Engineering and Manufacturing Jobs on the Rise

    LONDON, ENGLAND, May 06, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There has been a marked increase in the number of permanent, temporary and interim manufacturing and engineering jobs that need to be filled. The employment boost is as a result of the surge in production and export levels across almost all industries.

A recent Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index survey of 600 UK industrial companies has shown that manufacturing expanded for the 19th successive month up to March 2011 and that employment within the sector has risen at the quickest pace since the survey began in 1992.

This increase in production has been largely attributed to continued economic recovery and an increase in demand on UK produced goods from countries such as China, India and the Middle East.

Employment boost
Renewed market confidence has led to increased production within most industries including automotive, fashion and FMCG for both foreign and domestic markets; all excellent news for employment in the sector.

According to the PMI survey, job growth in manufacturing accelerated to a new record in January and February 2011, while job creation was at series record highs in both consumer and intermediate goods sectors.

Skills in demand
"We are currently seeing a strong demand for engineering managers, process engineering managers and candidates with expertise in Lean or Continuous Improvement," according to Andrew Pownall, operating director for Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing in the South East. Andrew believes this is indicative of organisations preparing to invest in process improvement as well as taking cost out of their businesses.

Competition for talent
"Competition for talent is fierce, with the best candidates not staying on the market for very long and often involved in a number of recruitment processes," added Andrew.

"Counter-offers are also a major issue at the moment as organisations don't want to let their good talent go," according to Peter Smith, operating director for Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing in the North West, Midlands and South West.

"Every week we see the market becoming more candidate-driven due to a shortage of experienced technical candidates across all functions, from quality and HSE to design and new product development. More than ever, organisations want the best person for their business and are prepared to invest to get them," Peter said.

Jobs UK-wide
Location-flexibility of engineering and manufacturing job seekers is also increasing, with our candidates increasingly prepared to move across the UK for the best opportunities. Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing operates from 12 offices across the country, so we're able to facilitate career moves UK-wide.

# # #