A silver lining

The

(IET) has published a report that suggests businesses in the engineering and technology sector are continuing to expand and recruit new staff despite current economic difficulties.

The IET’s annual skills survey of 400 companies across the engineering and technology sector revealed that 62 per cent of all companies interviewed cited business expansion as a reason for recruitment.

63 per cent of companies are expecting to recruit staff this year. By sector this ranges from 90 per cent in civil engineering, 78 per cent in energy, 73 per cent in defence and aerospace, 72 per cent in electrical and 70 per cent in electronics.

Although companies are primarily recruiting from the UK, the European Union remains the second largest source of recruitment, especially from newer member states.

Robin McGill, chief executive at the IET, said: ‘The survey shows, that, although economic predictions are becoming increasingly pessimistic, engineering and technology is a vibrant, expanding sector which is creating new jobs and there is a strong demand for new skills.'

He added: ‘There is still a major need to change the image and profile of engineering and to improve education and in-school activities. The IET will continue to work with governments and education providers to address these issues to ensure we have a suitably qualified pool of young people entering the profession every year.’

To view the report, visit