Aerospace & Aviation

Career Advice

Civils & Infrastructure

Defence & Security

Energy & Renewables

Engineering & Manufacturing

F1 & Automotive

Marine

Thought Leadership

The Push for Investing More in Greener Vehicles

The Future of Aviation in America

The Black Hawk Helicopter: A Look at Its Capabilities and Impact

Why You Should Consider An Apprenticeship In Engineering

The Best Aviation Jobs to Work in for 2025

10 Reasons to Do an Apprenticeship

The Science of Aerodynamics: How F1 Teams Gain Their Winning Edge

6 Reasons Why Planes Need to Be Washed Every Week

Ferrari: The Iconic Brand Enters the World of Sailing

7 Tips for Relocating Abroad for Work

The aviation sector, pivotal to global connectivity, is under increasing pressure to align with global sustainability targets. With aviation responsible for around 2-3% of <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/global-aviation-emissions">global carbon emissions,</a> the shift toward electric aircraft is more than an innovation&mdash;it's a necessity. As the industry faces stringent regulatory demands and evolving environmental expectations, electric aviation is emerging as a critical solution to decarbonize the skies.
In this article, VHR take a look into electric aircrafts, the technical challenges being tackled, and what these developments mean for the future of aviation.
&nbsp;
<h2>Electric Aircraft: Progress in the Industry</h2>
Electric aircraft are not new to the aviation landscape. Over the past decade, we&rsquo;ve seen significant strides in propulsion systems, battery technology, and hybrid-electric configurations. However, the race to achieve viable, fully electric commercial aviation is intensifying as manufacturers aim to meet both operational demands and environmental targets.
<h3>Regional Flights: Leading the Transition</h3>
Short-haul routes provide the ideal proving ground for electric aircraft, allowing manufacturers to refine technologies within controlled, scalable environments. Aircraft like <a href="https://www.eviation.com/">Eviation&rsquo;s Alice</a>&nbsp; - capable of flying 440 nautical miles on a single charge&mdash;are spearheading this effort, offering an emission-free alternative for regional air travel.
<a href="https://heartaerospace.com/es-30/">Heart Aerospace&rsquo;s ES-30</a>, another key player, integrates hybrid systems to extend range while keeping emissions low. These developments not only address environmental concerns but also reduce operational costs, potentially reshaping regional aviation economics.
<h3>Hybrid-Electric Systems: Bridging the Gap</h3>
Full electrification remains a challenge for long-haul flights, making hybrid-electric systems a critical intermediary. By integrating traditional turbine engines with electric propulsion, manufacturers can achieve lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Projects like Rolls-Royce&rsquo;s hybrid-electric propulsion systems demonstrate the feasibility of transitioning larger aircraft toward sustainability. Such initiatives also allow operators to phase in technology upgrades, reducing risk and cost while maintaining operational reliability.
<h3>Battery Innovations: The Key to Scalability</h3>
The commercial viability of electric aircraft hinges on breakthroughs in battery technology. Today&rsquo;s lithium-ion batteries, while effective for small aircraft, lack the energy density required for larger commercial models. Promising advancements in solid-state batteries and lithium-sulfur technology are being closely monitored, offering the potential to deliver greater range and faster charging times without significantly increasing weight.
&nbsp;
<h3>Technical and Operational Challenges</h3>
While the progress in electric aviation is undeniable, key challenges remain before widespread adoption becomes feasible:
Energy Density vs. Weight: Achieving a balance between battery capacity and aircraft weight is critical for scalability. Current solutions often trade off performance for environmental benefits, a compromise the industry cannot afford for larger fleets.
Infrastructure Readiness: Supporting electric aviation requires a complete overhaul of airport infrastructure. Charging facilities, energy storage systems, and grid capacity upgrades are essential to integrate electric fleets seamlessly.
Certification and Standards: Regulatory frameworks must evolve to accommodate electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, ensuring they meet rigorous safety, performance, and environmental standards. The certification process for emerging technologies remains lengthy and complex.
Cost of Innovation: Developing electric aviation solutions is capital-intensive, and the financial risk can deter widespread investment, especially for smaller operators. Collaborative funding models and government incentives may be required to mitigate this barrier.
&nbsp;
<h3>Opportunities for Aerospace Professionals</h3>
The shift to electric aviation presents not just technical challenges but also significant opportunities for industry professionals and organisations:
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Specialised Engineering Roles: As manufacturers develop new propulsion and energy storage technologies, demand is rising for engineers specializing in electric systems, aerodynamics, and materials science.
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Operational Adaptations: Airlines and MROs will need talent skilled in managing hybrid-electric systems, battery maintenance, and energy optimization strategies, creating new career pathways within the industry.
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Collaborative Innovation: The complexity of electric aviation demands cross-sector collaboration, bringing together expertise from aerospace, energy, and technology sectors. This opens doors for multidisciplinary teams to lead game-changing projects.
VHR&rsquo;s expertise in aviation recruitment ensures that companies have access to the technical talent they need to navigate this transformation. By connecting aerospace leaders with top-tier professionals, we support the innovation required to achieve a sustainable future.
&nbsp;
<h3>The Industry&rsquo;s Path Forward</h3>
Electric aviation is not an end goal but a step in the broader journey toward sustainability in aviation. While fully electric long-haul flights may still be decades away, the rapid pace of progress in regional and hybrid-electric technologies signals a promising shift.
Manufacturers, operators, and regulators must work in unison to address the remaining challenges, from scaling battery technology to upgrading infrastructure. Collaboration across the aerospace ecosystem is critical to achieving the shared vision of a decarbonized aviation industry.
At VHR, we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of aviation. Our commitment to securing the industry&rsquo;s best talent ensures our clients are equipped to meet the demands of this new era. As electric aviation takes flight, we&rsquo;re here to support organizations driving innovation and sustainability in the skies.
Looking to enhance your team with specialised talent or explore opportunities in electric aviation? <a href="https://www.v-hr.com/our-offices/">Contact VHR</a> today and discover how we can support your recruitment needs.
Looking for a job in aviation? <a href="https://www.v-hr.com/jobs/">Take a look at our latest roles.</a>
Stay ahead of the latest developments in the aviation sector by exploring more insights on our <a href="https://www.v-hr.com/blog/" target="_new">blog page</a>.

Electric Aircraft: Driving Sustainability in the Aviation Industry

Managing Stress During the Job Search: Tips for Candidates in the Aviation Industry

Autonomous cars promise to revolutionise the way we get from place to place. No group was poised to benefit more from this new technology than the 36 million blind or 217 million visually impaired people. Autonomous vehicles have the capacity to change the lives of people who previously would not have been able to travel in a car by themselves.
<h1>Why Blind People Must Be Included In The Design Of Autonomous Vehicles</h1>
Since that video was published, blind and visually impaired people have been increasingly pushed to the side, or ignored entirely in the design phase of autonomous cars. Last year, the National Federation of the Blind in the US warned that it would be &ldquo;exploitation&rdquo; if autonomous systems were not made accessible for blind people. Nissan and Toyota claim they are committed to accessibility, but currently haven&rsquo;t confirmed they&rsquo;re involving blind people in their autonomous vehicle design or testing.
If the cars are designed without blind or visually impaired people in mind, or without direct input from them, the cars won&rsquo;t be able to address their needs.
<h2>Why Autonomous Vehicles Are So Important To The Blind</h2>
Losing the ability to drive can increase isolation for blind people, and that loss of independence can be difficult to deal with. If utilised correctly, this technology could help give people back control over how they get from place to place, without relying on someone else.
New software is being developed parallel to autonomous vehicle technology, that will allow people to speak and interact with a system that will act as a &lsquo;guide&rsquo; that could be placed in autonomous cars or on phones. This technology can interact with the AI in the car and tell it where to go, and can also tell the user about potential obstacles they might face outside the vehicle. Audio technology and haptic feedback are the cornerstones of this technology, allowing for visually impaired users to interact and utilise it to a high degree of functionality, giving them control over how they move through the world.
Known as &lsquo;Atlas&rsquo;, this technology has the potential to make navigating the world much easier for blind people, both in and out of their cars.
<h3>How Laws Will Need to Change</h3>
Currently, all &lsquo;drivers&rsquo; at the wheel of an autonomous vehicle will still need to hold a valid driver&rsquo;s license, despite the fact that in theory no driving will actually take place. Visually impaired people cannot hold a driver&rsquo;s licence, so under current laws would not able to utilise this new technology.
Laws, infrastructure, and our perceptions of ability will need an overhaul when fully autonomous cars become a reality on our roads.
It&rsquo;s undeniable that autonomous vehicles will be a big part of the future, but care must be taken to ensure that everyone can utilise this new technology to the same degree.
Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-fully-autonomous-cars-would-mean-for-laws" target="_blank" rel="noopener">what fully autonomous cars would mean for the law</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/history-of-engineering-the-car" target="_blank" rel="noopener">history of the car</a>.

How Autonomous Cars Can Help The Blind

There are over&nbsp;<a href="https://airlinehistory.co.uk/planned-airlines/">150 airlines</a>&nbsp;planned for operations but yet to start trading. Europe is the most popular destination for budding Aviation leaders, however the past decade has seen an increase in start-ups from all over the world.
In 2023, around 19 new airlines were launched globally. These included several notable entrants such as Uzbekistan&rsquo;s Centrum Air, Malta&rsquo;s Valletta Airlines, Nigeria&rsquo;s NG Eagle, and the luxury boutique airline BeOnd from the Maldives. Despite the economic challenges in the aviation industry, new ventures continued to emerge, driven by both regional and international opportunities.&nbsp;
In 2023, a total of 19 airlines shut down globally due to financial hardships, market pressures, and operational issues. Key closures included major players like Viva Air Colombia, Go First, and&nbsp;Air Moldova, alongside smaller carriers such as Niceair&nbsp;and Fly Gangwon. These shutdowns were influenced by factors like rising fuel costs, competition, and regulatory challenges. Several other regional airlines, like Equair and Aeromar, also ceased operations
VHR looked at the reasons behind the success and failures of start-up airlines.
<h3>4 Factors Determining the Success of a New Airline</h3>
<h3>1.&nbsp;Lack of Resources</h3>
Flyr, a Norwegian low-cost airline, launched in June 2021 with ambitions to become a significant player in the budget travel market. However, by early 2023, Flyr ceased operations after less than two years. Despite initial optimism, the airline struggled with liquidity issues, exacerbated by the pandemic's lingering effects on travel demand and rising operational costs. Flyr's small fleet and limited route network made it particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in passenger numbers.
In January 2023, the company filed for bankruptcy following unsuccessful attempts to secure further funding, and all flights were canceled, marking the end of its short-lived operations.
<h3>2.&nbsp;Internal Operations</h3>
Infamous start-up ValuJet lasted only three years. Notorious for its dangerous cost-cutting measures, the carrier prioritised finances over worker and passenger safety, which ultimately led to its downfall. Staff received scant and infrequent training, contract workforces were improperly managed, internal communication was inconsistent and the company&rsquo;s entire fleet of aircraft was purchased already used from other carriers
In addition to poor operations, the airline neglected to listen to customers, market experts and industry authorities. In 1995, the military&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ValuJet_Airlines">refused</a>&nbsp;ValuJet's bid to fly military personnel over safety worries, and the FAA wanted the airline to be grounded. However, the fatal crash of Flight 592, which exploded in Florida due to faulty oxygen generators that were scheduled to be removed, saw the grounding of all flights in 1996.
<h3>3.&nbsp;Planning</h3>
A sustainable business plan is key to launching any new venture, but planning is particularly vital to building a successful airline.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/company/about-bca/startupboeing.page">Boeing</a>&nbsp;lists the following considerations for potential CEOs before take off:
&middot; Market analysis
&middot; Competitor analysis
&middot; Branding and positioning
&middot; Operational strategy
&middot; Management team experience and fit
&middot; Exploration of risks and obstacles
&middot; Financial projections
&middot; Implementation strategy.
In April 2016, start-up FlyKiss met its end before it had even begun operations. The carrier was designed to connect cities with limited travel links, however a confused proposition of non-stop and one-stop services, longer flight times due to indirect routes, and a niche of a few small city destinations in England and France served only by 49-seater jets did not receive enough demand to launch. FlyKiss had sold several tickets well in advance, leaving multiple passengers in the lurch when it was cancelled.
<h3>4.&nbsp;Differentiation</h3>
Launching in June 2018, a new Canadian low-cost airline from parent company WestJet, was voted the world&rsquo;s best start-up airline by CAPA Centre of Aviation.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flyswoop.com/">Swoop</a>&nbsp;won the title for creating a brand within a brand by successfully introducing the ultra-low-cost model in Canada on a large scale.
Swoop&rsquo;s business model is based on &lsquo;ultra-customisation&rsquo; to make travel more affordable and accessible to individuals and families of all income levels. Passengers only pay for their seat, with complete control over adding in-flight food, Wi-Fi or check-in baggage for an additional cost if desired. Swoop&rsquo;s personalisation model empowers customers to travel the way they want, every time they fly. Fuel efficiency is favourable to consumers looking to minimise their carbon footprint, and further helps cut costs and deliver customer savings.
To thrive in competitive environments, start-ups must find a true gap in the market and capitalise on it with unique services that add value to the customer experience. Differentiation of brand and business model saw Swoop transport circa 1million passengers during its first year of service.
Explore the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/global-aviation-challenges-market-predictions-report-2020">Aviation Challenges &amp; Market Report for 2020</a>.
Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/step-by-step-recruitment-strategy-for-brexit">Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting After Brexit</a>.

