Scottish Manufacturing is on the up

The Scottish manufacturing labour pool has shrunk too far and there are now more jobs than people to take them up, according to Scotlandís fastest growing recruitment agency, Search Consultancy.

Search consultants argue that too many job seekers still tend to disregard the manufacturing industry and therefore risk missing out on the undoubted opportunities thrown up by continuing signs of recovery.

The sector grew by a further 0.5% between April and May (source; Office for National Statistics), which was the third consecutive month of growth. Search says the jobs market is now looking more attractive than it has done for many years.

ìThere are clear signs that this formerly depressed market is now on the upturn,î says Searchís Mark Lynch, Associate Director (Technical & Industrial). ìThe problem the industry is now facing however, is that there is not enough of a skilled workforce to meet the demand.

ìThe downturn which hit the manufacturing industry four or five years ago resulted in a number of skilled employees moving away from manufacturing, into other industries where demand for staff was high. Now that manufacturing is on the upturn again, the shortage of skills in the industry is again becoming very apparent.î

Recognising this, a number of traditional manufacturing companies are tackling the problem head on, by trying to tempt potential new employees back from other industry sectors.

Mark Lynch explains, ìAll this is good news for jobseekers, who are finding themselves in greater demand and therefore able to request a more attractive package of pay and working conditions to suit their own circumstances.

ìItís good news for manufacturing companies too, who are having to make strides towards becoming employers of choice. The race is on to bring new blood into the manufacturing industry from other sectors where skills are easily transferable. This give companies the opportunity to add value to their business by bringing in people with a fresh approach and new ideas.

Mark Lynch of Search, continuedÖìEach new employee brings different experiences and different areas of expertise, and employers are keen to further benefit from the effects of breathing fresh life into their businesses.î

Mark adds, ìManufacturing is moving into a new phase. Traditional manufacturing businesses are evolving and companies are changing their business strategies in light of the new attitudes and ideas coming into the sector. Companies are also looking at other avenues and exploring new ways to make their product range more profitable. All of this creates opportunities for good people to make their mark.î

With good jobs offering competitive salaries, particularly in middle management roles, Mark Lynch says now is a healthy time for people to reconsider the challenge of a leaner, fitter Scottish manufacturing industry.

ìThe manufacturing industry is healthy and skilled people with innovative ideas are in demand. Itís a good opportunity for people to get in at an early stage of recovery when opportunities for rapid career advancement are usually at their best.î