At the centre of attention Specialist Skills...
High demand and candidates are in short supply
Vacancy numbers as of October 2023
CRE/CEM
COSS
IRSE Licensed Staff
Specialist Skills vacancy numbers
November, December, January, July, October 2023 by percentage difference July - October
The data shows:
The escalating demand for safety critical personnel in response to accelerating project delivery highlights the importance of encouraging new safety critical workers into the industry. Additionally, we are keen to discuss our strategies for identifying and enhancing the skill sets of our candidates in collaboration with our valued clients to up-skill to new roles.
While IRSE-licensed staff have witnessed a decline in demand, we consider whether route modernisation plays a role. Could an upturn in demand be on the horizon in the next six months?
Signalling insights
George Hunter Signalling Consultant
Since August 2022, there has been an 88% surge in demand for IRSE licensed Engineers, spanning from Operatives to SMTH level. Network Rail's commitment to allocate £9.8 billion for maintenance activities across their four regions in England and Wales during CP7, marking a 4% increase compared to CP6, guarantees that our involvement will extend through our S&T framework agreement with Network Rail until 2029. This suggests that demand will continue to grow as we work to reduce the backlog in maintenance depots and support Works Delivery projects, even as Network Rail introduces the 'Modernisation of maintenance' initiative, which involves team downsizing to pairs and altering their workload and roster management.
However, a surge in demand is also observed from Sub-Contractors engaged in Signalling Installation and New Works projects, resulting in a shortage of skilled personnel for both current and future projects.
88% surge in demand for IRSE licensed Engineers, spanning from Operatives to SMTH level
Network Rail's commitment to maintenance activities during CP7
To address this gap over the past two years, Matchtech has provided support to a Works Delivery depot, assisting with a team of 10 Signalling professionals, including Assistant Installers, Technicians, SMTHs, Assistant Testers, and Functional Testers. Furthermore, we have funded and facilitated the following training courses in collaboration with Network Rail, offering mentorship during the learning phases:
- BS1 & 2 (SEM 1 & 2)
- SMTH Initial
- MOD 5 Initial
- IRSE Licenses
As a result, this concerted effort has significantly strengthened our client's workforce over the past 24 months, enabling them to tackle ongoing and upcoming projects with a well-equipped and proficient team. We are eager to explore opportunities where we can replicate this success and customise it to meet our clients' specific requirements.