Press releases
Engineering and technology businesses expanding and recruiting despite economic slowdown
07 August 2008
Businesses in the engineering and technology sector are continuing to expand and recruit new staff despite the gloomy state of the economy, according to research published today by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
The IET’s annual skills survey of 400 companies across the engineering and technology sector reveals that nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of all companies interviewed cited business expansion as a reason for recruitment.
In addition, a high proportion (63 per cent) of companies are expecting to recruit staff this year. By sector this ranges from 90 per cent in civil engineering, 78 per cent in energy, 73 per cent in defence and aerospace, 72 per cent in electrical and 70 per cent in electronics.
Although companies are primarily recruiting from the UK (94 per cent), the European Union remains the second largest source of recruitment. And much of this recruitment (31 per cent) is from the newer member states.
The survey also reveals that there is a clear role for institutions like the IET to work in partnership with Governments and education providers to improve the profile of engineering.
Robin McGill, IET chief executive, said: “Unlike other surveys, ours is entirely focussed on engineering and technology, so the results give a clear view of what is happening just in this sector.
“The survey shows, that, although economic predictions are becoming increasingly pessimistic, engineering and technology is a vibrant, expanding sector which is creating new jobs and there is a strong demand for new skills.
“There is still a major need to change the image and profile of engineering and to improve education and in-school activities. The IET will continue to work with Governments and education providers to address these issues to ensure we have a suitably qualified pool of young people entering the profession every year.”
To view the report, visit www.theiet.org/publicaffairs/education/index.cfm.
Media enquiries to:
Robert Beahan
IET Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0) 7590 776281
E: rbeahan@theiet.org
Mary Donovan
IET Head of Communications
T: +44 (0)1438 765587
M: +44 (0) 7515 065961
E: mdonovan@theiet.org
Notes to editors:
Other quotes:
BAE Systems
Simon Wright, Head of UK and Rest of World Engineering at BAE Systems, said: "BAE Systems recognises that the UK defence sector's future access to world class engineering skills will be a key enabler of its ability to support the important work of the country's armed forces and deliver business performance. That is why the company invests heavily in the development of its engineers and works in partnership with the education sector and professional engineering bodies to ensure that talented people view engineering in the defence sector as a challenging and rewarding career of choice."
The MathWorks
Sham Ahmed, managing director of the MathWorks, a developer of technical computing software for engineers and scientists, said: “Engineering is currently one of the most exciting careers for today’s graduates. It is an opportunity for them to get involved with the latest innovations in an expanding and vibrant environment spanning many technologically advanced industries.
“Within the UK, there is an upward trend in the engineering sector resulting in a huge demand for strong engineering skills both for those who are currently employed within the industry, as well as the talent blossoming within our universities.”
Amplicon
Gina Citroni, Commercial Director of Amplicon, said: “Engineering is undoubtedly the career choice for the inspirational employee. The world never tires of new technology or things to do with it. What a brilliant way to keep your skill set alive and your employment prospects expanding.”
Tarmac
Lyndon Mason, Electrical Engineering Manager at Tarmac, said: “It has been a continual problem in recruiting suitably skilled people. It has been noticeable in recent years that finding suitable individuals has become more difficult, particularly school leavers and skilled engineers alike.
“There may be many reasons for this such as geographical location, salary competitiveness, working environment and recruitment costs coupled with the downturn in skills availability due to the inability to attract young people into science, engineering and technology disciplines! In recent times we have turned to contract engineers to provide the necessary skills however, they come with a premium but feel that this is the only way to close the short term gap.”