4 Reasons Why Start-Up Airlines Fail or Succeed

Want to work in a country that&rsquo;s known for luxury and plenty of job opportunities? Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Dubai.
<h2>Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost to Live in Dubai?</h2>
As one of seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the city is known for modern architecture, luxurious lifestyles and an exciting nightlife.
Out of a population of 9.2 million people, expats make up 7.8 million, with Emirati Nationals constituting 1.4 million. The UAE experiences significant labour shortages due to its population size and can therefore offer new and exciting job opportunities.
The cost of living in Dubai will vary across the city. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:
&middot; Studio Apartment Accommodation &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre now averages 6,500 AED (&pound;1,400).
&middot; Suburban Accommodation &ndash; Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the suburbs typically costs around 4,300 AED (&pound;925) per month.
&middot; Monthly Utility Bill &ndash; Utilities (electricity, water, cooling, and garbage) for two people in an 85m&sup2; flat are around 700 AED (&pound;150) per month.
<h2>Transport &ndash; How Can You Get Around?</h2>
The city&rsquo;s public transport system provides buses, water buses, monorails, trams and the metro.
The Dubai metro is considered as one of the most modern and cost-effective public transport systems in the world. The Green line has 20 stops running from the Etisalat region to Dubai Creek and the Red line has 28 stops running between Al Rashidiya and the UAE Exchange.
Working in the UAE offers the opportunity to visit other incredible countries around Asia, which include:
<ul>
<li>The Six Other Emirates &ndash; Explore less well-known but equally stunning Emirates, including the heritage of the capital Sharjah, the beaches and mountains of Fujairah and the protected countryside of Umm Al Quwain.</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia &ndash; Visit the birthplace and spiritual home of Islam and explore the country&rsquo;s vast deserts.</li>
<li>Egypt &ndash; Experience historical world wonders like the River Nile and the Pyramids.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Culture</h2>
Emirati life is very much geared around families, with marriage and children being the bedrock of society. Hospitality plays a key role, especially to strangers or newcomers. Islam is highly important to society. Muslims see the Qur&rsquo;an literally as the word of God, and it issues very specific moral guidelines, dealing with all aspects&nbsp;of daily living.
<h2>Taxes</h2>
The UAE Federal Government does not impose taxes on the wealth of companies and individuals. However, if you are earning an income in Dubai, but are a tax resident of another country, you may be liable to declare your income&nbsp;and pay taxation on it. Those who move permanently to the UAE and are out of the UK for a full tax year may be able toearn a 100% tax-free salary.
<h2>Pensions</h2>
As of 2024, the retirement age for UAE nationals has indeed seen adjustments over the years. The retirement age, which was previously 48, was increased by one year in 2019, bringing it to 49 years. However, Emiratis are still required to meet specific conditions in order to receive their full pension benefits.
To be eligible for the full pension, Emirati employees must have completed at least 20 years of continuous service. While this retirement age is set for nationals working in the public sector, the actual retirement age can vary depending on individual service agreements and sectors.
It's also important to note that retirement regulations may evolve further, so it's advisable for Emirati employees to check with the UAE&rsquo;s pension authority or their employer for the latest updates on pension entitlements and retirement conditions.
<h2>Education</h2>
Education covers the levels of primary, secondary and collegiate. The school system in the region is no different from the education system in the United Arab Emirates. There are many public and private schools catering to Emiratis and expatriates.&nbsp;
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) supervises all schools, institutes, vocational institutions, adult and special needs centers, day care centers and government and private universities in the Emirate.
<h2>Things to Do in the UAE</h2>
<ul>
<li>
Burj Al Arab -&nbsp;Dubai's Eiffel Tower
</li>
<li>
Dubai Museum - the city's main historical museum charts the region's rapid evolution
</li>
<li>
Burj Khalifa - a stunning example of architecture and engineering, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant on the 122nd
</li>
<li>
IMG Worlds of Adventure - the world&rsquo;s largest indoor theme park.
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Language</h2>
<ul>
<li>Hello = مرحبا) marhabaan)</li>
<li>Yes = فعلا نعم) nem fielaan)</li>
<li>No = لا) la)</li>
<li>Thank You = جزيلا شكرا) shukraan jazilaan)</li>
<li>Goodbye = السلامة مع) mae alsalama)</li>
<li>Sorry = آسف) asif)</li>
<li>You're welcome = السعة و الرحب على)ealaa alrahab w alsiea)</li>
<li>How are you ? = حالكم كيف) kayf halakum)</li>
<li>Well = حسنا) hasananaan)</li>
</ul>
Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering jobs</a>&nbsp;around the world.
Here are&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career-in-2020">8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020</a>.

Guide to Working in Dubai

Engineering plays a crucial part in every product, every gadget, every system you use in your daily life. Bridges, cars, phones, computers, aircraft &ndash; all are designed and produced by engineers. Most people aren&rsquo;t familiar with the work engineers do, because if it&rsquo;s working, you don&rsquo;t notice it. The smooth running of everything from computer systems to traffic lights is all down to engineers.
As of 2024, the UK engineering sector is contributing an estimated &pound;645 billion annually to the economy, representing about 32% of the country's economic output. This figure showcases the crucial role engineering plays in driving innovation, creating jobs, and supporting economic growth. Engineering continues to be a cornerstone of the UK&rsquo;s economic landscape, with over 8 million people employed in the sector across various industries​
Engineers work primarily in innovation: either designing a brand new product or improving an existing one. These engineering innovations go on to make our lives easier, more comfortable, or productive. Creative solutions to everyday problems are often at the heart of engineering &ndash; here are three ways Engineering impacts modern life.
<h1>&nbsp;</h1>
<h1>3 Ways Engineering Impacts Modern Life</h1>
&nbsp;
<h3>1.&nbsp;Health</h3>
Medical technology allows for new procedures and treatments to fight diseases. Recent developments include nanotechnology that can fight cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue, brain-machine interfaces that allow for transmission of brain signals to artificial limbs, and even edits to the human genome.
Synthesising new vaccines, bio-engineering new antibiotics and creating new scanners that can detect minute changes are all done through the power of Engineering. Engineering also allows predictive systems to run multiple simulations of theoretical treatments, which is being used to research cures for cancer.
These advances could not have been achieved without the Engineers who design and build the machines that make it all possible.
&nbsp;
<h3>2.&nbsp;Technology</h3>
Technology exists to make our lives better. Technology is becoming so advanced that it is now progressing at the fastest rate in human history. We&rsquo;re&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kurzweilai.net/the-law-of-accelerating-returns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">doubling the rate of tech progress every decade</a>, giving the power of technology an exponential curve upwards. Engineers are at the forefront of technological advancement, designing new machines and algorithms to help tackle societal problems.
Technology is being used to combat climate change, improve our quality of life and bring people closer together. Engineers look at objects and processes and think &lsquo;how can this be made better?&rsquo; Increasingly, moral and ethical issues are brought into question as well. A focus on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nspe.org/resources/ethics/code-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ethical Engineering</a>&nbsp;keeps such rapid progress on a more controlled path that works for the benefit of society as a whole.
&nbsp;
<h3>3.&nbsp;Transport</h3>
Engineering has resulted in breakthrough developments in transportation across land, sea and air around the world.
Mag-lev trains are faster, cleaner and more efficient than traditional trains,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-safe-are-driverless-cars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">self-driving electric cars</a>&nbsp;can help lower accidents,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/commercial-air-travel-safety-2017-safest-passengers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planes are safer than ever before</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/marine-plastic-pollution-marine-industry-emergency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boats are cutting their emissions</a>&nbsp;through solar power and smart materials. Roads are changing and soon we may abandon them entirely, taking to the skies in flying cars.
As the world&rsquo;s population increases, and society becomes increasingly urbanised, we&rsquo;ll need new transport solutions to be able to move large numbers of people reliably and efficiently. Finding innovative, sustainable solutions to these problems is what makes Engineering careers so rewarding and vital to society at every level.
Engineering advancements have all been made through rigorous study, experimentation and teamwork, key values to anyone considering a career in Engineering. VHR works closely with Engineers across sectors to find fulfilling&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Engineering careers</a>&nbsp;working with cutting-edge Engineering technology for some of the world&rsquo;s leading brands.
&nbsp;
Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/reasons-to-work-in-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">working in Engineering,</a>&nbsp;or read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-engineering-will-change-the-world-in-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how Engineering will change the world in 2019.</a>

