Local firms face a dearth of experienced engineers

Mechanical and electrical engineers are in demand.

Singapore firms are grappling with a dearth of experienced mechanical and electrical engineers, according to a report released today by recruitment firm Hays.

Hays noted that many employers want to increase their headcounts due to high workloads.

 “They prefer local professionals or expatriates who have been naturalized here and have relevant local work experience. One of the trends we have noticed is that candidates who have strong presentation skills are increasingly in demand as more and more technical roles are becoming client facing,” said Christine Wright, Managing Director of Hays in Asia.

A key hurdle in hiring good engineers is the salary stalemate. Most candidates are not looking to move from one consultancy to another unless it is for a step up or higher salary, while organisations are not usually willing to offer an increment of more than five to seven per cent.

Hays particularly noted that the engineering design sector is constantly searching for mechanical and electrical Designers.

“There continues to be a shortage in all design organisations that have a dedicated Mechanical and Electrical task force. We’re seeing a high demand for Mechanical Design Engineers with HVAC and ACMV experience, and candidates with additional fire and plumbing experience are preferred,” Wright noted.

With the upcoming MRT and hospital projects, consulting firms are also actively hiring Electrical Engineers with relevant experience in rail or healthcare, the report added.

“Candidates’ educational qualifications must be from a university that is recognised by the Professional Engineers board of Singapore. This makes theses vacancies quite challenging to fill,” Wright stated.