Engineering under the spotlight...

There's a real mixed bag of demand and vacancy numbers across the sector

HSQE Engineers

+%

Signaling Engineers

+%

BIM modellers/ technicians

-%

P-Way Engineers

-%

Engineering vacancy numbers

November, December, January, July, October 2023 by percentage difference July - October

Engineering vacancies
Nov 2022
Dec 2022
Jan 2023
Jul 2023
Oct 2023
% change in last three months
Mechanical Engineer
45
51
61
60
51
-15%
HSQE Engineer
30
35
72
86
74
-14%
Civil Engineers
101
108
245
221
237
+7%
BIM modellers/ technicians
46
50
297
177
239
+35%
OLE Engineers
78
87
100
89
66
-26%
E&P Engineers
75
77
64
57
42
-26%
Signaling Engineers
45
51
229
362
246
-32%
P-Way Engineers
372
80
34
18
26
+44%

The data shows:

BIM is resurging once more, which comes as little surprise, given the delays stemming from a shortage of design personnel in the market. One way to address this gap is to explore adjacent sectors where transferable skills can be leveraged and attract design professionals into the continuously thriving rail sector. Emphasising the opportunities of working on complex and impactful projects where technological advancements and career opportunities abound in well written job adverts will help attract skilled candidates from other sectors.

So what?

Although there has been a minor dip in demand for HSQE Engineers, the need within the market remains substantial. We understand that safety remains a paramount concern in all rail projects.

Summary
Specialist Skills

Design Engineer numbers in decline!

Where have all the design engineers and digital engineering professionals gone?

Due to project delays, particularly concerning HS2, there has been a noticeable pattern where companies are releasing highly skilled professionals from both temporary and full-time positions.

Is this an ongoing trend?

With recent positive developments in Parliament, including the endorsed funding for projects like Northern PowerHouse Rail, EastWest Rail, and Transpennine Route Upgrade, we anticipate a surge in station development activities.

As a result, there will likely be an increase in job opportunities for roles related to CAD, BIM, Mechanical, Electrical, and other Building Services designs in the latter part of this year, with a more significant upswing projected for 2024 and beyond.

Furthermore, the ongoing planning and design for three major stations in HS2 also contribute to this temporary slowdown being only a fleeting setback.

  • We've been involved in all major rail projects for 15+ years, from HS1 to Crossrail
  • We facilitate the transition of engineers from consultancy positions to end client roles with organisations like Network Rail, TFL, HS2 Ltd, and many others

Our most significant achievements stem from clients who have become strategic partners with Matchtech, collaborating on tailored talent attraction plans that precisely cater to their requirements.

At Matchtech, we collaborate with companies to enhance the skill sets of candidates.

We actively assist signaling professionals in their journey towards becoming IRSE Licensed Engineers through investment and mentoring.

For additional information and case studies showcasing how we can replicate this success with you contact us here