Engineering Recruitment – Market Commentary – April 2025
There have been a range of factors having a direct impact on the employment market in recent times, ranging from the global ‘Tariff War’, through to the up & coming Australian election, and a myriad of holidays and long weekends. These factors have created a sense of uncertainty and generally speaking, fewer permanent engineering roles. There is however genuine optimism for the start of the next financial year with expectations that lower inflation, and lower interest rates will ignite consumer confidence which will flow through to business confidence, and in turn hiring. Clients are asking us now when we should commence recruitment campaigns in order to have engineers on board at the start of the new financial year.
Engineering & Manufacturing Operations
Right now, our clients are mainly focused on recruiting for very specific skill gaps in their organisations rather than sizing their workforce for future growth. In support of filling those very specific skill gaps our clients have, we are hiring current roles in the chemical/process, mechanical, structural, electrical control, and instrumentation engineering disciplines.
From a candidate perspective we are seeing the flow through of recent redundancies into the professional engineering jobseeker market. We have seen significantly higher response rates to both advertising campaigns and the work we do in the direct approach to candidates through LinkedIn. Seeking to match this candidate pool to the very specific skill sets of open positions is a big part of the value we provide to clients & candidates in the current market conditions.
Building & Mechanical Services
The mechanical services industry continues to boom and is less impacted by the factors detailed above. It is still the time to take advantage of this candidate-driven market and secure a top role in ACT, VIC, NSW, or QLD. We are hiring Engineers, Contract Managers, Bid Managers, Mechanical and Electrical Graduates and Project Managers with opportunities for increased salary, improved terms, and enhanced benefits.
Technology
The IT and electronics technology job market in Q1 of 2025 has shown signs of cautious optimism after the turbulence of 2024. However, many job seekers and employers are experiencing a mix of challenges and opportunities as industries adapt to technological advancements and economic shifts.
For the IT job market, as offshoring and automation continue to reshape the industry, there is a strong demand for professionals with expertise in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. Across Australia, the IT industry’s spending is projected to reach AU$146.85 billion in 2025, an 8.7% increase over 2024, driven by investments in software, IT services, and emerging technologies like generative AI. Businesses are prioritising cybersecurity due to global uncertainties and increasing data breaches, making security-focused roles particularly valuable.
In the electronics engineering sector, the integration of AI, IoT, and automation into manufacturing and industrial processes is increasingly in focus. Companies are looking for professionals who can design, implement, and maintain intelligent systems that enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Overall, the Australian government is investing heavily in infrastructure and renewable energy projects; and private firms are investing in advanced manufacturing and healthcare technology. Electronics engineers who embrace innovation, upskill in AI-driven technologies, and specialise in sustainability will find strong career prospects. We would equally welcome both employers and job seekers reaching out to begin conversations with us on current or future opportunities.
Resources
WA’s employment market remains strong, driven largely by the resources sector. There remains significant demand for engineers across various disciplines, notably project, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
In a tight talent market, attracting the best engineers requires more than just a good pay check. Employers are focusing on offering work-life balance, flexible FIFO, remote work arrangements, and genuine support for employee wellbeing. Importantly, we’re also seeing innovative approaches to bring experienced engineers back into the fold, offering flexible roles that value their knowledge and help mentor the next generation.
If you’re an engineer from the east coast who is up for a move west & keen to utilise your skills on big projects in the resources sector, please reach out.