How Engineering Impacts Every Part of Modern Life

The aviation industry faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, which not only slowed growth but also forced a rapid transformation across every facet of the sector&mdash;changes that seemed unimaginable before 2020. 
However, the pandemic didn&rsquo;t initiate these shifts; it accelerated them. Many airlines already had plans to embrace digital transformation, and the global crisis fast-tracked their implementation. 
Today, airlines are investing heavily in cloud-based services, data management solutions, and automation technologies&mdash;tools that have long existed but are now central to the industry&rsquo;s evolving digital strategy.
Operating on razor-thin margins and highly susceptible to volatile market forces, such as fluctuating fuel prices, airlines must embrace these digital strategies to stay competitive. Meeting the expectations of a new generation of tech-savvy customers, who demand seamless, digital-first experiences, is no longer optional&mdash;it&rsquo;s essential for long-term success. 
<h2>The benefits of a digital strategy for the aviation industry&nbsp;</h2>
One of the main benefits of a digital strategy is that it captures and generates data points allowing for faster delivery of services, as well as analysis into how things could be made better or more efficient. &nbsp;
If the aviation industry focuses on digitalisation and integrates AI, data, and other technologies, we could see improvements in fuel efficiencies, cost savings, new revenue opportunities, increased passenger engagement and brand advocacy from customers, better passenger flows through airports, and most important of all, increased levels of safety. &nbsp;
<h2>Digitalisation in Aviation&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Airlines will give customers more control over their flight experience through an omnichannel approach&nbsp;</h3>
With everything from food shopping to paying bills becoming easier to do online, every industry has had to start thinking about their service in terms of digital impact. &nbsp;
The aviation industry is no exception, and while we&rsquo;ve been able to book flights and tailor experiences online for years, the industry has stepped up the online experience considerably in the wake of the pandemic. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Digitalisation, when implemented correctly, should offer a seamless experience for the customer. &nbsp;
Omnichannel delivery allows for a continuous customer experience no matter which device is being used to access information. Customers can book using their laptop at home, and purchase extra luggage space or entertainment add-ons via their phone on the way to the airport. &nbsp;
Notifications and updates allow customers to stay informed of changes to the flight schedule, rather than only finding out once they get to the terminal. &nbsp;
Lastly, more and more of us are expecting to be able to check-in via mobile, instead of going through long queues. &nbsp;
Digitalisation enhances customer control, which in turn significantly boosts customer satisfaction. According to the 2023 Global Passenger Survey by IATA, the percentage of airline passengers willing to share their personal data for better, more personalized services has risen to 75%. This reflects an increasing comfort among passengers with sharing biometric data and personal information in exchange for more streamlined and convenient travel experiences, such as faster processing through airports and enhanced customer service​.&nbsp;
In 2023, Delta Airlines' loyalty program continued to see significant growth. The airline earned close to $7 billion in remuneration from its partnership with American Express, reflecting a 22% year-over-year increase. This growth in loyalty program revenue underscores the increasing importance of personalized, digital-first experiences as Delta continues to invest in enhancing customer engagement through its SkyMiles program and premium offerings​.
<h3>Digitalisation of flight systems&nbsp;</h3>
Digitalisation doesn&rsquo;t just help customers, it can also help the aircraft pilots by assisting with every stage of the flight, improving overall operations.&nbsp;
A network of apps help with flight processes, improving operational efficiency, situational awareness, collaboration ability between pilot and co-pilot, and compliance with safety protocols.&nbsp;
Each digital tool helps reduce the burden on pilots, improving efficiency, as well as safety. Establishing a single digital ecosystem for application testing and training makes it easier for pilots and ground-based operators to interact more efficiently, sharing data in real-time. &nbsp;
Greater consistency and communication can be achieved by providing everyone involved in flight operations with the same information, regardless of where they are situated. Having more eyes on the same data increases the likelihood of detecting problems or opportunities for improvement. &nbsp;
<h3>Digital tools are changing aircraft design&nbsp;</h3>
It&rsquo;s not just the operations and customer service areas of the industry that can be improved with digital tools. The very design of aircraft is changing thanks to new technology. &nbsp;
New prototype models are designed and tested in an entirely digital space, with computers able to simulate weather patterns, stresses, emergency scenarios, and more, to completely test a new design in ways that couldn&rsquo;t possibly be accurately recreated in the real world. &nbsp;
When prototypes are built and tested in the real world however, again data is helping make things more accurate, with the testing of a new aircraft design requiring thousands of data parameters be tested, capturing tens of thousands of data points every second. Even a full team of scientists couldn&rsquo;t analyse all that data, but machines can. &nbsp;
Mechanical computer-aided designs (MCAD) and electronic computer-aided designs (ECAD) are widely used across aviation and other technical industries, but new technology allows for systems and designs to be synced automatically, while also highlighting the changes for human review. These designs can then be viewed in virtual reality, allowing designs to see the project from all angles, in greater detail than ever before. &nbsp;
This kind of virtual reality-mapping can also be used in maintenance and repair, with engineers working with virtual reality glasses that display what needs to be done. &nbsp;
&nbsp;To reap the real rewards of digitalisation the industry needs to put it at the centre of every decision moving forward. Digitalisation should not be an afterthought but the first point of call for new initiatives as well as existing processes. The aviation industry shouldn&rsquo;t see digitalisation as a challenge but rather, an exciting opportunity to grow. &nbsp;

How the Aviation Industry Is Shifting To A Digital Strategy

With over 100 years of rich history and significant advancements since the 1900 Gordon Bennet Cup, motorsport has created thousands of champions and inspired millions of fans across the globe. Here is VHR&rsquo;s roundup of the greatest achievements and industry-altering moments in motorsport history.
<h3>6. Jaguar Winning Le Mans 1953</h3>
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10384149/ten-moments-that-transformed-motorsports-in-the-last-70-years/">1953 24 Hours of Le Mans</a>&nbsp;proved a historic moment for racing speed. Whilst the previous fastest cars on the track had been the Chrysler Hemi&ndash;powered Cunningham C-5R &ndash; &lsquo;the Smiling Shark&rsquo; &ndash; and the V-12 Ferrari.
The introduction of the new Jaguar C-types saw the dawn of a new era. The disc brakes of Jaguar&rsquo;s latest invention let them carry speed further into the corners, and raised the average speed of the entire race by 9.14 mph.
Jaguar winning Le Mans inspired automotive innovations to improve speed, fan enjoyment and driver safety for the decades to come.
<h3>5. WWII &ndash; Motorsport for the Masses</h3>
One of the most tragic and world-changing events in human history also had profound effect on automotive racing.
Although many racetracks had been destroyed by bombing or requisitioned for the war efforts, airfields that had been abandoned following the war provided brand new track space all across England. Silverstone is a&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_track#Converted_airfields">former Class A airfield</a>, and Goodwood and Castle Combe are also former wartime aviation sites turned motorsport fan favourites.
The post-war racing boom helped to rehabilitate and support a generation of young veterans. After the Second World War, former soldiers of all backgrounds sought out fulfilling careers in racecar engineering. Motorsport would no longer a hobby of the rich, but accessible and beloved by all.
<h3>4. Extreme Weather Victories</h3>
Dominating the first decade in F1 history as a five-time winner of the World Drivers' Championship, Juan Manuel Fangio emerged victorious throughout major injuries, several near-death experiences and extreme weather conditions. During a 135&ordm; heatwave where few other drivers could even bear to compete,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-formula-one-drivers-of-all-time">Fangio won a three-hour race</a>&nbsp;at the 1955 Argentine Grand Prix.
Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, who enjoys the most Formula One Grand Prix wins (91) of any driver, also leveraged extreme weather to his advantage. Schumacher drove the controversial Ferrari F310 through torrential rain in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.top-10-moments-of-michael-schumacher-brilliance.1r4cJET4PaUsysIG8oqgS0.html">1996 Spanish Grand Prix</a>&nbsp;to victory, winning over 45 seconds ahead from his closest rival and cementing his legendary status.
<h3>3. Rise of Electric Vehicles</h3>
The birth of Formula E in 2011 aimed to tackle one of the industry&rsquo;s biggest problems. Designed to push forward sustainability in the sport, with the overall aim &lsquo;to reduce our carbon footprint and have a positive impact on both people and the planet&rsquo;, the series divided opinion at the 2014 inaugural championship in Beijing. Fans missed the iconic sounds and faster speeds of traditional races and felt that some excitement was missing from the green F1 alternative.
However, with climate change an increasing pressure across all industries and geographies, and new and existing audiences enthusiastic for more diverse experiences, the green cars are fast winning over new fans. Ahead of its fifth season, Formula E boasted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/25532030/is-formula-e-future-motorsport">more manufacturer teams than Formula One.</a>
Formula E has itself changed rapidly in its first few years. 2018&rsquo;s season five introduced the Gen2 car with greater power and range, completely removing the need for pit stops and car changes. Recent series have seen changes to race format and significant improvements to driver safety.
The series is poised to become even more exciting in the coming years, with Mercedes-Benz and Porsche lined up for 2019-2020, and further innovation to enhance speed and fan enjoyment set to be announced.
<h3>2. The Rebirth of NASCAR</h3>
In 1994 the Indianapolis Motor Speedway launched the global success of NASCAR with the Brickyard 400: the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10384149/ten-moments-that-transformed-motorsports-in-the-last-70-years/">first non-Indy race since 1916</a>. The event broke NASCAR attendance records and instantly became one of the US&rsquo;s most profitable and popular races.
Less than 15 years later, NASCAR has overtaken Indy 500 as the most popular form of racing in America, and the Brickyard 400 is widely credited for having brought NASCAR into global prominence.
<h3>1.&nbsp;Women in Motorsport</h3>
Although women have been racing for over a hundred years, their sporting achievements have not always been recognised. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bwrdc.co.uk/">British Women Racing Drivers Club</a>&nbsp;(BWRDC) was founded in 1962 by Mary Wheeler MBE to encourage and promote women from racing to hill-climbing to rallying. Since then, scores of female drivers have led championships, won trophies and set records:
&middot;&nbsp;1974&ndash; Lella Lombardi became&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/17072/women-in-motorsport-their-past-present-and-future">the first woman</a>&nbsp;to score championship points in F1, with a P6 finish at the chaotic Spanish Grand Prix
&middot;&nbsp;1976&ndash; Former astronaut Janet Guthrie became the first woman to complete a NASCAR superspeedway event, at Charlotte Motor Speedway's World 600
&middot;&nbsp;1981-1985&ndash; Michele Mouton set a course record by winning Pikes Peak, the world&rsquo;s longest and most extreme hill climb, in 1985. Mouton won four World Rally Championship events and placed second in the championship in her second year with the Audi Sport team.
&middot;&nbsp;1996 &amp; 1997&ndash; Sabine Schmitz won the 24 Hours N&uuml;rburgring two years in a row, and secured wins and podium placements in many other races
&middot;&nbsp;2000&nbsp;&ndash; At the Kentucky Indy 300, Sarah Fisher became the first woman in IndyCar history to secure a podium place and went on to achieve pole position at the same event in 2002.
&middot;&nbsp;2009&nbsp;&ndash; Danica Patrick started 10thand soared past seven competitors to finish third in the Indy 500: the best finish for any woman in its history.
&middot;&nbsp;2014&nbsp;&ndash; At the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, Susie Wolff was the first woman to take part in a Formula One weekend in 22 years.
The past decade has seen the introduction of new initiatives, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fia.com/women-motorsport">Women In Motorsport Commission</a>&nbsp;in 2009 and the launch of Formula W in 2018, and more women are competing than ever before.
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/surviving-formula-one-with-f1-driver-martin-donnelly-tickets-68440791249">Register for our free event</a>&nbsp;to meet former F1 Driver Martin Donnelly and hear about the excitement and life-changing moments of a career in F1.
Take a look at the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-formula-one-drivers-of-all-time">Top 10 Best Formula One Drivers of All Time</a>.

