How leaders are solving the skills crisis in infrastructure, energy and engineering
The UK's infrastructure, energy and engineering sectors are poised for unprecedented growth, fuelled by a £725 billion government investment and the ambitious journey to net-zero. But this blueprint for the future is at risk from a significant talent crunch. A shortage of skilled professionals, from civil engineers to project managers and specialised tradespeople, is a major bottleneck. Forward-thinking leaders are actively addressing this crisis.
We asked Gemma Wilks, Head of our Management, Engineering and Technical (MET) Practice, for insights on how business leaders are tackling this skills shortage.
Training and development
Visionary leaders are tackling the skills gap by investing directly in the workforce of tomorrow. They understand that waiting for talent to appear is not a viable strategy. Instead, they are:
Creating bespoke training programs and apprenticeships in partnership with educational institutions, ensuring new recruits gain skills relevant to the industry's evolving needs, especially in digital and green technologies.
Upskilling and reskilling their existing teams, giving workers from traditional sectors, such as oil and gas, the training needed to transition into roles in offshore wind, nuclear, and hydrogen. This proactive approach helps to retain valuable institutional knowledge while preparing the workforce for the future.
Expanding the talent pool through inclusion
Leaders are also challenging traditional recruitment practices to expand their talent pool. They recognise that a diverse workforce is a stronger, more resilient one. Their strategies include:
Actively recruiting from underrepresented groups, including women and ethnic minorities, by creating more inclusive work environments and career pathways.
Promoting flexible working arrangements to attract and retain a wider range of skilled professionals.
Partnering with diversity-focused organisations to broaden their reach and attract talent that the industry has historically overlooked.
Embracing technology for productivity and innovation
To counter the labour shortage, top organisations are embracing technology to boost productivity and streamline project delivery. They're using advanced digital tools to do more with less, including:
Adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM) to create detailed digital representations of projects, improving efficiency from design through to maintenance.
Utilising AI and data analytics to optimise project timelines, manage resources, and perform predictive maintenance, which reduces waste and increases output.
Implementing digital solutions to streamline collaboration and communication, ensuring that geographically dispersed teams can work together seamlessly.
At Moon Executive Search, we understand that solving the skills crisis requires a new kind of leadership. Our tailored search campaigns connect businesses with individuals who can build resilient, skilled teams that fuel growth.
Our MET Practice specialises in mid to senior-level appointments and technical roles across a range of industries. We ensure that our clients secure leaders who are equipped to handle today's projects while shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Seeking top talent that drives success? Arrange a consultation with Gemma today.
