The job market in engineering and technical sectors is shifting fast and not always in the employer’s favour. Some of the most sought-after roles are proving the hardest to fill, and even well-established companies are losing out on experienced professionals they simply can’t afford to replace.

At Blueprint Recruitment Solutions, we’ve worked closely with clients across the UK to place technical talent in critical roles. The patterns we’re seeing correlate with results found in our 2025 Salary Survey, and the reasons behind it are more complex than just salary.

In this blog we take a closer look at where demand is highest, why certain roles are so hard to hire for, and what businesses can do to stay competitive.

Civil, Structural & Architecture

In civil and structural engineering, the challenge isn’t finding candidates, it’s finding candidates with the right level of experience. Most employers are looking for engineers with  7-10 years under their belt, and competition for this group is fierce.

In demand roles:

• Senior Civil Engineers
• Senior Structural Engineers
• Structural Revit Technicians

But here’s the issue: while these professionals are in high demand, many are actively looking to move. According to recent feedback, nearly 40% are planning to change jobs within the next year, mostly because they don’t see a clear path forward in their current roles.

What this means:
Employers are chasing the same limited talent pool. Offering a good salary is no longer enough, if candidates can’t see long-term potential, they’ll look elsewhere.

Building Services

Roles in building services are changing. The push toward more sustainable and digitally managed projects means that technical skills like BIM and Revit are now front and centre.

In-demand roles include:

• MEP Design Engineers with Revit skills
• BIM Coordinators and Managers
• Revit MEP Coordinators with Stage 5 experience

Salaries for experienced digital engineers now regularly exceed £50,000 with senior levels seeing around £70,000. But salary isn’t the only thing candidates are focused on.

Flexibility has become a key factor. 70% of professionals in this sector seek hybrid working.

What this means:
If your business still expects full-time office attendance for roles that can be done remotely, you’ll be overlooked by the very people you’re trying to hire.

Water & Environmental

The water and environmental sector is set for significant expansion, with workforce growth expected to expand at least 16% within the next 12 months. This reflects the sector’s critical role in infrastructure, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, and presents a real opportunity for businesses to shape the future of their teams.

Salaries across the sector remain competitive, particularly for experienced professionals:

• Professionals in this sector typically earn between £50,000 and £70,000, with Senior Design Managers and Programme managers exceeding that range in many cases.

But salary isn’t the only factor professionals are considering. Our survey revealed that many would welcome more structured development and recognition, highlighting an opportunity for employers to invest in employee development and retention.

What professionals are asking for:

• Clearer communication from leadership
• Better access to training and development for opportunities to upskill
• More meaningful career development conversations

The upside?

This is a sector where retention can become a real advantage. Employers who invest in their people now, with visible career paths, internal mobility, and strong leadership, have a chance to build lasting teams, improve engagement, and attract new talent more easily.

Process & Energy

In process and energy, many of the professionals we speak to have been in the industry for over a decade. They’re experienced, reliable, and essential to project delivery, but that creates its own challenge.

A large proportion of the workforce is approaching retirement age, and companies are struggling to bring through the next generation with the same level of technical skill.

Key roles with high demand:

• Senior Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineers
• Project Managers
• Quantity Surveyors

Most of these roles command salaries between £60,000–£85,000. The rates in this sector appear competitive, but a deeper look shows a growing concern, within the 20% of professionals actively job hunting, 50% of these are on the market due to searching for more development options and opportunities.

What this means:
If training and succession planning aren’t on the radar, the industry could face a serious gap in capability within five years or less.

What Employers Can Do Differently

If you’re currently hiring, here’s what we’d recommend:

1. Move quickly – great candidates are usually off the market in under 2 weeks.
2. Show a clear growth path – candidates want to know there’s a plan beyond the job title.
3. Review your benefits – especially around hybrid work, training, and career support.
4. Be realistic – if your salary or package is below the going rate, expect to lose out to competitors who aren’t.

How We Help

At Blueprint Recruitment Solutions, we don’t just put CVs in front of you. We:

• Advise on the realistic market rates for your roles
• Help you tighten up the hiring process, so candidates stay engaged
• Provide shortlisted, qualified candidates who are actively looking for a move - not just CVs from a database

Whether you're looking for a Senior Revit Technician, a Senior Civil Engineer, or a Project Manager in Water, we’ll help you hire the right people and retain them long-term.

Want to discuss your next hire?

Call us on 02392603030 and speak to one of our consultants today!

Looking for more insight? Download our full 2025 Salary Guide

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