6 Moments that Changed Motorsport History

Automation is disrupting manufacturing industries globally. In the UK, 7.4% of jobs are at high risk of automation, equating to about 1.5 million roles. While estimates of jobs at risk due to automation can vary, it's projected that 10-30% of UK jobs could be impacted in the coming years​. Globally, the use of industrial robots continues to rise, with nearly 3.5 million robots in operation in factories as of 2021​. However, despite this growth, the automotive industry still relies on human adaptability and judgment for tasks that machines are not yet equipped to handle effectively.
<h2>Why Robots Won't Replace Auto Workers</h2>
Companies like Kia, headquartered in Korea where the use of robots in manufacturing outpaces all other countries, are already claiming productivity improvements of nearly 200% from automation. Some plants have more than 1,000 robots and less than 1,000 people on an assembly line.
But automation has hit the Automotive industry in the past, seen in the industrial revolution and during World War II. Automotive company Ford have been using some level of automation since 1908, mass-producing the Model T. The first industrial robot, the Unimate, was installed in 1959. The first mass-production robot arm, this changed how cars would made for the next fifty years and beyond. After revolutions in how things were made by machines, there were still jobs. Often improvements were made, making workers safer.
Many leading car manufacture companies are now looking at ways of using automation to make things more efficient, cost-effective and safer, as well as using Automotive AI to compliment and augment their human teams. Some robotic systems are using machine learning to recognise when a human has entered its field and act accordingly. This could potentially go a long way to reducing accidents, all thanks to the robots themselves.
<h2>Automotive Jobs Meet Automotive AI</h2>
In 2023, the global robotics industry saw significant growth, with approximately 590,000 industrial robots expected to be installed worldwide. This marks a 7% increase from the previous year. The automotive industry remains a major driver of automation, contributing a substantial share to these installations, particularly in regions like Asia and the Americas​
Car giant Mercedes recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/26/mercedes-benz-robots-people-assembly-lines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hired humans to replace their automated systems</a>, stating that:
&ldquo;Robots can&rsquo;t deal with the degree of individualisation and the many variants that we have today. We&rsquo;re saving money and safeguarding our future by employing more people.&rdquo;
Adaptability and flexibility are uniquely human traits that robots will never be able to replicate. This is just one of the reasons why Mercedes is shifting to &lsquo;robot farming&rsquo;, a practice of equipping workers with smaller, lighter machines to help them. The future of work seems to be collaborative between humans and robots.
What&rsquo;s more, some experts are claiming that automation will create jobs for humans. Working with data generated by machines, entirely new analysts will be providing much-needed human insight into where the industry is going. But for now, let&rsquo;s look at what changes automation might bring for the Automotive industry in the next few years.
<h2>What the Future of Automotive Jobs May Look Like</h2>
<h3>1.&nbsp;We May Need More of a Focus on Learning</h3>
Having adaptive skills that can be utilised in a variety of areas may enable Automotive engineers to jump between jobs. Industry leaders and education experts are all pointing to the education system as a vital place to begin countering the potential dangers of the shift to Automotive automation. Teaching with a focus on continuous learning will create a generation of multi-skilled workers.
For Automotive engineers currently working in the industry, upskilling or honing on transferable skills will give a more rounded portfolio for Automotive workers concerned about being replaced by robots. However, this next point on the future of Automotive jobs may allay your fears.
&nbsp;
<h3>2.&nbsp;Robots Will Work With You, Not Instead Of You</h3>
Robots could take up to a third of the responsibilities away from people in their jobs. At first this sounds scary, but most of these responsibilities are repetitive and of low-importance. These are the ones that will be taken over by the robot, allowing the human counterpart to focus on the more engaging or rewarding elements that can only be overseen by a real thinking person.
On the factory floor, the future of Automotive jobs looks like teams of humans and robots working together on fittings. This combination of human creativity and flexibility with robotic precision will help Automotive production without limiting what can be done.
&nbsp;
<h3>3.&nbsp;Automation Will See an Increase in Demand for Creative Skills</h3>
As the main bulk of Automotive manufacturing may be done partly or entirely by robots, creative skills will rise in importance for Automotive companies. Writing, graphic work and interpersonal skills will all be at the top of the list for Automotive manufacturers, allowing the human elements of the business to shine.
Humans will also be needed to deal with other humans. Social interactions are vital for our sense of self, of wellbeing and of belonging. No Automotive robot would ever be able to replace an effective team manager or communicate as empathetically as a human worker. Only people can identify problems and suggest dynamic solutions.
The kind of advanced thinking involved in designing something, networking with people, and dozens of other &lsquo;human&rsquo; skills that we take for granted is something that robots may never be able to fully emulate. The future of Automotive jobs will involve a dynamic combination of Automotive AI and skilled Automotive engineers and technicians.
&nbsp;
Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/3-ways-technology-is-changing-the-automotive-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how technology is changing the Automotive industry</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/6-automotive-artificial-intelligence-trends-how-ai-is-already-changing-the-automotive-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Automotive Artificial Intelligence trends</a>, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/top-5-engineering-careers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best engineering careers</a> right now.

Why the Automotive Industry Will Always Need Humans

6 Ways to Attract the Best Aviation Talent

Applying for jobs can be difficult. You have to find vacancies,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/cv-buzzwords-for-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">write a great CV</a>, and prove that you&rsquo;re the best person for the job.
But you also have to make sure that you are eligible to work in whichever country you&rsquo;re applying to. This is known as having the right to work.
<h2>What Is The Right To Work?</h2>
The Right To Work is a legal requirement for anyone looking to work in the UK. Other countries have similar laws in place, so wherever you&rsquo;re looking to work, you must ensure that you have the right to work there.
You automatically have the right to work in the UK if you were born there, or if you&rsquo;re a citizen of the European Economic Area.
However, you will also need to apply for a residence permit before you can make the trip to the UK.
If you&rsquo;re not a citizen of the country you&rsquo;re hoping to work in, you&rsquo;ll need to get at least a visa and a work permit to work there.
<h1>How You Can Get The Right to Work:</h1>
First, you must apply for a visa to work in whichever you&rsquo;re looking to move to. Having a visa does not mean you have the right to work, you will also have to get a work permit. This is not something you can do, your employer will have to apply for a work permit on your behalf.
The length of the permit often depends on the type of work you will be doing. If you were hired to work on a specific project, your permit might last until that project is done, or it might simply last for one year. You can apply to extend or renew your permit when it ends, which is usually much easier than the initial application to get it.
Work permits are also only for specific jobs with specific employers. If you change job, you&rsquo;d need to get a new work permit.
Securing a work permit cements the fact that you are a legal worker, with the right to work in that country.
<h2>How You Can Prove Your Right To Work To Potential Employers:</h2>
Employers must make sure that you do have the right to work before they can officially employ you. When an employer checks a candidate&rsquo;s right to work, they will check all documentation.
Employers can face hefty fines of up to &pound;20,000 or even face imprisonment if they&rsquo;re found to have employed someone who does not have the right to the work.
You can help prove you have the right to work by making sure you have all necessary documentation ready, such as your passport, visa, and work permit. You should also keep records of correspondence to prove you have been honest and forthcoming with all your information and documentation during the recruitment process.
Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-job-interview-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">job interview guide</a>, read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-most-in-demand-skills-you-need-to-have-when-looking-for-a-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skills that will help you get a job</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-is-ir35-and-how-does-it-impact-businesses-and-contractors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IR35 and what it means for you</a>.

What Does ‘The Right To Work’ Mean, And Why Is It Important For International Job Seekers?

Paris is one of the most famous and instantly recognisable cities in the world. Thirteen million people visit every year, and many of them dream of living there. One of the most cosmopolitan and flourishing cities in Europe, Paris is a great place to start a career, build a network, and have a professional experience unlike any other.
<h1>5 Reasons To Work In Paris:</h1>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>The Money</h3>
</li>
</ul>
First of all, France is one of the most established economic superpowers in the EU, and Paris is at the center of that wealth. Almost a third (approximately 30%) of Metropolitan France&rsquo;s GDP is generated in the city, where the majority of high-level business gets done. In fact, the Paris region contributes more to Europe&rsquo;s GDP than the entire country of Switzerland.
Paris is also the headquarters for more Fortune 500 companies than anywhere else in Europe. Any careers in engineering, data analysis, or design would be at home in Paris, where the cost of living is roughly 20% less than in London. Some of France&rsquo;s most lucrative areas of industry are the machinery, automotive, aviation, and electronics sectors​.
<ul>
<li>
<h3>The Culture</h3>
</li>
</ul>
Paris is renowned as a global cultural hub, boasting a rich tapestry of art, theatre, architecture, music, and history. The city's cultural landscape is further enhanced by significant projects related to the upcoming 2024 Olympics, such as La Seine Musicale, a modern cultural complex that exemplifies innovative design and natural materials​.
In addition to its cultural attractions, France offers a worker-focused culture, highlighted by its 35-hour workweek policy, which allows employees more personal time. Despite this official limit, many employees work overtime, compensated either financially or with additional time off, known as RTT (R&eacute;duction du temps de travail).
<ul>
<li>
<h3>The Food</h3>
</li>
</ul>
France famously has some of the best food in the world, and the people who live in Paris get to enjoy the very best of that cuisine. Cooking is a point of pride for the French, and is something you should try to experience as much of as possible. All types of food can be found in its perfected form on the streets of Paris, so no matter your favourite dish is, you can find it somewhere.
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Social Care</h3>
</li>
</ul>
France has some of the best care in Europe because all citizens must have health insurance. This insurance system means that the majority of healthcare costs are covered by the state. This makes the healthcare system very accessible, even for foreigners. Around 30% of the taxes go towards welfare, so there is a strong safety net that can help remove a lot of the pressure in daily life.
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Transport Links to The Rest Of Europe</h3>
</li>
</ul>
Paris is connected to the world by over two hundred daily direct flights to destinations outside Europe, around seven hundred daily flights to European cities, as well as high-speed trains to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Munich. From France you can travel to Spain, England, Germany, and other major EU countries.
If your work requires you to travel, there are few places in the world that are better connected than Paris.
Read&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VHR&rsquo;s Guide To Getting A Job</a>, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-the-eu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guide To Working in Europe</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-jobs-of-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best jobs to apply for in 2019</a>.

