Young engineers increasingly lean towards energy sector work

More and more engineering students are interested in a job in the energy sector. Recruitment expert Hays has announced that the energy sector enjoys a positive reputation among students, particularly in the field of the environment and renewable energies.

Last year, recruitment expert Hays noticed a growing demand among graduate engineers looking for jobs in the energy sector. This sector enjoys a good reputation thanks to the good conditions it offers. In addition to an attractive salary, there are often enough opportunities for growth within the company. 'Cultural matching' is also often important for both the company and the employee.

"Engineering students, like everyone else, are concerned about the environment and renewable energies, and believe that it is important to keep doing what they do at home at work. Young engineers are specifically looking for an environmentally friendly employer. For example, offers its employees an electric bike instead of a car," says Melanie D'Huyvetter, Engineering & Technology Recruitment Specialist at Hays.

High job security

Anyone who graduates as an engineer is almost certain to start immediately. The job market in this sector still suffers from major shortages. Especially with technical engineers in specialized areas such as Research & Development and Automation. 

D'Huyvetter commented, "We find it very difficult to find the right people for these specific technical positions, such as in the Automation and Research & Development departments, and we get the impression that more and more engineers are getting they are looking for positions that go beyond the purely technical and that also cover their communication, business and management skills."

Well informed

It is striking that engineering students are so well-informed in advance of possible future jobs. They often go to recruiters to even ask specific questions.

"We are welcoming more and more students who want to know which job is best suited to their personality, many of whom want a varied and preferably not too boring job, and depending on that, they will start looking. The words most often used by novice engineers are 'challenge' and 'variation'," says D'Huyvetter.

The ideal candidate

Companies are often demanding and looking for the ideal candidate. Beginning engineers must meet many specific requirements. They must have received adequate training and be immediately employable in many cases. After a while, it may be possible to offer additional training to internal candidates to find the right person for them.  

Once companies find the perfect candidate, they have a loyal strength. Engineers looking for a new job are often well informed before moving on to a new venture: they want to find an employer where they feel instantly comfortable and intend to stay there for a long time.

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