IPlantE News

Engineering skills in demand

4th Apr 2012

Demand for engineering skills is continuing to defy the otherwise weak jobs market, according to research by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies.

APSCo’s study shows that demand has risen throughout the eurozone crisis, as calls for skills in other sectors fell. Vacancies for engineers were up 1% year-on-year in January; vacancies for temps and contractors by 7%.

Recently released official data shows that investment in infrastructure rocketed 23.5% to a record £3.6 billion in Q4 2011, from £2.9 billion in Q4 2010.

APSCo says that demand for engineering contractors is particularly strong in the energy sector, including oil and gas, renewable energy and power transmission. In other sectors, such as aerospace, skills shortages also remain an issue.

The survey comes from the APSCo Monthly Trends Report, which analyses job vacancies and placements across the UK. It compares data from thousands of vacancies and placements supplied by APSCo members.

“With demand so strong, the government needs to ensure that the UK’s underproduction of engineering skills does not impede growth in vital sectors, such as oil and gas, and power generation,” says APSCo chief executive Ann Swain.