Recruitment expectations in the manufacturing sector are the highest in five years, but agencies now face the challenge of filling the rising number of vacancies.

The Recruitment Confidence Index, a quarterly survey from Cranfield School of Management and the Daily Telegraph, has found that half of manufacturing organisations predict a rise in recruitment activity in the next six months. Three months ago this figure was only 38%.

However, six out of 10 manufacturers said they would face problems recruiting engineers. “The perceived lack of glamour and career opportunities in UK manufacturing have made it hard for employers to woo graduates to manufacturing jobs,” said Professor Shaun Tyson of Cranfield School of Management.

But some recruiters believe the shortage of candidates may have more to do with them choosing to stay in their current jobs after a long period of negativity in the sector.