Manufacturing Recruitment Trends in 2023

Overview of the current climate in the manufacturing sector

The manufacturing sector in the UK is experiencing a period of rapid growth and transformation. Companies are investing heavily in technology, automation and upskilling their current workforce. Manufacturers are also looking for new and innovative ways to recruit and retain skilled talent in order to keep up with demand. This is creating exciting opportunities for job seekers – from skilled engineers and technicians to data analysts and software developers – who can help them remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global manufacturing market.

Expansion in the Manufacturing Sector

Growth of blue-collar manufacturing jobs

The growth of blue-collar manufacturing jobs in 2023 is expected to be strong, due to increased demand for production and the necessities of the industry. This is likely to see an increase in permanent hires to manage these teams, and a similar increase in temporary roles to facilitate the production needs of the industry, and many employers are also likely to offer increasingly attractive remuneration in an effort to attract more skilled applicants. Companies are also focussing more on apprenticeships in order to provide training and certification required for more technical roles within the sector.

Manufacturing industry’s contribution to UK economy

The UK manufacturing industry generates a significant amount of export revenue and provides jobs in many sectors – as well as traditional production industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical and food, the modern industry includes green manufacturing, digital manufacturing and advanced engineering and materials research. It’s no surprise that the manufacturing sector remains of the most important contributors to UK GDP. As such, the recruitment of skilled workers in 2023 and beyond will be of paramount importance for the industry’s continued success.

Benefits of Temporary Recruitment in the Manufacturing Industry

Flexible labour demands

The increasingly transient nature of the modern labour market and the growing demand for flexible, short-term employment, means that using temporary recruitment is becoming an invaluable tool for businesses in the manufacturing industry. By recruiting temporary employees, managers can accurately and quickly address fluctuations in demand, respond to seasonal activities, and provide a flexible working strategy that can be adjusted to suit any changing business needs. Companies can take advantage of the quick and efficient way to fill their staffing demands, while simultaneously giving their workforce a sense of job security, as temporary positions can rapidly become permanent. Furthermore, temporary employees also anticipate challenges and are pre-primed to quickly adapt to any project they are assigned. All of these benefits make temporary recruitment a valuable tool for businesses in 2023.

Cost-effectiveness of temp recruitment in the manufacturing sector

As an organisation, recruiting a number of temporary workers to cover a single role or job vacancy is a cost-effective option that saves considerable time and resources. The ability to ‘try before you buy’ is also invaluable, and with a reduced upfront cost, as compared to that of a permanent employee, it becomes an attractive proposition for the manufacturing sector. The flexibility of temp recruitment also allows companies to respond to periods of escalated production, capacity shortages, or similar. By outsourcing to a recruitment specialist such times can be managed quickly and effectively with minimal cost, giving businesses the protection they need, without any long-term financial commitments.

Looking forward

In the next five years, the manufacturing sector is expected to be the main driver of the UK’s economic growth. The sector is likely to be boosted by continued investment in skills, new technologies, and the UK’s growing reputation as a leader in pioneering technologies. As a result, the manufacturing industry headcount is expected to see a steady increase in the coming years. By the end of 2023, the sector is projected to employ 10 million people across the UK, with a record number of job openings for engineers, analysts, maintenance technicians, and more across the sector. The demand for experienced talent with industry-specific skillsets and knowledge will remain high, so businesses must stay ahead of the curve when it comes to recruitment. As 2024 approaches, an even more competitive landscape is expected for manufacturing recruitment – an exciting time for the sector as a whole.