SOME of the hottest commodities on the employment market – due to their short supply in the Telecoms and Energy industries - are now high on the job-finding agenda of NMS Recruit.

Turbine engineers for the power generation industry and audio visual (AV) technicians for a sector that’s growing faster than global GDP are currently topping the “wanted” list at a time when there’s an ever-increasing need in the UK to address skills shortages.

And rewards are substantial for the professionals who realise they are in demand and – apart from carving out a successful careers – can ultimately become top earners.

Lisa Carew, operations manager at NMS Recruit who is based at the company’s headquarters at Burton Manor, Cheshire, said: “Both industries are experiencing a growing demand for skilled people, but each for different reasons.

“Power generation is typical of many sectors where an older workforce is reaching retirement age so their knowledge gained over a working lifetime could disappear with them, leaving a skills gap in the market.

“Meanwhile, the AV market is growing at a pace to keep up with technological advances in areas that are expanding every day – in hospitality, the health sector, education and in retail along with business video conferencing the length and breadth of the country.

“However, the common thread is that prime jobs are currently available with lots of potential for career progression. Added to that is the fact that being in demand means bigger windows of opportunity to earn more money.”

Senior recruitment consultant Rachel Powell, who joined NMS Recruit specifically to launch its Telecoms and Turbine Engineering Division, said: “The power generation industry is hugely challenging not only from a commercial perspective but also because it’s one that operates in an extremely regulated environment.

“Engineers who are working at oil and gas power stations - mainly on contract – therefore have to be highly skilled, have a strong work ethic and, importantly, are trained and certified to the highest Health & Safety standards.

“But it means they are operating in a niche market where their expertise and skills are recognised and financially well rewarded.”

For AV technicians, who install and operate visual, sound and lighting equipment and complete electrical wiring, programming and basic construction at sites including conference, event and shopping centres, hospitals, schools and universities, their demand is in a sector where the market for professional AV solutions and services is continually expanding. 

What was expected to end 2018 as a $186 billion worldwide industry is now forecast to hit $230 billion in 2023, growing – at a 4.3 per cent compound annual growth rate - twice as fast as global GDP.

Rachel explained: “AV is no longer just good to have and used for leisure-type purposes; it is changing the way business is carried out and giving companies and services in the health and education sectors a means of operating more efficiently via their communications networks. It is also allowing hospitality and retail concerns to give customers better experiences in their hotels, restaurants and shopping centres.

“The AV market in the UK – particularly in London – is already massive and getting bigger. As the market grows so does the number of job vacancies to fill with skilled and reliable people, from junior technical staff starting out in their careers after finishing college to highly-experienced AV engineers trained to the exacting standards the industry demands.”

Lisa added: “Interestingly, these jobs in Telecoms and Engineering would not necessarily have been an automatic first choice for people starting out on their career paths. They are jobs that have evolved over recent years as economic circumstances and technological advances have changed the face of the world of work.  

“As a result, so many more doors of opportunity are now opening up to a new, modern workforce ready to bridge employers’ skills gaps and to create their own successful, challenging and well-paid careers.