Firms urged to train ‘ambitious’ engineers

Companies must invest in and actively promote training to recruit and keep “talented and ambitious” engineers, a report has urged.

Over half of engineers always consider an organisation’s training policies when looking at new jobs, according to the report from recruitment company Hays, with 74% saying they would like to receive external training at a new employer. However, only 42% of workers say they receive it, yet 80% of companies claim they offer third-party training. 

Engineers prioritise pay above anything else when considering whether to stay in a job or move to a new role, said the report, but they are defined by ambition and a desire to progress. The world of engineering is constantly changing, said Hays Engineering business director John Wright, and engineers need to stay up-to-date with new technologies to remain relevant.

There are “significant gaps” in company training and offers are not properly communicated to employees, said Wright. “Many engineers are unaware of the training their employers offer, while those that are aware often feel the training on offer is not desirable.”

Competitive salaries alone are not enough to satisfy engineers, he added. “Employers should be promoting all other aspects on offer to stand out from competitors.”

The report also shows that many engineers put less emphasis on a good work-life balance than other professionals. This attitude could add to the skills shortage, said Peter Finegold, head of education and skills at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. “It is not a helpful message to send out to the prospective engineers we so desperately need,” he said.