October 29, 2007
Fight for engineering staff
“Homecoming Revolution is a non-profit organization, sponsored by First National Bank, aimed at encouraging and helping South Africans living abroad to return home.”
That’s the opening line from the Homecoming Revolution website. With thousands of South African’s existing as economic migrants on the UK and elsewhere in Europe, HR welcomed 1200 visitors last week at their recruitment show in London.
Acording to the SA Times:
Engineering companies, including Bateman Engineering, Grinaker LTA, Group 5 and Murray & Roberts attended, hoping to meet engineers — but to no avail.
Schaffer said: “The hardest sector to fill is engineering and construction. There is a worldwide shortage.”
Meanwhile, recruiters in the UK aren’t giving up the fight easy, with thousands of jobs in engineering available in the UK.
The article goes on to say:
Wordon agreed, but suggested that the disappointed construction companies look in Europe.
One of the ways of dealing with SA’s skills shortage is by attracting expatriate professionals back home. Those who do decide to make the move will reap the rewards of their international experience.
“When people come back, their careers escalate much faster and their level of responsibility increases very fast,” said Schaffer.