to Engineering UK, engineering jobs account for a significant 25% of all job listings.
So, if you’re recruiting or seeking employment, it’s vital to understand the current market challenges and more importantly, how to approach these to give you the best chance of success, however that looks for you.

Industry Challenges and Trends
The past couple of years has seen the engineering industry grappling with unforgiving global events, which have all left their mark on the engineering recruitment landscape.
As we move forward, it’s essential for engineering professionals, companies, and recruitment agencies to not only adapt but also thrive in this dynamic environment. Here are the key trends and challenges that will shape the engineering industry throughout the remainder of the year and into 2024.

Net Zero
One of the primary challenges facing the engineering sector is the compelling need for substantial investment in new technologies and infrastructure, driven by the ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This presents both a significant challenge and a unique opportunity for the engineering industry. The demand for green skills has surged, with a remarkable 55% increase in the need for environmental expertise within engineering roles over the past five years.

Ageing Workforce
Another pressing issue is the ageing engineering workforce. The industry is currently battling with an ageing demographic, making it crucial to capture and retain those entering the industry. However, the number of young engineers stepping in to fill these roles falls far short of demand as engineers are officially recognised as a shortage occupation.
A solution lies in making apprenticeships more enticing and prevalent for aspiring engineers. Engineering UK forecasts a shortage of skilled candidates, technicians, and accredited engineers between now and 2024, primarily due to a lack of qualified applicants and insufficient awareness among school leavers.

Oversea Attraction
Not only is the industry losing its seasoned professionals to retirement, but it’s also losing talent to more attractive job offers abroad. Engineers are now increasingly seeking better paying opportunities overseas.

Skills Gap
Finally, the UK engineering industry is facing a significant skills gap, with a shortage of qualified individuals to fill high level roles. This shortage not only extends the time needed to find the right candidates but also increases the cost of hiring.
Despite these challenges, employers are shifting towards a more strategic approach to recruitment, as opposed to panic recruiting seen in recent years.

Why Sapphire?
Sapphire understands the unique demands of the engineering sector. This sector-specific expertise allows us to provide tailored solutions that can significantly benefit engineering professionals.
The engineering sector, like any other, is subject to regulations and tax requirements. Our expertise in legislation means that recruiters and engineers always stay fully informed and 100% compliant.
Sapphire offers a comprehensive range of services specifically designed to cater to the intricate needs of engineers. Our services enhance efficiency, also allowing recruitment agencies to focus on what they do best: connecting talented engineers with the right opportunities.
To learn more about how we can help, get in contact with the team today.