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Manufacturing in the UK has been shrinking for years, with many companies relocating production to lower-cost countries. Ironically, this has benefitted the remaining UK manufacturers by providing a pool of skilled engineers made redundant by these moves. However, with an ageing workforce approaching retirement and a shortage of mid-career engineers, many businesses are now facing significant talent shortages.
The Brief:
Tiro was approached by a heavy industrial manufacturer located in an area with no other heavy industry. The client’s existing recruitment partners were struggling to understand the unique complexities of their sector. Tiro proposed a solution: sourcing engineers from other heavy industry sectors with transferable skills, ensuring the business would maintain a robust level of experienced engineers who could seamlessly integrate into their operations.
The client had a multi-position hiring requirement, including:
Lead Maintenance Engineer (HNC apprentice trained)
Lead Instrumentation Engineer (HNC apprentice trained)
Health & Safety Manager
CHP Operators
The Tiro Solution:
Skills Analysis: Worked closely with the company to confirm specific skill gaps within their team and identified alternative sectors with relevant skills for long-term site sustainability.
Risk & Priority Plan: Developed a hiring risk plan, setting clear priorities, timing, reporting, and communication processes.
Apprentice Outreach: Identified all local colleges offering HNC-level apprentice training within a 40-mile radius to tap into future talent.
Industry Mapping: Mapped all companies with comparable heavy industrial manufacturing and CHP operations, networking with engineers in these organisations to find suitable candidates.
Exclusive Working: Headhunt from your competition without restriction.
Manage Talent: Tiro offer end to end management of talent to put you ahead of the game.
Headhunting is key: Skills are in short supply why compromise hiring decisions on available in the market, when you can target the talent adverts don’t reach.
Outcome:
Tiro successfully bridged the gap between the company’s bespoke heavy industrial needs and key technical skills from alternative industries. By focusing on both technical expertise and cultural fit, Tiro sourced engineers who quickly adapted to the new environment, ensuring the business continued to thrive.
Find the Skills You Need, Even in Tough Markets
When you’re the only specialist manufacturer in your area, finding the right talent can seem impossible. Tiro specialises in sourcing engineers with transferable skills from across industries, ensuring they’re the perfect fit for your business. Ready to overcome your talent challenges? Contact us today to see how we can help you build a team that delivers.