Why You Should Work In Paris

A career in the aerospace industry is a coveted aspiration for many young engineers. This field is not only highly lucrative but also provides opportunities to work with advanced technology, innovative designs, and groundbreaking fuel systems. The industry is evolving and expanding, driven by the fresh perspectives and contributions of new engineers who are propelling it to thrilling new heights.
Those who work in aerospace acquire a wide array of skills, including mechanical engineering, data analysis, and design, and can go on to work in other fields, or specialise in one area, becoming an expert over the course of their career.
&nbsp;If you&rsquo;re thinking of getting a job in aerospace, here are just some of the great choices available.
<h2>5 great jobs in aerospace</h2>
<h3>Aircraft Mechanic</h3>
While every job in aerospace is important, the mechanic has arguably the most important job of all. Aircraft mechanics are essential to ensuring that aircraft operate safely. They supervise, manage, and perform maintenance on the aircraft to ensure it meets the highest possible standards for safety and functionality, and perform inspections before and after flights. Without them, the plane doesn&rsquo;t fly.
This is a practical job, with great levels of satisfaction. Every day millions of planes take off and land safely thanks to the hard work of aircraft mechanics.
<h3>Data Analyst</h3>
&nbsp;Data analysts collect, analyse, and report data to help others in the industry understand what&rsquo;s happening, and make evidence-based decisions that help improve designs, or move towards the goals of the team.
Analysts often have extensive knowledge of data modelling software and computer programming techniques that can help them in their day-to-day work.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Data analysis is an increasingly important aspect of virtually every industry, but especially in aerospace where precision is paramount. As such, analysts often specialise in a particular field, working in tandem with others to provide a complete picture of the project, and how it can be improved.
&nbsp;
<h3>Drafter</h3>
A drafter is an engineering professional who prepares technical drawings and plans using specialised software. These drawings allow engineers to build prototypes which can go on to become exciting new designs that change the industry, all stemming from that first drawing.
&nbsp;Drafters often specialise within a particular industry, and in aerospace there are often new designs or concepts to test. This is an excellent career option for those who want to make their mark on the industry by creating new designs, they also get to collaborate with engineers and other professionals, meaning you can build your network and get known in the industry.
<h3>Materials Engineer</h3>
These engineers analyse the materials used in construction, and evaluate their use for different parts, areas, and roles. They can work with steel, titanium, carbon fibre, and composite structures. Thanks to 3-D printing, they can even work with plastics.
They can create new components, or even create new composites that improve reliability or strength. They often spend much of their time researching materials, and new manufacturing processes.
<h3>Inspector and Compliance Officer</h3>
Finally, one of the most important jobs in the industry is inspector and compliance officer. They&rsquo;re responsible for ensuring everything is up to code, which is vital for safety. Their work helps protect the crew, the passengers, and also the engineers who work on the planes between flights.
They also train staff on new procedures and evaluate their performance.
<h2>How to choose a career in aerospace</h2>
It's important to choose a career that aligns with your professional interests, goals, and preferences. If you hate programming, consider a job that leans more towards the mechanical side, or if you know you want to be head of design, you&rsquo;ll need to master various design software, as well as developing a deep understanding of the technical aspects, and the physics that impacts a plane during flight.
&nbsp;Any job in the aerospace industry requires many years of hard work and training, so having a passion for the career is important for helping you stay motivated through any challenges along the way.
Aerospace is a rewarding field, with some of the best engineers in the world choosing to dedicate their careers to the industry. Whether you&rsquo;re looking to start a career, or change to something different, aerospace could be the right move for you.
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-the-aviation-industry-is-shifting-to-a-digital-strategy">how the aviation industry is shifting to a digital strategy</a>, or read our<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/aerospace-aviation-trends-report-2021/22">&nbsp;aerospace and aviation trends report</a>.

The Best Careers in Aerospace

<h2>Build a Successful and Rewarding Career &ndash; Become a Trainee Recruitment Consultant.</h2>
<div>Are you a confident, driven self-starter looking to build a successful career fast?</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
Dreaming of a competitive and challenging career, but lacked the support to get the results you&rsquo;re capable of?
Do you want to work for a company that genuinely wants you to succeed, and empowers you with industry-leading training?
VHR are an international recruitment company specialising in the F1 / Motorsport, Aerospace, Marine &amp; Engineering industries. We need enthusiastic individuals to join our business as Trainee Recruitment Consultants and become our future top performers!
<h3>Become a Successful Recruitment Consultant</h3>
We are looking for 8 individuals to join our team of technical recruitment consultants, which starts with our revolutionary 13-week Academy Training Programme. The VHR Academy will give you the skills and guidance to become highly successful in your recruitment career, with the ability to earn commission from Day One of your Training!
Your initial focus will be finding and building relationships with candidates. After completing the Academy, we offer multiple career paths and professional development based on your personal goals.
&nbsp;
<div><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=1-1.png" sizes="(max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=439&amp;height=167&amp;name=1-1.png 439w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=1-1.png 878w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=1317&amp;height=500&amp;name=1-1.png 1317w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=1756&amp;height=666&amp;name=1-1.png 1756w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=2195&amp;height=833&amp;name=1-1.png 2195w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=2634&amp;height=999&amp;name=1-1.png 2634w" alt="1-1" width="878" height="333" loading="lazy"></div>
&nbsp;
By joining us as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant, you will receive:
<ul>
<li>Competitive salary and an industry leading commission package</li>
<li>Ongoing professional development</li>
<li>Private healthcare scheme</li>
<li>21 days annual leave (with the ability to earn additional annual leave)</li>
<li>Fresh fruit provided daily</li>
<li>Monthly company social events</li>
<li>Biannual office events</li>
<li>Incentive schemes and company wide holidays</li>
<li>Team Days and Top Performer Dinners</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<div><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=2-1.png" sizes="(max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=439&amp;height=167&amp;name=2-1.png 439w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=2-1.png 878w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=1317&amp;height=500&amp;name=2-1.png 1317w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=1756&amp;height=666&amp;name=2-1.png 1756w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=2195&amp;height=833&amp;name=2-1.png 2195w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=2634&amp;height=999&amp;name=2-1.png 2634w" alt="2-1" width="878" height="333" loading="lazy"></div>
&nbsp;
To become a Trainee Recruitment Consultant, you will need:
<ul>
<li>A positive &lsquo;can do&rsquo; attitude and a determination to succeed</li>
<li>Previous sales or customer service experience, which can be from estate agency, B2B, call centre, door to door, events or street fundraising</li>
<li>A track record of success, by being self-motivated and results focused</li>
<li>Organisation skills whilst being flexible and adaptable</li>
<li>An outgoing, involving and empathetic personality who can listen as well as talk</li>
<li>A competitive nature, determination to succeed and the ability to handle rejection</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<div><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=3-1.png" sizes="(max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=439&amp;height=167&amp;name=3-1.png 439w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=3-1.png 878w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=1317&amp;height=500&amp;name=3-1.png 1317w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=1756&amp;height=666&amp;name=3-1.png 1756w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=2195&amp;height=833&amp;name=3-1.png 2195w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=2634&amp;height=999&amp;name=3-1.png 2634w" alt="3-1" width="878" height="333" loading="lazy"></div>
&nbsp;
<h3>To apply to become a Trainee Recruitment Consultant, send your C.V to Hello@v-hr.com or call us on +44 (0) 207 500 7980</h3>

The VHR Academy - Becoming a Trainee Recruitment Consultant

Fake job ads have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.recruitmentgrapevine.com/article/news-2017-11-01-fake-job-ads-spell-disaster-for-naive-candidates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">risen by 300% in the past two years</a>, according to Action Fraud. Younger workers are at much greater risk of fake job fraud, with some candidates being scammed of over &pound;4,000 by fake recruiters and fake job ads that promised work opportunities but never delivered.
Scammers are taking advantage of jobseekers, and companies with no interest in recruiting are advertising jobs just to stack up CVs for months or even years into the future.
<h1>How can you tell the difference between a real job advert and a fake job advert?</h1>
<h2>How to Spot a Fake Job Advert:</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>The Personal Touch</h3>
Real job ads will come from a real person as opposed to a random string of letters (like 3xj45th8@example.com) with a professional email signature, and the email should be a work email address rather than a personal domain such as hotmail or google mail. Check&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-human-resources/?trk=nav_account_sub_nav_company_admin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the recruiter&rsquo;s LinkedIn profile</a>&nbsp;to make sure they exist.
</li>
<li>
<h3>Branding</h3>
Check the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebalance.com/list-of-fake-job-scam-examples-2062168" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spelling, grammar and general quality</a>&nbsp;of the job ad in front of you. Real recruitment agencies with real job ads will be proud of their company brand and want to show it in the best possible light, which extends to all online and offline channels including job advertisements.
</li>
<li>
<h3>Financial Privacy</h3>
Real recruiters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/02/13/five-signs-of-a-fake-job-ad/#6ce52617549f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">will never ask you for personal information</a>&nbsp;such as bank details or your credit score. If someone responds to your job application with a request for your bank account number of a favour to transfer money for them, this is a fake job advert serving a financial scam.
</li>
<li>
<h3>Online Presence</h3>
Check out every prospective employer before you go on a job interview. Real recruitment agencies and businesses will have a website with lots of information, active social media channels and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/case-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plenty of case studies and testimonials</a> from clients and candidates to prove they fulfil their promises.
</li>
</ul>

How to Spot a Fake Job Advert

Many businesses are trying to improve the mental health of their teams. It has many benefits, from lowering turnover to increasing productivity, but mental health is a complex subject, and it isn&rsquo;t always easy to know where to begin.
One of the simplest ways you can help to improve the mental health of your team is by increasing their self-esteem. It doesn&rsquo;t require extensive training, or changes to the structure of the business. Self-esteem is something that can be built up relatively quickly, easily, and for free, and you can start today.
<h2>Why is self-esteem so important for work?</h2>
Employees who feel good about themselves are typically able to focus better, need less time off and generally get along well with coworkers.
Employees with low self esteem may work slower, make more mistakes, and hesitate to try their hardest, possibly because they believe their best effort simply isn&rsquo;t very good.
&nbsp;When team members feel capable and trusted to do their work, they&rsquo;re often empowered to achieve more, pushing themselves further because, based on past performance, they know that they&rsquo;re set up to succeed. Quite simply: they do better because they believe in themselves. &nbsp;
This can create a positive feedback loop: employees push themselves harder because they know they&rsquo;re capable of good work, they achieve good work, they see that their work is good and they continue aiming high.
So how can you help your team to have good self-esteem?
<h2>How to help improve your team&rsquo;s self-esteem</h2>
<h3>Recognise individual efforts</h3>
&nbsp;The simplest and most immediate way to improve the self-esteem of your team members is to recognise when they&rsquo;ve done a good job, and tell them.
It&rsquo;s likely that most of your team do great work most of the time, but think how often you take the time to show appreciation for that. Even if you do, keep in mind that a sincere, genuine, authentic word of recognition, one to one, can make a huge difference to how that individual feels about themselves and their work.
&nbsp;But it&rsquo;s not just about recognising when work has been done. You can also encourage your employees to be the best that they can be, reminding them of past successes, and letting them know that you believe in them, trust them, and know they can excel at their work.
&nbsp;If you have faith in them to do their job well, they may start to have more faith in themselves.
<h3>Group Activities</h3>
Group activities can also help your team members build their self-esteem. When team members work together, they support each other, and get to see each other&rsquo;s strengths. Words of praise or support from others can be incredibly motivating, and have more of an impact than we think.
When a co-worker recognises our work, it comes from a place of genuine respect, especially if it&rsquo;s an important skill being demonstrated. There are so many different skills needed on even a single project, let alone an entire business, but often we forget that our skillset is important or impressive, because we&rsquo;re so used to just getting on and doing our job.
&nbsp;That&rsquo;s why working in a group is important, it allows for recognition across the team, not just from managers. The next time you&rsquo;re impressed by a colleague, tell them.
&nbsp;
<h3>Company-wide recognition</h3>
&nbsp;There&rsquo;s nothing more demotivating than working hard, achieving your goals, and then not being recognised for it.
When team members work hard, the company should know about it, and recognise it. This reinforces the image of the team member as someone capable, not just to the company, but themselves as well.&nbsp;
This can be as simple as an employee of the month award, but really this should extend across each team, so everyone can hear about who&rsquo;s making a difference. &nbsp;
While a lot of our self-esteem is generated internally, external validation goes a long way too, and can remind us of what we&rsquo;ve achieved when we aren&rsquo;t feeling our best.
Helping to boost your team&rsquo;s self-esteem will lead to improved mental health, better relationships between team members, and increased productivity across the business.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-reduce-stress-and-improve-mental-health-in-the-workplace">improving mental health at work</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-address-the-skills-shortage-in-the-technical-and-engineering-industries">how to address the engineering skills shortage</a>.

