Infrastructure projects boost demand for engineers

Despite weaker job prospects in other areas, engineering continues to show demand outstripping supply for professional and skilled engineering candidates. The latest survey demonstrating this continuing need is from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo). According to the details from an article in Process Engineering, a supplement of The Engineer magazine, ‘vacancies for engineers were up 1% year-on-year for permanent candidates; vacancies for temps and contractors were up 7% year-on-year’. The report says, in particular, it is the increase in investment in large infrastructure projects that is pushing this positive trend. On example of such a project is Crossrail. Chief executive for APSCo, Ann Swain, is quoted as saying “Crossrail is Europe’s largest construction project and has created huge demand for engineering and project management specialists.” Read more on the demand of engineers in the full article in Process Engineering. http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/process-engineering/-engineering-skills-in-high-demand-as-infrastructure-investment-hits-record-level/1011984.article

Project Challenge 2012

For many professional project managers and programme directors, there are just a few days to go before the Project Challenge show at Olympia on the 21st and 22nd March. Organisers describe it as ‘The U.K.’s leading show for projects, programmes, process and resource.’
The scope of the exhibition covers all aspects of project management including implementation, planning, purchasing and supply. One area is ‘The Expertise Zone’, where real stories are shared looking at case studies and presentations from PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Innate, the human resources software management company.
Once back in the office, many presentations can be accessed online for registered delegates. In between seminars, there are a range of exhibitors from project planning management companies to professional institutes such as the APM. If you’re attending or might still want to register visit the organiser’s webpage at http://www.projchallenge.com/index.cfm

The rise of subcontracting - new survey

Are you working for part of the growing sub-contract and contracting manufacturing sector? According to research by the organisers of Subcon 2012, taking place at the NEC in June, many companies are ‘looking to take a strategic approach to long-term outsourcing of their production.’ Companies surveyed still look to subcontractors and OEMs (original equipment
manufacturers) for the usual reason of extra capacity but increasingly they also outsource activities so they can focus on their own core competencies. In the article on the Midland Business News website, results also show that ‘41% used subcontractors to gain access to processes they didn't want in-house and a third were using subcontractors rather than investing in non-core capital equipment.’ Organisers of the exhibition also say that the newer industries are also exhibiting this year such as composite suppliers, 3D modelling and design services and electronics companies. For more information on this changing sector and the exhibition read the full article at
http://www.midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk/2012-03/subcontracting-market-set-for-growth.aspx

Nuclear Academy in Gloucester

The nuclear energy and engineering sector is becoming a growth sector for professional engineers, graduates and apprentices to consider, particularly in the Gloucestershire area. EDF’s nuclear academy, based in Barnwood, trains 2,500 people a year at a range of levels . According to an article in The Engineer magazine, it is looking to recruit 80 nuclear science and engineering graduates in Autumn 2012. EDF Energy is one of three consortia looking to build 6 new nuclear power stations by the end of 2027, generating thousands of jobs nationally and related support roles, many at Barnwood. Universities are being encouraged to offer more degrees particularly related to the nuclear engineering sector but there are other skills that are needed as part of the mix. The article lists skills required as “design, planning, project management and safety case development, construction and civil engineering.” For more information on the rise of the nuclear industry read the full article at http://www.theengineer.co.uk/skills-and-careers/in-depth/nuclear-opportunities/1011776.article