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Technical Recruitment in the UK

The Technical Recruitment Sector

The technical recruitment sector covers everything from the energy industries to FMCG and warehousing. Such scope across the UK gives our specialist consultants a unique insight into the major projects/developments in their region, as well as first-hand experience of the trends that are affecting both employers and employees in these industries.

We picked the brains of three technical specialist consultants who have over 10 years’ recruitment experience between them. They revealed what it is like to recruit and work in the UK’s growing technical sphere.

technical and engineering recruitment consultants

Are you seeing any UK wide trends in the technical sectors?

Matt: The shortage of available, actively looking and highly skilled candidates is a common theme across the UK. Due to the uncertainty that Brexit has brought to the UK, numerous candidates (and clients for that matter) have taken a back seat in their job seeking. The lack of decision making or inability to plan for a future beyond Brexit has had a significant knock on effect as clients cease to hire and candidates remain safe in their existing roles.

The Engineering sector in the UK accounts for just under 1 in 5 people in the UK workforce – it is an enormous industry. There are fantastic opportunities available within East Anglia for the sector – it just requires candidates to grasp them. Across the region, the availability of technical roles is only going to grow and the availability of candidates has to grow parallel to this. If it doesn’t the already significant skills shortage will only become larger, damaging the growth of the East Anglian Technical Sector.

What other routes are available for young people to enter the technical sector?

Sam: Over the past year we have begun to notice an increase in apprenticeship schemes being offered by businesses; it seems to be becoming a more popular route for those leaving school. Apprenticeships are an invaluable opportunity for both businesses and candidates looking to develop a mutually beneficial relationship. Every company that is running an apprenticeship scheme really needs to promote these as much as possible if the skills shortage in the area is going to be reduced.

Education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects has been a focus of schools and the media, what impact has this had on recruitment?

Chris: The importance of STEM education as a means of preparing our young workforce for future employment has been pushed into the public domain only relatively recently. As a result, there is a massive skills shortage in the junior-mid level employment market; leaving STEM oriented businesses gripped by heavy competition for the available talent that is out there.

Industries are evolving much faster than ever before. Indeed, a lot of machinery, processes and procedures simply didn’t exist 10 years ago – This has become one of the major challenges facing both employers and employees, who need to keep up to speed with all the new developments in their industry, as well as obtaining up-to-date qualifications and training. That being said, the opportunity for constant learning and development makes this sector one of the most dynamic arenas to work in right now.

Describe the Technical sector in East Anglia?

Matt: There is a lot of excitement around the technical sector in East Anglia at the moment. With the news of the Vattenfall project coming to the East coast, local Engineering and Technical specialists will benefit, alongside their expanding workforces.

The Cambridge-Norwich tech corridor is another exciting prospect for East Anglia. Due to the improved transport links i.e. 90-minute train from London to Norwich and the new dual carriageway, East Anglia has been opened up to talent and opportunities from further afield. By opening up more commutable routes, tech start-ups have more chances to flourish; aiding the growth of the Technical Sector in the East of England. Now is the best time to join the industry.

What one piece of advice would you give to clients recruiting a technical member of their team?

Sam: When recruiting, make sure you’ve researched the market value of a candidate to ensure that you’re being competitive and fair. This is something we regularly help many of our current clients with by using our knowledge of the current market and regional salary surveys to inform our advice.

What one piece of advice would you give to candidates looking for work?

Chris: First impressions count. Be yourself, be honest and dress appropriately to send the right message.

Additionally, when you go to interview, have an understanding of the business and what they do before you arrive. This way you can come up with some creative, insightful questions to ask your interviewer that will make you stand out.

For more hints and tips on how to ace the interview, take a look at the advice section on our website. For more information on Technical recruitment, please take a look at our Technical hub. Still can’t find what you were after? Please get in touch with a member of your local team to discuss further.

