Civil and Structures Update
We are pleased to report civil and structural recruitment activity has continued to increase since the start of 2021. Head of division, Paul Cook, has concluded search assignments to locate senior engineering managers and technical leads with clients from the contracting, consulting, insurance, and forensic sectors during this period.
Whilst there remains some understandable nervousness around career changes after recent events, confidence is steadily returning. Recent placements are mainly the result of client growth and have been with profitable businesses operating in buoyant sectors of the industry. This is an encouraging indication that trading conditions will remain firm.
One of the on-going challenges to overcome is a shortage of skills. The UK no longer has such easy access to talent from the EU and some highly valued engineering and construction professionals have returned to the continent, perhaps permanently. However, there is still a healthy source of English-speaking engineers from further afield for employers who have got to grips with immigration rules. For example, we have seen a notable increase in activity from Hong Kong, a prime location for viable English-speaking candidates.
A sustained return of confidence will provide a shot in the arm for the employment scene, and this should be the incentive many need to make their next career move. For employers in the market for recruiting new staff, it could also improve access to home grown talent.
Lethaby & Cook are pleased so many of our clients have fared well in difficult times and we are looking forward to working with them as normal life returns. Whilst Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype have been invaluable in keeping the recruitment process moving, it shouldn’t be long before face to face interviews and meetings become the norm again.
The signs are positive for a productive second half of 2021