Engineering ‘most desirable sector to work in’, finds Randstad

The HR services company’s annual REBR surveyed 163,000 working age people across 16 sectors and 31 markets. Previously, the most desirable sector was ICT, which has fallen to third place after four years in the number one position.

Over half (60 per cent) of respondents said they would be willing to work in engineering, a ten per cent jump from 2021. This includes careers such as civil engineers supporting infrastructure, and computer engineers advancing technological development.

The automotive sector was ranked second in attractiveness by survey respondents, with 59 per cent of workers willing to work in the industry. ICT, agriculture and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) rounded out the top five most attractive sectors.

Joanna Irwin, Randstad CMO, said that this year’s REBR signals ‘changing tides’ in terms of which sectors are seen as most attractive for employees.

MORE IN SKILLS AND CAREERS

“Increasingly, talent wants to work in sectors that make an impact in both the physical and digital world,” Irwin commented. “There’s still a job to do for employers in these sought-after industries to ensure that they are removing the barriers to entry for willing talent. Offering reskilling and upskilling programs can help employers stand out from the crowd and attract workers.”

Despite workers being attracted to certain industries, 61 per cent felt that they didn’t have the skills required — although engineering is the most attractive sector, 65 per cent believed they lack the skills to work in the industry. This was even more the case for the chemical (72 per cent) and construction (69 per cent) sectors.

Research also found that over three quarters of workers (76 per cent) consider it important to be offered the chance to reskill by their employer, but only 61 per cent feel that their employers offer these opportunities.