Lack of development opportunities driving surge in engineering recruitment

Just 41% of professionals working within the engineering sector believe there are opportunities to learn and grow with their current employer, suggesting that many may be seeking to switch companies in order to take the next step in their career. 

That is according to research from specialist recruitment consultancy, WR Engineering.  

The survey of 10,633 employees from diverse specialisms including aerospace, automotive and infrastructure also found that while respondents were overwhelmingly proud to work within their industry (82% agreed) and considered their work to be an important part of their life (85% agreed), just 39% said they had confidence in their existing leadership team.

In addition, just 36% said they were motivated by their managers while only 40% said they would recommend their current workplace to their peers.

Commenting on the findings, Lewis Richards, Director of WR Engineering, said: “With a recent study from Engineering UK suggesting that the sector will need an additional 186,000 skilled recruits each year until 2024 in order to ease talent shortages, it would perhaps be fair to assume that employers are taking care to hold on to the skills they already possess. However, our research suggests quite the opposite.

“With the majority of engineers considering the potential for professional development within their current organisation inadequate, it’s highly likely that many will be looking for their next role externally.

“Indeed, a number of the jobseekers we work with are looking for opportunities where they can challenge themselves professionally and acquire new skills while climbing the career ladder.

“Through offering – and communicating – clear routes for progression within their businesses along with support in training and development, employers can build confidence among their workforces and maximise their chances of retaining the talent they need to thrive.”