German best practice can help UK engineering sector attract talent
26 September 2013
The UK’s engineering sector should learn from examples of best practice in Germany to solve its talent acquisition and retention issues, according to specialist technology recruiter European Recruitment.
Thu, 26 Sep 2013The UK’s engineering sector should learn from examples of best practice in Germany to solve its talent acquisition and retention issues, according to specialist technology recruiter European Recruitment.
Research carried out by the recruiter called on engineering companies to avoid “boom and bust” hiring strategies, where new hires are limited to skills gaps during downturns.
“What appears to have worked well for German engineering firms is their commitment to hire in times of both austerity and prosperity. The UK must move towards this or continue to face a people crisis,” the report said.
European Recruitment added that English universities should offer engineers a greater level of commercial acumen and international orientation, citing the European School of Management and Technology in Berlin, which has recently launched a Master’s in Management to provide these skills.
David Wicks, managing director of European Recruitment, says: “The UK education system is home to many talented science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) professionals, however, for too long it has got talent acquisition strategies wrong. This has resulted in an exodus of talent to foreign firms that offer top rate opportunities.
“If we are to position UK engineering organisations as attractive propositions for engineers, and alleviate the talent shortages facing this sector, action needs to be taken before it is too late.”
Research carried out by the recruiter called on engineering companies to avoid “boom and bust” hiring strategies, where new hires are limited to skills gaps during downturns.
“What appears to have worked well for German engineering firms is their commitment to hire in times of both austerity and prosperity. The UK must move towards this or continue to face a people crisis,” the report said.
European Recruitment added that English universities should offer engineers a greater level of commercial acumen and international orientation, citing the European School of Management and Technology in Berlin, which has recently launched a Master’s in Management to provide these skills.
David Wicks, managing director of European Recruitment, says: “The UK education system is home to many talented science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) professionals, however, for too long it has got talent acquisition strategies wrong. This has resulted in an exodus of talent to foreign firms that offer top rate opportunities.
“If we are to position UK engineering organisations as attractive propositions for engineers, and alleviate the talent shortages facing this sector, action needs to be taken before it is too late.”