How Boosting Self-Esteem in the Workplace Can Help Productivity

Formula One is one of the most demanding fields in engineering. Engineers around the world dream of working in Formula One, as many believe it represents the pinnacle of the profession. If you want to become a race engineer, there are certain skills you&rsquo;ll need to develop to stand out above the rest.
<h2>Qualifications needed to work in Formula One</h2>
Many engineers and mechanics working in racing will have a degree in mechanical or automotive engineering, but it&rsquo;s not the only degree that can help you get started in the industry. Of course, a good understanding of mechanical engineering is vital.
Studying physics, maths, design, and technical subjects at school, or taking additional classes or modules at university will also help, as being a race engineer requires technical knowledge across many different areas.
Work experience and internships at any motorsport team will help you stand out when applying for jobs, but there are some core skills that you will need to succeed as a racing engineer.
<h2>Skills you need to work in Formula One</h2>
<h3>Analytics</h3>
In the modern era of racing, cars are smarter than ever, with electronic systems onboard designed to capture data every second, which can then be analysed to improve performance. Hundreds or even thousands of data points are recorded throughout the race, allowing engineers to learn how to improve the chassis, wheels, or other systems.
Analytics is an important skill, as it allows for engineers to see patterns, paths to success, or imagine new design concepts, instead of being overwhelmed by huge amounts of data. Being able to cut through the noise and look at what matters is a skill that can take years to hone, but it is necessary for making winning decisions.
At the very top level of the sport, engineers are assisted by AI systems that can analyse data incredibly fast, but it&rsquo;s still up to the engineers to decide what to prioritise.
<h3>Communication</h3>
One skill that often isn&rsquo;t given as much attention as technical ability or engineering experience is communication. A vital skill in any industry, engineers need communication skills when speaking to managers and other engineers.
But the most important person engineers speak to is the driver. Throughout the race the driver will be adapting and making new decisions based on what happens. The engineers need to know exactly what the driver wants, and why, and be able to deliver it as fast as possible.
There are both pre- and post-race briefings where the driver will explain if anything went wrong, and what could be improved in subsequent races. Communication plays a vital role here, as everyone needs to feel part of a team that is working together, as well as understand what everyone else is working on, and why.
<h3>Working under pressure</h3>
The last skill can be the most difficult to develop for certain people: the ability to work under pressure. Race engineers spend a lot of time designing, iterating, and working outside of races, but the most important part of the job happens during the action itself.
Being able to make split-second decisions during race time can make the difference between a pole position or a loss, so you need to be able to diagnose and understand problems, prioritise different competing elements, and implement solutions at speed if you want to be a truly great racing engineer.
Read more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/impacts-of-robotic-automation-on-formula-1-and-automotive-industry">impact of automation on formula one</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/formula-one-design-trends-to-watch-in-2022">formula one design trends</a>.

What It Takes To Work In F1

The development and implementation of green energy is one of the most pressing concerns we have as a global civilisation. Without it, we will struggle to ensure environmental conditions won&rsquo;t rapidly deteriorate, causing widespread damage and loss of life.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s well known that fossil fuels create pollution when they are used, and with CO2 levels climbing every year, we&rsquo;re already seeing dramatic weather events, heatwaves, and storms being driven by climate change brought on by the use of fossil fuels. Luckily, we have viable alternatives in wind and solar energy.
While these green energy systems have existed for decades, the uptake is still relatively small when compared with traditional fossil fuel use. We need renewable energy to become the global standard as soon as possible, not just for environmental reasons, but also societal ones.
As the name suggests, renewable energy is so important as the energy sources that power it will not run out. Fossil fuels are a finite resource, meaning that one day we will run out of coal, oil, and natural gas. Unless our energy systems are switched to renewables, vast amounts of the population will one day be left without any energy, as we&rsquo;re already seeing today.
We&rsquo;ve outlined below several reasons why we should be developing and utilising green energy.
<h2>Why developing green fuel is so important</h2>
<h3>Renewable energy is the best way to stop climate change</h3>
&nbsp;The extraction, transport, and use of fossil fuels is the single biggest contributor to our overall levels of pollution as a global species.
Utilising solar and wind power, we won&rsquo;t need to expend energy extracting oil or coal or natural gas. Mining and extracting these resources is incredibly labour intensive, requiring energy be used just to extract more fuel. We also won&rsquo;t be risking oil spills or pollution leaking into the environment during the extraction or refining process.
When it comes to the pollution generated by burning fossil fuels, the key element is the carbon inside them. When burned, this creates carbon dioxide, a major factor in the warming of the planet. In contrast, there is no pollution given off by green energy.
We also need to create green fuel for cars, planes, and boats. We&rsquo;ve seen huge leaps in electric car technology over the last decade, but we need more widespread availability of charging stations around the world if electric cars are to become viable for everyone.
If we pivot to a green energy civilisation, we will drastically reduce the rate at which climate change is occurring, giving the environment a better chance to stabilise.
<h3>Renewable energy will unlock a new green economy</h3>
If we as a society move away from traditional fossil fuels, and all the infrastructure that entails, we will require an equally dramatic shift to a new green economy.
Workers and engineers will need to be trained or up-skilled in new technology, and given the massive scale and speed at which we will need to pivot our energy infrastructure, there will be many new jobs available.
It&rsquo;s not just the generation, but also the storage of energy that will create jobs.
<h3>Renewable energy will increase energy security</h3>
Given the energy crisis, it&rsquo;s clear that our current methods of sourcing energy aren&rsquo;t fit for purpose. Importing energy from other countries leaves us vulnerable to political, economic, or military tension, leaving us without enough energy, or forced to pay extortionate prices for it.
Solar and wind power would allow us to be fully in charge of our own energy production, meaning we&rsquo;d never have to rely on foreign countries for our energy. As these technologies become more efficient, and additional investment in energy storage is made, we would eventually have a surplus of energy that could be sold to other countries. Green energy can help end energy scarcity around the world, meaning blackouts would be a thing of the past.
It&rsquo;s clear that we need to change how our society operates if we&rsquo;re to stop the climate changing irreversibly. Renewable energy is perhaps the best way for us to be able to continue living as we are now, but with a massive reduction in overall pollution levels. As the technology involved becomes more efficient, and the need for change becomes even more apparent, hopefully renewable energy will come to play a bigger part in all of our lives, helping us create a healthier environment.
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/renewable-energy-the-solution-to-the-energy-crisis">renewable energy</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/establishing-strategies-for-sustainable-aviation">strategies for sustainable aviation</a>.

The Urgency of Developing Green Fuel

In the last decade, the superyacht industry has boomed. Of course, with the growth of any luxury market also comes an increase in security issues within that market. &nbsp;
While pirates have been a threat to marine vessels ever since we first invented the boat, now yacht owners and managers must deal with a new threat: hackers.&nbsp;
All industries, including the marine industry, have moved more online in the last few years. The need for online service and support was made clear a few years ago, and the superyacht industry has had to pivot to a more online service model, as well as general operations while at sea. &nbsp;
Safety management systems are now online, and communication and navigation are done via the internet. This has generally made things safer and more reliable, but it does open up yachts to new threats like cybercrime. &nbsp;
As we move into an increasingly uncertain future, superyachts, their owners, and their manufacturers will likely become targets for malicious activity. &nbsp;
There are new risks that must be managed if the superyacht industry wants to retain its reputation. &nbsp;
<h2>Risk in the superyacht industry&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Piracy&nbsp;</h3>
The oldest threat to the marine industry is unfortunately just as relevant today as it was hundreds of years ago. As things become more desperate for people around the world, the promise of wealth, perfectly captured in the form of a nearby superyacht is hard to ignore, driving many to piracy. &nbsp;
<h3>Cybersecurity&nbsp;</h3>
If someone manages to hack into a yacht&rsquo;s network, they can potentially take control of the navigation system, communications system, and surveillance systems, all of which can aid with physical attacks. &nbsp;
<h3>Supply Chain Disruption&nbsp;</h3>
Throughout the pandemic, virtually every industry on the planet has suffered some form of disruption to its supply chain. The industry may need to re-evaluate how it operates as we move forward into a world where speed is the number one priority for all customers. &nbsp;
<h2>How to manage risk in the superyacht industry&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Identify all threat vectors and assess your defences &nbsp;</h3>
You can&rsquo;t protect yourself if you don&rsquo;t know what threats you face. Carrying out a full audit of your cyber security, entry points, fuel, supply chain access, durability, staff, and other vulnerabilities will show you exactly where you stand, and where you need to improve. &nbsp;
This allows you to build a practical risk assessment and strategy for moving forward, as well as being able to manage all risks end-to-end. &nbsp;
Unfortunately, given the world we live in, everything must be analysed, from the management company to the fuel supplier to the engine manufacturer. &nbsp;
From here, you can begin to assess which threats are most likely to be faced, on specific voyages, in specific conditions, and begin investments to improve protection where it will be needed most. &nbsp;
<h3>Remove human error wherever possible&nbsp;</h3>
Employees across the entire manufacturing and management process must meet a high standard of work and knowledge about the end product.&nbsp;
It is now essential that cyber security awareness should be included in basic training. Human error is the number one cause of cyberattacks, so crew and support staff must be trained in cyber security awareness and always follow best practices. Cyber security must be given equal importance as fire safety, survival techniques, and first aid if a modern yacht is to stay safe.&nbsp;
Accountability is also crucial. Roles and responsibilities for all those on board the yacht and in the management, company should be made clear, along with penalties for those who fail to comply with the procedure. With everyone clear on what they need to do, and the proper education and training, there should be fewer opportunities for cyber-attacks and other issues to occur. &nbsp;
<h3>Ensure robust security&nbsp;</h3>
Whether physical or virtual, security is the number one deterrent to bad actors. &nbsp;
Bringing on additional security personnel and surveillance equipment, as well as the most up to date cybersecurity can help prevent attacks just by being there, rather than repelling any attacks.&nbsp;
Criminals will usually do some research or reconnaissance before attempting anything, and if it&rsquo;s clear that you&rsquo;re a tougher target than someone else, you&rsquo;ll be left alone. &nbsp;
Times are changing for the superyacht industry and the marine industry. While staying compliant with the new legislation is the first step towards security, the industry must go above and beyond to ensure the reputation of the industry and the protection of its clients
Learn more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/creating-a-sustainable-workforce-for-the-marine-industry">creating a sustainable workforce for the marine industry</a>, or read about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/marine-sustainability-trends">marine sustainability trends</a>&nbsp;

