When it was recently announced that the UK economic growth figures were better than anticipated, specialist global recruiters, Fusion People were already hard at work placing professionals in relevant roles across the mechanical and electrical engineering sectors.
These proactive efforts were as a result of burgeoning new projects by Crossrail and Transport for London (London Underground), sparking a surge in demand for skilled mechanical and electrical engineers.
Although the construction industry has struggled since the financial crisis, it appears that these public infrastructure projects may give the construction industry a much needed boost and hopefully invigorate some growth by Q2 of 2013. Furthermore, Fusion People have also seen a demand for Facilities Management and Maintenance candidates, affirming just how resilient the sector has been despite the most recent economic downturn.
Fusion Peoples network of national offices is driving forward recruitment in these sectors and London is at the epicentre of this renewed development.
This increased growth in the aforementioned sectors is also expected to further promote the demand for skilled contract workers.
Paul Scott, Business Development Director at Fusion People offered his insight into the recent trends: The M&E Maintenance sector has remained solid throughout the downturn now we are seeing increased demand for skilled design staff, from CAD Technicians to Mechanical & Electrical Design Engineers. Our consultancy clients are reporting healthier order books well into 2014 which we believe will positively impact contracting businesses during Q3 and Q4 of this year.
Fusion Peoples own research highlighted the fact that demand for M&E Design staff in Q1 has risen by over 50% from Q4 of 2012 which is significant even factoring in seasonal fluctuations.
Crossrail in particular has been a significant contributor to the need for skilled mechanical and electrical engineers. The 12.8 billion project is going to revolutionise commuting in London and expand the current rail network by 10%, passing through a total of 37 stations. It will transform the lives of many London commuters and put a further 1.5 million people within 45 minutes of Central London Stations.
The project is still five years away from its expected completion date, so the demand for skilled employees in the construction and engineering field will remain high for many years to come.