UK Skills Shortages Persist: Engineering Job Applications Plunge
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UK job postings fell across industries in 2023, yet the UK skills shortage intensified as applications dropped far more sharply — especially in engineering and energy sectors.
Broadbean Technology data revealed monthly declines of 2-3% in new jobs alongside 27-33% plunges in applications, with engineering leading the crisis at 11% of all vacancies. This is the clearest evidence yet of a UK skills shortage that isn’t just a headline — it’s a live hiring problem for anyone trying to fill a technical role.
These patterns endure into 2026, with persistent demand for power, renewables, nuclear, and engineering talent despite softer overall markets. Astute People experts explain why contract and retained recruitment remain essential solutions to the ongoing UK skills shortage.
2023 Market Trends: Jobs Down, Applications Crash
Key declines from Broadbean Technology data (2023):
- July 2023 — new jobs down 2% month-on-month; applications down 30%
- September 2023 — new jobs up 1% month-on-month but down 11% year-on-year; applications down 33% month-on-month and 25% year-on-year, marking the biggest sectoral drop
- October 2023 — new jobs down 3% month-on-month and 24% year-on-year; applications down 27% month-on-month and 30% year-on-year, with all industries affected
Engineering claimed 11% of vacancies despite application drops, outpacing IT at 10%. Alex Fourlis, Broadbean MD, noted that skills shortages are intensifying and businesses must invest in sourcing and retention — a warning that has only proved more accurate as the UK skills shortage has deepened through 2024 and 2025.
The UK Skills Shortage: What Our Experts Are Seeing
Kevin Over, Commercial Director: Power Generation bucks the trend with surging demand. Contract recruitment delivers specialised talent at short notice, preventing project delays and ensuring productivity. — Kevin Over, joined Astute 2013, CertRP 2014
Matt Dickens, Managing Director: With 18,000 specialist engineers in our database, firms turn to us for permanent and contract roles as applications dwindle. Interim solutions keep projects on track amid the UK skills shortage. — Matt Dickens, 17+ years experience
Tim Norford, Head of Strategic Growth, Renewables: Retained campaigns signal commitment, showcase culture, and attract top renewables talent amid ongoing shortages. — Tim Norford
- Short notice onboarding — no delays
- Specialised skills for power, nuclear, renewables
- Access to 100,000+ candidate database
- Retained search for committed hires
Why the UK Skills Shortage Persists in 2026
Engineering demand remains resilient despite 726,000 total UK vacancies, flat but down year-on-year. Sectors like energy and manufacturing face acute gaps in electronics, commissioning, and renewables engineers, driving contract hiring as employers compete for a shrinking pool of qualified candidates.
The UK skills shortage shows no sign of easing in the near term. With major nuclear new-build, offshore wind, and grid infrastructure programmes all competing for the same specialist skill sets, employers who rely solely on direct advertising are seeing application volumes fall even as their hiring needs grow — which is exactly why contract and retained recruitment routes have become the default rather than the exception.
Overcome Your Talent Shortage
Struggling to hire in power, renewables, nuclear or engineering? Contact Astute for no-obligation advice on contract or retained recruitment.
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