Report
A report on international attitudes on working overseas as an engineer.
The Global Movements report aims to discover what drives engineers to work internationally and the experiences of the engineering community working abroad.
Based on a survey of more than 3,500 engineers globally, the report - produced in partnership with global recruitment firm Hays - provides insight on the implications of migration and the factors that lead engineers to work abroad.
The survey found that sector experience was the most popular reason in answer to the question ‘what are the main reasons you have employed staff from abroad?’, followed by a lack of relevant skills within the country and quality of education. Meanwhile, the most common reason for not employing staff from abroad is relevant skills in the local market.
The UK is seen as a great place to work – 84% of international respondents would consider it as a career destination – due to the quality of organisations and opportunities, career development and personal development.
Global Movements also finds that levels of demand and the skills sought vary between countries, but generally opportunity is plentiful for individuals looking to work in the UK or abroad. Increasing demand for engineers in the UK is well reported but, it says, if this demand isn’t met, the industry will be unable to provide basic infrastructures, so more must be done to foster talent in the sector.
Key findings
• Of those surveyed, 35% have been seconded to another country and almost 90% have experienced a successful outcome
• Nearly two-thirds of respondents have been given the opportunity to work in another country (64%)
• Some 85% would consider a move if offered – 53% of UK respondents would consider a move even if the pay were not greater than in the UK
• The most sought after regions to work in were Western Europe (81%), North America (78%) and Australasia/Oceania (73%)
• The main reason behind wanting to work internationally was found to be experience of working in a different country, followed by career development and better pay
• Only 11% of those surveyed had been unsuccessful in attempting to work abroad
Related links
Read the press release about the report on Institution News.