According to a report published by The Engineering Construction Training Board, the current skills gap in the engineering sector is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The report highlights the need to recruit an additional 186,000 engineers annually until 2024 in order to bridge this gap effectively. What makes this situation even more critical is the impending retirement of almost 20% of the current engineering workforce by 2026. This double challenge poses a significant threat to the industry's ability to meet the growing demands for engineering expertise.
Over the past decade, rapid advancements in innovation and technology have reshaped the engineering landscape, demanding new skill sets and competencies from professionals. Unfortunately, the skill development of many existing workers has not kept pace with these changes. As a result, engineering and manufacturing companies are grappling with the consequences of an ageing workforce that lacks the high-tech qualifications required to thrive in the modernisation efforts taking place across the industry. Additionally, there is a prevailing negative perception of apprenticeship programs within the engineering field, leading to a shortage of qualified individuals who can fill the skill gaps.
HSQ Recruitment, an organisation deeply invested in supporting its clients in their quest for the right talent, recognises the urgent need to address the skills shortage in engineering. They are committed to raising awareness about the diverse range of career opportunities available within the engineering sector. To further this mission, HSQ Recruitment has eagerly embraced the opportunity to participate in the upcoming Get up to Speed with STEM 2022 event. This highly anticipated event serves as a platform for students, teachers, and parents to engage with influential leaders in the engineering industry and gain valuable hands-on experience in the field.
During the event, HSQ Recruitment will proactively engage with schools, young individuals, teachers, and parents, aiming to shed light on the various pathways that can lead to fulfilling engineering roles. They will emphasise the wide array of career options within the industry, empowering aspiring engineers with the knowledge and guidance necessary to make informed decisions about their futures. Martin Spencer, Business Manager for HSQ Recruitment, fully understands the challenges faced by industries in attracting and retaining top talent. He highlights the ongoing skills shortage, the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current candidate-driven job market as key factors that need to be addressed. Spencer emphasizes the urgent need for companies to prioritise the development of their current workforce's skills while simultaneously promoting the industry as an appealing destination for the younger generation.
HSQ Recruitment's notable attendees at the event will include Andrew Pilling (Director), Martin Spencer (Business Manager), Luke Norton (Recruitment Consultant), Stephanie Plazzi (Digital Marketing Manager), and Rosie Goodwin (Digital Marketing Executive). In addition, representatives from E3 Recruitment, such as Shabbir Ahmad (Regional Manager), Callum Good (Recruitment Consultant), and Laura Rogers (Communications & PR Manager), will also be present, further contributing to the event's significance and value.
The Get up to Speed with STEM 2022 event enjoys the support and sponsorship of prestigious organizations deeply invested in the future of the engineering industry. These sponsors include AESSEAL, CBE+, The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers, AMETEK Land, CityFibre, Highlander UK, UK Atomic Energy Authority, ARM, ITM Power, The IET, Forged Solutions, Balfour Beatty, Wessex Archaeology, Withers & Rogers, Hydra Creative, Dragonfly PR, and Made in Sheffield. Their collective support underscores the industry's recognition of the urgent need to address the skills gap and cultivate a thriving engineering workforce capable of meeting the demands of tomorrow's world.