Managing Risk In The Superyacht Industry

Technology, compliance and increased awareness and legislation around modern slavery have made significant changes to recruitment processes in the past decade.
22% of UK Engineering business leaders and 42% of Aviation business leaders listed skills shortages as their most urgent business challenge in the coming years. With skills shortages forcing many employers to change their approach to recruitment, how can organisations attract and retain the best talent?
<h3>5 Ways to Find and Hire the Best Engineers</h3>
<h3>1.&nbsp;Build Your Employer Brand</h3>
Branding is centred around how you market your company to potential employees. Branding isn&rsquo;t just a logo, a colour scheme or even a website: it involves every touchpoint across every channel that a prospective candidate could come across. Your brand image is conveyed by the ways you intentionally promote yourself, such as through press releases and digital campaigns, as well as uncontrollable external conversations such as reviews and criticism that you receive and the ways you respond to them.
Recruiting in 2020 will require companies to put forward a compelling case to make candidates actively want to work for them. Building your employer brand means conveying your ideologies and values consistently and genuinely, tailoring your message to the wants and needs of each type of candidate you want to recruit.
When looking to appeal to the younger generations, millennials and Generation Z value autonomy and the opportunity to be creative and enjoy what they do, ahead of social events or nights out as company benefits. Younger candidates are attracted to organisations that match their worldview and personal beliefs: open and transparent processes, proactively supporting diversity and inclusion, and valuing employees as individuals with wants and needs. Work out where your company fits into the modern working landscape, highlighting positive aspects that match it and ensuring these aspects are communicated effectively.
Employers can build a positive brand image by prominently leading with staff benefits and employee case studies in recruitment campaigns, and targeting each candidate audience segment on the channels where they naturally exist. For example, are your candidates on certain social media channels, do they read certain industry or trade publications, are they members of specific networking groups or do they visit particular tradeshows or events? Involving existing staff by asking for their feedback on the current culture and working environment can provide insight into the image potential employees may have of the organisation and changes that could be made to improve the employer brand.
<h3>2.&nbsp;Invest in Apprenticeships</h3>
Rising university fees and heightened job market competition are encouraging more students to take up apprenticeships after leaving school. Engineering is a particularly compatible career choice: trainees can learn practical skills and techniques whilst on the job and can go on to specialise in specific areas once qualified.
Apprenticeships catch potential Engineers at the beginning of their careers, meaning individuals can be trained up to the standards of the employer and their skills perfectly honed to the needs and aims of the business. Investing in employee training and development has overwhelmingly positive correlations with staff retention: apprenticeships are key not only to finding the next generation of Engineers but keeping them to add business value for years to come.
Businesses can partner with local schools and colleges to recruit apprentices from a young age. Getting in contact with young people before they even begin to think about career choices, ideally, before GSCE level, helps to raise awareness of the fascinating variety of Engineering careers that are available but that are usually not promoted in the education system. Correlating apprenticeship recruitment campaigns in schools with external industry events, such as International Women in Engineering Day, will garner further support from schools and reach diverse groups of young people.
<h3>3.&nbsp;Engage Diverse Talent Pools</h3>
A mere 9% of the UK&rsquo;s engineering workforce is female &ndash; the lowest in Europe &ndash; which is driven by an underrepresentation of female engineering students. Just 15.8% of engineering and technology undergraduates in the UK are female, whereas one in three engineering students in India are female. The problem appears to start even earlier than the University. Although there is now very little gender difference in the participation and achievement of girls in core STEM GCSE subjects, only 20% of A-Level Physics students are female; a number that has not changed in the past 25 years.
Other diverse groups are also underrepresented. Despite people of ethnic minority background making up 14% of the total UK population, Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) talent is also underrepresented in the UK engineering industry. Although BAME students account for 25% of university engineering graduates, only 6% of UK engineers are from BAME backgrounds. The high graduation rates followed by industry underrepresentation suggest a variety of causes, including the lack of job opportunities specifically open to BAME engineers after graduation, and the ability of engineering businesses to effectively reach and engage BAME talent.
Existing female and BAME engineers are proving that they have the talent, but that their skills are not being harnessed by schools, universities or businesses across the UK. The proportion of UK citizens from ethnic minority communities is projected to reach 30% by 2050, signalling an expanding pool of potential BAME engineers who could provide the new skills that the UK engineering industry urgently needs.
A recent report from McKinsey evidences that companies that score highly for ethnic diversity are 35% more financially successful than their competitors, with gender-diverse companies outperforming their competitors by 15%. Diverse and inclusive companies are better equipped to understand and engage their global customer base and are more successful in attracting and retaining talent from diverse groups. For the future innovation, growth and success of the industry, engineering businesses must find ways to become more diverse, starting with getting more young people from diverse backgrounds into engineering.
<h3>4.&nbsp;Widen Talent Pools to Include Other Industries</h3>
Most technical career paths involve skills that can be adapted to other similar industries: for example, Aircraft Mechanics can upskill to become adept at building wind turbines. Highly skilled Engineers will benefit from the same things &ndash; flexible working and shift patterns, opportunity to travel and career progression &ndash; across Aerospace, Aviation, Motorsport, Automotive, Marine and other technical sectors. With the potential to learn new skills and become officially certified even easier thanks to Online Aviation Training courses and Government investment in the industry.
<h3>5.&nbsp;Work with a Specialist Recruitment Company</h3>
Engaging with a recruitment company that specialises in your industry can offer insight into the wants, needs and situations of the talent that you want to attract. Specialist recruitment consultants can help business leaders build a picture of what will really attract skilled candidates into the business and create a bespoke plan to reach talent pools at all stages of their careers.
&nbsp;
Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-jobs-you-dont-need-a-degree-for" rel="noopener">Best Jobs You Don&rsquo;t Need A Degree For</a>.
Find out more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/about-us/">VHR&rsquo;s award-winning recruiting solutions</a>.

The Secrets to Finding Top Engineering Candidates

For years young people in the UK have been told they must get a degree to have a successful career. But there are several jobs you can get without a degree, that will allow you to have long and prosperous careers with impressive salaries.
<h2>These Are Five Of The Best Jobs You Don&rsquo;t Need A Degree For:</h2>
<h3>Sales Manager</h3>
It&rsquo;s been said that anyone can work in sales. You don&rsquo;t need a degree, as the ability to successfully sell can&rsquo;t always be taught. Salespeople can work their way up the career ladder by hitting their targets, growing their list of clients, and bringing in consistent revenue to the company. A sales manager can earn anywhere between &pound;20,000-&pound;100,000, often with bonuses if the team hits their targets.
You&rsquo;ll need excellent people skills and the ability to manage your time effectively if you&rsquo;re going to be a manager.
<h3>Project Manager</h3>
Project managers oversee projects and the people who work on them. They are very organised, pay attention to detail, and help develop teams and departments in the long&nbsp;term. They can work in almost any industry, ensuring that everyone is keeping on schedule. The average salary for a project manager is &pound;40,000.
<h3>Power Plant Operator</h3>
Despite requiring a highly specific and in-depth skillset, you can become a power plant operator without a degree. They monitor equipment, document energy production rates, and keep the plant operational. The average salary for a power plant operator in the UK is &pound;39,000.
In order to get a job as a power plant operator you will need vocational experience, usually gained through an apprenticeship or internship. The initial training process can take a year, gaining hands-on training while also taking tests to learn more about the industry. From this point they can go on to earn engineering licenses.
<h3>Recruiter</h3>
Recruiters help candidates find jobs. Whether they work in a niche field or in generic recruitment, all recruiters use the same skills: communication, empathy, and insight. Recruiters can connect people with better jobs in their field, or help people start entirely new careers. The average salary for a recruiter in the UK is &pound;33,000, often with bonuses on top.
VHR is always looking for&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs/recruitment-consultant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entry-level recruitment consultants</a>.
<h3>HR</h3>
HR is a great career choice for anyone who likes working with people. Human resources departments are responsible for the smooth running of the human elements of businesses. The average starting salary for someone working in HR is around &pound;18,000, and can grow to as much as &pound;35,000 for a managerial role. HR managers have a direct impact on how businesses are run, and&nbsp;the decisions that are made, and play a huge part in creating the overall company culture.
These are just some of the many jobs you can get without a university degree. If you work hard, look for opportunities, and submit an excellent application for the job, you can begin a successful career.
Learn the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-ways-to-find-out-what-hiring-managers-are-looking-for" rel="noopener">5 ways to find out what hiring managers are looking for</a>&nbsp;you need when looking for a job, or read about how&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/news/vhr-exhibiting-at-mro-americas-2024" rel="noopener">VHR is exhibiting at MRO Americas</a>.

