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Sector Outlook
For some time now the engineering industry has found it difficult to recruit young
people. According to the Institution of Engineering and Technology one in every
five employers is concerned that they will not be able to find suitable engineering
candidates to recruit in the next few years. Furthermore only 9% of the engineering
workforce in the UK is made up of women and only 4% of current engineering
apprentices are female.
If you are looking for a career opportunity that offers competitive salaries, promotion
opportunities and the chance to travel overseas then it would be worthwhile
considering a job in engineering given the demand for new recruits. If you are
willing to build upon your qualifications and gain experience you could earn a high
salary. Other well-paid opportunities exist in the oil processing industry or in senior
management roles within large corporations.
Engineering companies, of course, are not prepared to accept just anyone. You will
need to have studied maths and physics at a higher level so you’ll need to make sure
that you have ability in these subject areas.
It’s worth noting that the manufacturing industry also employs a significant number
of engineers and still plays a vital role in the UK economy. You may find it helpful to
expand your job search to include aerospace and defence contractors, motor vehicle
production, pharmaceuticals, and the food and drink industry.
Although some companies such as Bombardier, Pfizer and B.A.E. have experienced
job losses others including Allied Bakeries, Tate and Lyle, and Coca-Cola are actively
recruiting engineers. In addition the aerospace and defence industry is expected
to retire 60% of its workforce creating new opportunities for younger engineers to
further their careers.
The need for green technology is another potential growth area where you could
findjob vacancies, especially since the UK hopes to become a world leader in
this sector.
Watch out too for the developments in nuclear generated electricity. At present the
government has proposed eight sites across the UK where new nuclear power
plants could be built.
Elsewhere keep an eye on possible job opportunities with energy and utility
companies as well as specialist areas such as biometrics and robotics.
Engineering