The engineering industry is experiencing significant challenges due to economic uncertainty and a shortage of skills, resulting in a sharp decrease in both job vacancies and applications.

Engineering job application numbers have seen a sharp decline, with firms struggling to recruit in an ever-growing skills short environment.

Engineering firms are increasingly looking to hire after a challenging start to the year, but are struggling to source the skills they need, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the trade association for the professional recruitment sector.  

It has been announced that the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has voiced support for Government plans to offer a vocational alternative to universities after the first 12 Institutes of Technology were announced. The centres will aim to provide high-quality skills training in conjunction with leading employers including Microsoft, Nissan and Siemens.