Manufacturing and Engineering Employers Opt For Experience Over Youth

Employers in the engineering and manufacturing industry are hiring older, more knowledgeable workers instead of younger, inexperienced people according to a recent survey. Findings by EAL, the qualifications body for the engineering and manufacturing sector, revealed that almost half of businesses in the sector are rejecting school leavers in favour of older, more experienced workers.

The research, which involved around 500 managing directors across small and big businesses, found that employers are hiring 'job ready' people available to do work in contrast to offering opportunities to inexperienced youngsters that need training and supervising.

According to the study, 48% would employ older staff over young recruits and 70% confessed that the rising number of older people going out of work will have a negative impact for the younger generation. More than a fifth surveyed also admitted that the increase in unemployed graduates was a bad effect.

Ann Watson, the managing director of EAL, said that the findings are discouraging for people leaving school and wishing to explore a career in the sector. She added that it sends out the wrong message to people who should be nurtured and encouraged to develop their skills and experience; and that the industry is already facing a challenge to develop the skills of employees for the future.

These findings confirm recent research published by Semta, the engineering skills council in the UK, that 100,000 new engineers and scientists will be needed in the industry to replace people retiring over the next four years.

Kensington Consulting is a leading executive recruitment company specialising in engineering and manufacturing jobs across all industrial sectors. All consultants have senior level industrial experience, which further promotes our consultative ability and the team has over 25 years combined experience within the engineering and manufacturing industry.

Looking for a job in the sector in the North West and Yorkshire region, specifically engineering jobs in Bolton and Blackburn areas? Check out the site today at kensingtonconsulting.co.uk and send your CV in now!