Career-changers could ease the shortfall of senior engineers
19 Oct 2011
London — In the next few years, the UK is expected to face greater demand for engineering requirements, as infrastructure projects expand and the drive towards a low carbon economy creates green jobs for skilled engineers.
Across the UK the number of permanent engineering vacancies increased last month to 24,560, while the number of contractor vacancies rose to 1,881, according to figures from Roevin Engineering Recruitment. Senior engineers, it reckons, are in highest demand.
Around 12% of advertised engineering jobs are for senior engineers, with this role topping the list of the most sought-after positions for both permanent and contract roles, the firm’s data shows.
Career-changers could ease the shortfall of senior engineers, believes Roevin, which has launched an initiative to encourage candidates from all levels and sectors to assess their aptitude for a career in engineering.
Mark Tully, head of Roevin, said: “Engineers are being enticed into careers in other sectors - with bigger paycheques and more glamorous reputations. Their skills are welcomed to the ranks of accountants, law firms and consultants, but there is little flow in the opposite direction.
“Many professionals with experience in other sectors have transferable skills that would be an asset in an engineering role - yet few people are aware of this opportunity. If you are fascinated by how things work but decided at age 18 not to take an engineering degree, it does not - and should not - preclude you from making a valuable contribution in that profession.”
To encourage greater numbers into engineering, Roevin has created an online tool (http://roevin-engineering.fstthegroup.com/) , asking ’Could you be an engineer?
By answering questions about education, professional background, key interests and approach to problem solving, respondents generate a score indicating their aptitude for an engineering career. Appropriate candidates then embark on a process of technical up-skilling and training, before beginning an apprenticeship scheme.
The tool forms part of a wider Roevin campaign encouraging new entrants into engineering. Roevin is set to deliver workshops in schools to promote the career to young people - up to 12 years before they will enter the workforce. The programme targets students before they choose their A-level options, as most university courses require maths and at least one other science subject.
Sam Wormald-Smith, director at Roevin, added: “At home and abroad, there is real and rising demand for people with engineering skills. Government investment into STEM subjects and apprenticeships has begun to increase numbers at junior levels but there are not enough senior engineers to manage new intakes.
“Businesses, government and universities must work together to attract people from a range of backgrounds into engineering careers. Both candidates and employers must be encouraged to recognise the significant value of transferable skills.”
