Engineering - Recruitment trends

Engineering sector, which is believed to contribute significantly to UK economy, is still predicted to grow. That only means that there is and will be demand for skilled engineers to carry out significant projects and maintain the smooth running of various operations across wide variety of sectors such as FMCG, power generation, transport etc. Moreover, lots of programs been introduced to help young engineers finding their path and building upon their skills.

http://www.educationforengineering.org.uk/policy/pdfs/HEstudentfundingreviewE4E.pdf

Challenges

Interestingly, nevertheless you as an engineer might have a vast amount of experience in a certain field supported by knowledge of all up-to-date machinery you may still be at risk of not being found by the employer simply because your CV doesn’t reflect your experience and skills!

When applying for jobs we strongly recommend you to bear in mind that your CV is your unique selling point and no one will ever know about your achievements unless you tell the world about them. Below is the list of few must be sections on your CV.

Trade qualifications and technical skills

It is important that you mention your qualifications on CV as well as any relevant courses that you believe or know are required for the job. Do not forget to mention your bias (Electrical or Mechanical) and any other skills you have added along the way.

The qualification should be presentable and listed in an appropriate manner. They should mention the details of the level they have completed or still doing. Furthermore, they should also include if they have worked in a General, Mechanical, Maintenance or Machining strand. Giving the employers a brief description on the strands is helpful and can also make you a right candidate for a job.

For example: If an engineer has worked in General Engineering the CV should include work that may include fitting, hydraulics, welding or other related fields.

In addition, do not hesitate to go online and do some research – go through relevant job postings see what is required, visit company website etc. In our day and age internet is an open source with lots of information for each and everyone so why not to use it for your own benefit?

Selecting the Industry

Often can be a challenging task due to the fact that are so many options available. What seems to be more attractive to you and where you believe you can apply your knowledge is entirely up to you, however before making a decision think of various factors e.g. industry trends (is it expanding or on the way down), salary and much more.

Some of the industries are listed below:

Computer Engineer (holymoley jobs in this field): The designing and controlling of computing devices.

Electronic Engineer (holymoley jobs in this field):: The designing of circuits

Power Engineer (holymoley jobs in this field):: The generation, distribution of electricity and the designing of devices such as electric motors.

Optical Engineer (holymoley jobs in this field):: Designing of instruments using properties of electromagnetic radiation.

For Mechanical engineers the options could be

Aerospace Engineering (holymoley jobs in this field):: Concerns about the design and construction of air and space vehicles.

Vehicle Engineering (holymoley jobs in this field):: The designing and manufacturing of systems that control vehicles.

Manufacturing Engineering (holymoley jobs in this field):: Related to machines, tools and equipment.

Acoustical Engineering (holymoley jobs in this field):: Related to the vibration and unwanted sounds.

Thermal Engineering (holymoley jobs in this field):: Heating and cooling of equipment’s.

Furthermore an Engineer should also choose the industry they are interested in.

For example: A mechanical engineer could choose fast moving consumer goods industry or an electrical engineer could choose design industry.

You should also be able to predicate that why you want to join that industry? It’s better to do a research on the industry you want to join. For example: If you say petrol engineering you should have solid reason to make you stand out from others.

Health and Safety

Health and safety are issues of utmost importance. Engineers should be well trained or educated to maintain accreditation, especially when it comer higher safety risk or FMCG type of environment. An engineer in this field should be aware of HSEQ principles, policies and procedures to deliver support and knowledge in order to maintain a safe working environment and safe system of work.

For example: An industrial engineer should be familiar with all the health and safety issues therefore he should be knowledgeable enough to inspect the pipes and machinery to make sure that they can endure the everyday wear and tear. As we all know prevention is better than “cure”

Uses of LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

LinkedIn is a platform for people to build an image with like-minded people. You can get valuable information about work and also expand your network of professional friends.

LinkedIn can expand your network by just a simple click of a button. Searches in engineering or any fields will show lot of experts and potential clients. You can ask questions relating to your expertise to your network and also the community of like-minded people that you would join.

It’s great in knowing growth in a particular industry by asking questions from the people who are already working. You can get real insights about the trend and what industry or sector to join.

Last but not the least LinkedIn is used by a lot of companies for hiring purposes so by having a LinkedIn account, it makes you visible and possess a high chance of being recruited.

Apprenticeship (http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Types-of-Apprenticeships/Engineering-and-Manufacturing-Technologies/Advanced-Engineering-Construction.aspx)

In recent years engineering has enjoyed increased popularity both as a subject and career choice. Intensive investment of the government into the apprenticeship programs has played a significant part in certain industry trends. It has given the opportunity for career development to young individuals all around the country; moreover an apprenticeship is seen as very positive feature on you CV.

If you have already taken part in the apprenticeship scheme you may want to include on your CV things like: type of engineering skills you have worked upon whether it’s Mechanical or Electrical. Furthermore, you could also include the name of the company where you did your apprenticeship (e.g. well-recognised brand and the opportunity to work with the world – class resources and talents), and list on-the-job experience you learned.

Reason for leaving

It is recommended to state the reason for leaving your employer(s) on your CV. However, you need to have your reasonable explanation (e.g. site closure, redundancy, career progression).