Testimonials

Thoroughly Recommend

“Caroline and her team took the time to listen to and fully understand our requirements. They demonstrated their understanding by presenting us with a short list of candidates all of whom could have filled the post. Thoroughly recommended for their fantastic service, thank you.”

Select Client – Google Review – Select Appointments St Albans

Second to None

“I have worked with and for ‘Select Appointments’ since Aug 1st 2017. I have nothing but absolute praise for the care and attention I have received whilst working under their ‘umbrella’. The interaction and provision of work, remuneration and holiday entitlement is in my opinion second to none, I would certainly recommend the agency to anyone with full and utmost confidence.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Norwich

Best agency in Cambridge

“Select Cambridge is an excellent agency specialised in offering jobs in the Hospitality sector. The quantity and quality offered make it the best agency in Cambridge. Personally, I have had the opportunity to work with […] an excellent consultant, attentive to the details and needs of her employees. I highly recommend it for those who are considering joining this sector.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Hospitality Cambridge

They Invest the Time

“I have worked with the Select team on both assisting me recruit as a customer and more recently as a candidate. Having first worked with Select on a couple of recruitment projects with great success she was my first call when I needed assistance with my own career move.

For me the difference with Select is that they invest the time to understand your requirements both as a business customer and as a candidate and match you to the right people or positions. Unlike a lot of Recruitment companies the communication is strong from the Select team with regular updates and you never feel like just another candidate in a drawer. Dedication, passion, professionalism and commitment are the qualities that set them apart from the rest and I cannot rate the Select team more highly.”

Select Client & Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Lowestoft

Very Supportive Team

“I worked with the very supportive team from Select. He rang just before every appointment I had with my new employers to offer advice and support. He was also on the end of the phone when I asked for advice about my current position. Needless to say, I was offered the job I was recruited for and had a very good experience with Select.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Hospitality Peterborough

Able to Get Results

“Select have been absolutely amazing from the get go. I haven’t had any problems with finding a job, pay or communication. The team found me a new job within 1 week and another job after the contract ended on that one.

I would heavily recommend this company as not only are the staff so friendly, they are able to get the results that you want from employment. After years of working with other agencies and having many problems, Select come out on top and will be using them in the future. I found an amazing job and was so sad to leave it as I have continued my journey at university.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Chelmsford

Lovely Agency to Temp With

“Lovely agency to Temp with. Always there for advice and respond quickly to any queries I have had over the last couple of months. I would like to thank the team for the incredible service they have provided me, very professional and they really care about their work.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Oxford

Cannot Recommend Them Enough

“Select Appointments are an AMAZING agency!

My consultant believed in me and saw my strengths. He gave me back my work confidence then found me my dream job. Nothing is too much trouble. The team are with you every step of the way ensuring that you are well prepared. I cannot recommend Select highly enough.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Northampton

Genuine Care

“Probably the very first agency that provided amazing customer experience to me. Staff are very professional and friendly to the point where they have managed to find something that suits me in the first 30 minutes of walking in for the first time. Paperwork isn’t as burdensome as in other recruitment agencies which is a big plus. I got an impression of genuine care from them due to the fact that they were always in contact with me and whenever I had an enquiry they responded asap.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Lincoln

Dedication is Abundantly Clear

“I am an IT Engineer specialising in Apple systems. Over the course of 1 year I entertained many recruiters claiming their understanding and ability in finding a position that suited my expertise.

Chris Lo is the 1st (& only) recruiter in my experience that not only dedicated & understood my goals, but also had the technical education to fully understand my abilities and provide appropriate prospects. This lead to my current position with a company & group of people I want to stay with indefinitely.

Chris’s dedication is abundantly clear; extremely communicative and driven nature, exemplifies his passion and character.”

Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Croydon

The Seven Cs of Recruitment

Advice

Interview Hints and Tips

FINALLY… Make sure you have confirmed your interest in the job. Conclude the interview with a handshake, remembering to thank the interviewer for their time. After the interview contact your Select consultant and let them know how the interview went.