Despite some areas of the temporary workforce struggling over the last few months, as reported in the REC’s latest report on jobs, it did highlight that some sectors were doing well in terms of job demand. Both engineering and construction were found to have accelerating demand in the July report.
One of the main points that recruiters made was that there is a lack of skilled engineers in the sector, which has led to recruiters actually struggling to fill positions. This opens up an opportunity for engineering contractors as described by Philip Higgins, chair of REC Engineering and Technical.
“The engineering sector has been showing healthy growth in demand throughout 2011, and this only seems to be accelerating. Indeed, recruiters are now finding it difficult to source enough skilled staff to meet this need.”
The REC and KPMG report also highlighted construction as another booming sector. This comes despite the ONS releasing figures last month which suggested that the construction industry was struggling. These were however, disputed by Roger Noakes of the REC at the time, who suggested that there was in fact a reasonable flow of new orders throughout and continued demand for staff.
As the role of contractors is continued to be highlighted, it is hoped that more sectors will start to pick up and experience the kind of job demand that is being seen here.
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“This comes despite the ONS releasing figures last month which suggested that the construction industry was struggling.”
Figures may suggest this, but I have managed to find work within the construction industry during this period. Engineering and construction jobs are available, if you make sure to look in the right places.
“The engineering sector has been showing healthy growth in demand throughout 2011, and this only seems to be accelerating. Indeed, recruiters are now finding it difficult to source enough skilled staff to meet this need.”
I am glad to see that the engineering sector has picked up, but I agree that it is important for engineers to maintain their skills, and do anything extra possible, in order to secure a job in this economically uncertain time.