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Accelerating demand for engineers underlines need for effective recruiters

As the latest REC/KPMG Report on Jobs shows accelerating demand for skilled engineers, REC Engineering & Technical has highlighted the important role that talented, well-trained recruiters can play in overcoming skills shortages.

July’s Report on Jobs found the Engineering/Construction sector to have the strongest growth in demand of all sectors, for both permanent and temporary workers. Recruiters in this sector also highlighted engineering skills as being in short supply, making it harder for companies to fill these positions.

Commenting on the findings, Philip Higgins, REC Engineering and Technical Chair, said:

“The engineering sector has been showing healthy growth in demand throughout 2011, and this only seems to be accelerating. Indeed, recruiters are now finding it difficult to source enough skilled staff to meet this need.

“As the talent pool comes under pressure, companies will increasingly rely on the professionalism and talent of the recruiters working on their behalf. Using a recruiter with insight into the market and a proper understanding of business needs is one of the most effective ways to overcome a skills shortage and secure the right experts for your business.

“This is why the REC has overhauled its recruitment qualifications over the last 12 months. We want our members to be able to give clients confidence in the professionalism and high standards of their recruiters, and our new entry-level certificate and higher-level diploma can provide this.

“As competition for skilled engineers intensifies, so it will intensify amongst engineering recruiters. Investing in their staff is one of the surest ways for a recruiter to make their company stand out, and we think the new REC qualifications are a powerful way to achieve this.”