New statistics from renowned STEM recruitment consultancy, Matchtech highlights the growing need to diversify as 50% of companies struggle to hire and retain a skilled workforce across core STEM sectors.

Statistics show that only 5.3% of the current STEM workforce originate from outside of the EU as the ongoing skills shortage continues with a shortfall of over 173,000 workers.

Currently, around 87% of the current STEM workforce are UK nationals. By diversifying and reaching professionals outside the EU, the UK can promote innovation, help bridge the ongoing skills shortage and ensure equal opportunities.

In addition, broader opportunities are needed to open career paths for the ‘forgotten generation’ of young people from rural and coastal areas around the UK. Official ONS statistics revealed that around 2.2 million young people living in rural and seaside areas are often blighted by high unemployment and few major employers. A lack of professional networks in these ‘cold spots’ means youngsters are twice as likely to give up on their dreams, particularly in STEM subjects.

To create opportunities for overseas candidates, and those in rural cold spots, STEM recruitment consultancies should align more closely with international networks, as well as the education and training sectors, to pave the way for a new generation of professionals.

Currently, statistics show that the STEM industry remains male dominated, with only 16% of the current workforce being female. Within education, only 35% of females are studying towards a STEM qualification.

To help address location and gender gaps, Matchtech is partnering with Talent Tap, a leading UK charity targeting social mobility cold spots, to connect a pool of young professionals and broaden opportunities across various STEM proficiencies.

The statistics also highlighted the need to broaden the candidate pool within recruitment to include adjacent industry sectors and upskill current employees to take on more advanced roles. This will help combat the issue of staff retention, which remains an ongoing struggle.

For almost four decades, Matchtech has continually observed the skills in the dynamic landscape to match skilled candidates to opportunities across the wider STEM industry. In recent years, engineering has become more closely aligned with technology creating broader opportunities.

As a result, more varied roles incorporating a fusion of digital, engineering, and technology proficiencies have opened, particularly within cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development that is now integral to society.

Matthew Wragg, CEO at Matchtech comments: “The ongoing skills gap facing the STEM industry is a significant challenge. These statistics provide insight into potential measures to bridge the gap and safeguard the industry for future generations. By diversifying and recruiting overseas talent, we enrich the talent pool with new perspectives while addressing the skills shortage.

“The recruitment sector also needs to align with training and education professionals to develop apprenticeships to create opportunities for those in more rural areas who may find it more challenging to seek training and careers without relocating to larger cities.

“To help retain talent, boost morale, and combat the skills gap internally, companies should invest in the current workforce by providing further training and development to help upskill professionals and evolve with the STEM landscape.”

Part of the Gattaca Group, Matchtech has almost 40 years of experience in engineering recruitment and has formed strong partnerships in several crucial sectors, including engineering, aerospace, automotive, energy, infrastructure, and maritime.

A recent restructure of Gattaca’s recruitment brands saw Networkers and Resourcing Solutions adopt the Matchtech brand to enhance its positioning within the recruitment sector and make it a trusted STEM partner.

Welcome – Matchtech – Total Market Insight Report Jan-April 2023 (foleon.com)