Best Jobs You Don’t Need A Degree For

As more people than ever before are graduating from University, taking internships, completing further education throughout their careers and undertaking voluntary and creative work on top of their day jobs, the same skills and expertise as the rest of the market will no longer guarantee a job.
Here are seven ways that candidates can dramatically improve their career prospects.
<h2>How to Become the Best Candidate for the Job</h2>
<h3>1. Mould Yourself into the Role</h3>
&nbsp;
Amongst the hundreds of applications that are now the average for very new job advertised, the average hiring manager only takes 9 seconds to scan your CV before deciding whether to continue with your application. Tailor your CV to every role you apply for to ensure you match the requirements listed on the job advert and attract the attention of the HR department. In your CV, include the specific keywords used in the job advert and demonstrate how you have used these skills to succeed in previous jobs.
The old saying &lsquo;interested is interesting&rsquo; is also true of interviews: executives and managers spend all day working to solve their company&rsquo;s problems and deliver solutions, and will welcome the chance to discuss these with candidates. Research the business extensively to ensure you have plenty of information to answer interview questions, and plenty of questions to ask of your interviewer to show your interest in the company. Use your first interview or phone call to ask these questions, and incorporate the company&rsquo;s feedback into your second interview to showcase new ideas for solving any problems or challenges.
Ingratiate yourself into your interviewers&rsquo; image of the organisation&rsquo;s future by embodying the company brand at every possible opportunity. Absorb the brand: if you need to deliver a presentation, use the company brand logo, colours, fonts and imagery to make it as visually appealing to your interviewers as possible. Evidence in conversations that you have researched the organisation&rsquo;s competitors and discuss differences between them. Research to find online PR that reveals an achievement the company has been praised for or a challenge they have had difficulty with, and explore how hiring you would build on success or solve problems.
Make use of your interviews like strategy meetings that you are attending as an existing employee who is invested in the company&rsquo;s future and tasked with ways of helping the company grow, to cement yourself as the best possible candidate in the minds of interviewers. Leave behind a portfolio and handouts of your presentation or tasks to keep the positive first impression around for days after you leave the office.
<h3>2. Build Your Personal Brand</h3>
&nbsp;
You are the person who knows yourself better than anyone else, and therefore, who better to market you as a potential candidate?
To create your own personable brand that makes you stand out from hundreds of other job applicants, determine your Unique Selling Point (USP). In other words: what specific skills, knowledge and experience make you an excellent candidate? What makes you better than all other applicants, and how would your USP help you succeed in the new role? Use your USP to write a two-sentence summary that you can include at the top of your CV, job applications and online profiles, and use it to inform your elevator pitch when speaking to recruiters on the phone and when preparing for interviews.
When you have created your personal profile, build a strong brand presence across social and digital channel and&nbsp;<a href="https://jooble.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">job boards</a>: your hiring manager will likely take the time to Google you and have a look around at your online presence, so make it as enjoyable and easy as possible for them to find your professional information. Ensure your LinkedIn, Xing and social profiles match your updated CV, and fully utilise professional LinkedIn and Facebook groups to build your brand awareness by engaging in discussions relevant to your industry and job title.
Rather than sending a cover letter along with your CV and application, consider sending a &lsquo;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2015/03/01/how-to-write-your-first-pain-letter/#535b8e582546">pain letter</a>&rsquo;. This letter focuses on a challenge faced by your potential employer &ndash; for example, trade restrictions imposed by Brexit, new regulations , fast business growth with little expertise in potential areas of expansion &ndash; &nbsp;and positions you as the answer to this problem. A pain letter not only creates a powerful, memorable first impression and showcases your unique skills and experience, but also demonstrates industry knowledge and the ability to think creatively, which are bound to impress executives and recruiters alike.
<h3>3. Build a Growth Mindset</h3>
&nbsp;
The easiest way to establish the potential of a new hire is to see what they&rsquo;ve already succeeded in. A growth mindset is desirable for employers across industries and locations: individuals who are ambitious, determined and open-minded are much better equipped to develop alongside a company as it grows, and continue to improve their excellent job performance month after month and year after year.
During interviews and on your CV, show how you&rsquo;ve taken charge of your own development and been flexible when required in previous roles. For example, have you learned coding to develop a new website under budget restrictions, have you learned a new language to expand your knowledge of a market, or have you taken an intensive financial or management course to steer your teams through a crisis? Specific case studies highlight your existing expertise and potential and, as no two candidates have the same personal stories of overcoming obstacles and difficulties, serve to help you stand out from other candidates.
<h3>4. Act Like You Already Work There</h3>
&nbsp;
Commitment is valued by all business leaders and managers alike. Mentally start your job before you actually sign the contract. Think ahead: what would be required of you in the first three months of the role? Ask this question when your recruiter first gets in touch or at your first interview, then create a plan based on the answers you receive and use this at your second interview to how the impact you would make in the new role from the very beginning.
Show your best skills from day one, right at the beginning of the recruitment process. If you&rsquo;re someone who goes the extra mile, prove this through an excellent presentation or interview task: invest as much time and effort as you would do in an important project for your current role. Evidence creativity skills by putting forward new ideas and thinking beyond the limitations you&rsquo;ve been given, for example showing how a short-term campaign or project would be carried through to the next stage and the long-term impact this would have to business success. Data proficiency can be shown through detailed and creative research online and offline, design skills can be demonstrated with a uniquely presented CV and people skills are easy to highlight by making connections with potential colleagues and building rapport with interviewers.
The candidate that invests the most time, energy and enthusiasm into a potential new role will be the most impressive to prospective employers.
<h3>5. Get into the Company&rsquo;s Psychology</h3>
&nbsp;
When conducting your research, go beyond the standard website and social channels, and widen your search to get an understanding of the company psychology. Look out for annual reports, PR coverage, trade magazines, and mentions in industry social media groups and any other external online or offline spaces. Every organisation will have its own way of thinking and communicating with its customers based on the needs, interests and lifestyles of these customers, and you can discover this by analysing their brand image.
Look at the keywords used on the company&rsquo;s website &ndash; what is important to the company&rsquo;s customers, and therefore important to the company? What are the organisation&rsquo;s USPs? What language do they use to describe themselves and communicate with target markets? If the tone and conversation style are different from the rest of the industry, this shows that the company wants to stand out from their competitors and is ambitious in establishing themselves as a market disruptor.
Utilise your understanding of what matters most to the company and emphasise your affinity to their way of thinking throughout your applications, conversations and interviews. If your potential employers are ambitious and focused on international growth, ensure you discuss your proven success in recent roles and projects, reinforce your enthusiasm for joining the company and personal goals you are striving for, and demonstrate your language skills and geographical market knowledge. If the company values an empathetic and softer approach to business, put a greater emphasis on your leadership, management and communication skills throughout the recruitment process.
<h3>6. Personal Communication</h3>
&nbsp;
In the same way that every candidate is unique, every recruiter, interviewer and potential manager will all have their own personal interests and needs &ndash; however, unlike those of job applicants, these are much harder to discover as they are not being assessed in the recruitment process. Whilst remaining professional, remember that every person you encounter throughout the recruitment process is an individual person, doing their job and dealing with problems and challenges on a daily basis. Remember the names of everyone involved and use them often throughout meetings and interviews, and ask questions about their jobs and how the successful candidate would help them, to create rapport and align your interview answers to closely match what your interviewers are looking for.
Evidence your interest in the job through personal communication at every opportunity. Express gratitude for the time invested by your hiring manager and interviewers in the recruitment process, and remain enthusiastic about continuing to the next stage. Keep in close communication with your hiring manager and interviewers: be proactive, don&rsquo;t wait for them to get in touch, thank them at every stage and reinforce your interest in the next stage. Pick out something or a couple of things they said in previous interviews and use these to say you enjoyed finding this out and looking forward to discussing it next time, reinforce why you care and your connection to these things which was why you enjoyed talking about them.
<h3>7. Challenge Your Interviewer</h3>
&nbsp;
Being challenged in the right way can impress interviewers, who are normally expecting to test candidates on their knowledge, and will help you stand out by making your interviewers think on their feet. When working on a second interview presentation or task, research to find specific projects, marketing or business ventures and pose questions around the next stages and future plans. Ask them what their plans are for specific and major events affecting their industry such as Brexit, regulation, the possibility of another global pandemic like coronavirus, and exactly how they will maintain their positioning ahead of other competitors.
Particularly in the case of senior positions and roles such as Project Managers, Design Engineers and Team Leaders, the best bosses will want the best employees: people who have good ideas and thoughtful questions, who aren&rsquo;t afraid to speak up and show initiative.
Are you struggling to find work?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-bounce-back-from-losing-your-job">Discover 6 Ways to Bounce Back from Losing Your Job</a>.
Explore all our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering job opportunities</a>
Follow us on Linkedin for our latest updates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-human-resources/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true" rel="noopener">Click Here</a>

7 Easy Ways to Stand Out from Other Job Applicants

Explaining a gap in your CV isn&rsquo;t easy.
Any potential employer wants to make sure they have the best people on their team, and this means people who know what they want, don&rsquo;t change jobs, and don&rsquo;t take career breaks. Even if the gap in your CV is for a legitimate reason, or wasn&rsquo;t your fault, employers don&rsquo;t like them, and will want a good explanation.
You might have gone travelling, or lost a job because of downsizing. This shouldn&rsquo;t stop you from getting a new job, and it won&rsquo;t, if you know how to handle the awkward question that will come up during the job interview:
&nbsp;&lsquo;I can see a gap in your employment history on your CV, tell me about that.&rsquo;
<h2>How to explain a gap in your CV</h2>
<h3>Don&rsquo;t try to hide it or lie about it</h3>
&nbsp;The most important thing to remember when it comes to explaining a gap in your CV is: don&rsquo;t try to hide it, and don&rsquo;t try to lie about it. Hiring managers interview people for a living, so they can tell when people are struggling with answers, or trying to come up with something that sounds better than the truth.
Don&rsquo;t stretch how long you were at previous places of employment, as most hiring managers will check how long you were there when it comes to the references. If you&rsquo;ve lied and said you were working somewhere six months longer than you were, it immediately paints you in a bad light, no matter what the reason.
<h3>Focus on what you learned during that time</h3>
Every point you make in an interview should be positive, making you look more employable. That doesn&rsquo;t mean everything you say has to be an example of you winning new business, building a rocket ship, or saving someone&rsquo;s life, but everything you say should reinforce the idea that you are smart, professional, and capable.
When it comes to explaining a gap in your resume, the interviewer wants to make sure you weren&rsquo;t wasting your time, so no matter what you did, even if it had nothing to do with your career, tailor your answer to your industry and how that time helped you develop as a person, as well as a professional.
For example, if you went travelling, and you&rsquo;re trying to get a job as an automotive engineer, talk about when your car broke down and you fixed it. If you&rsquo;re trying to work in aviation, talk about how you learned about other cultures, fuelling your passion for travel and the industry at large.
If you lost your job, frame the time out of work as you considering your career up to that point, your experience, and where you wanted to go next.
<h3>Be confident</h3>
Lastly, the best thing you can do when it comes to explaining a gap in your CV is be confident when discussing it. If you&rsquo;re scared of talking about it, that makes it seem like it&rsquo;s something to hide.
Remember, no matter how long the gap, you have experience, you&rsquo;re driven, you&rsquo;re a good fit for the job. That&rsquo;s why you applied, and that&rsquo;s why they&rsquo;re interviewing you.
These methods should help you handle difficult questions about gaps in your CV during job interviews. The important thing to remember is: if you&rsquo;re right for the job, you&rsquo;re right for the job. All it takes is one good interview, and you&rsquo;ll be in. Once you get started, and show them what you can do, no one will ever ask about the gap in your CV again.

How To Explain A Gap In Your CV

&nbsp;When looking for a new job, it&rsquo;s important to know what hiring managers are looking for. You can be incredibly qualified, with years of experience and top qualifications, but if you don&rsquo;t convince the hiring manager you&rsquo;re the right person, you won&rsquo;t get the job.
So how can you figure out what hiring managers are looking for? We&rsquo;ve got some top tips so you can know exactly what to talk about, and what questions to ask in your next job interview.
<h2>How to find out what hiring managers want during an interview</h2>
<h3>Read the job spec from their perspective</h3>
&nbsp;When reading the job description, we usually think of it in terms of our experience and our qualifications. However, it can be helpful for you to think of the list of skills and necessary experience from the perspective of the manager looking to fill the role. What do they consider core skills for the role? What kinds of problems are they looking to solve? Why is that?
&nbsp;This perspective will help you answer questions in a way that illustrates how you&rsquo;ll make their life easier, instead of just listing off qualifications or professional achievements.
<h3>Research the company</h3>
From here, it can be helpful to research the company. Search for coverage in industry publications, as well as their social media and the blog on their website.
These sources can tell you what projects they&rsquo;re working on, what strategies they&rsquo;re using, and what they&rsquo;re aiming for in the future.
&nbsp;You, as a new hire, should be helping them towards that future. If you can show in an interview that you understand their vision, and can help them achieve it, you&rsquo;re going to stand out compared to the other applicants.
<h3>Learn what success looks like in this role</h3>
Hiring managers want someone who can do the job well. Of course, doing the job well means different things to different people, so it can be helpful to have a wide range of opinions and ideas when it comes to what impact you should be having at your job.
Research online to see what success looks like in your industry, in your specific area, and in this type of role. Compare this to your previous experience, so that you can prove that you&rsquo;ve achieved similar goals in the past. If you haven&rsquo;t, think about how you could use your skills in new ways.
<h3>Speak to others in your industry network</h3>
&nbsp;It can be helpful to speak to others in your industry network who have interviewed for similar positions. If you&rsquo;ve worked with someone who had the same type of role, asking them about their interview could make all the difference.
If you&rsquo;re using a recruitment agency in your job search, don&rsquo;t forget that recruitment agencies aren&rsquo;t just about finding you jobs, they&rsquo;re also about improving your career through interview coaching. Your recruitment contact should know what the hiring manager is looking for, and can give you tips on how to tailor your answers to what they want.
<h3>Ask them during your interview</h3>
&nbsp;This last point is the easiest and simplest on the list: you can find out what hiring managers are looking for by asking them in your interview.
&nbsp;If you aren&rsquo;t sure exactly what they want, or why, your interview is the perfect opportunity to find out, and convince them that you can provide it.
An interview isn&rsquo;t one-sided, it&rsquo;s a dialogue between you and the hiring manager. You can ask any questions you want: what is the company&rsquo;s plan for the future, what kind of person would be best suited for the role, is there anything about your skills or experience that they aren&rsquo;t sold on?&nbsp;
Use the interview as an opportunity to sell yourself, but also to learn more about their hopes and expectations for the person they&rsquo;re looking to hire. &nbsp;
If you do this, you&rsquo;ll be better able to present yourself as the right person for the job.&nbsp;
Once you know what the hiring manager is looking for, through critical thinking, research, and asking smart questions in your interview, you&rsquo;ll be in a strong position to impress them, and hopefully get offered the job you want.
Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-explain-a-gap-in-your-cv">how to explain a gap in your CV</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-format-your-cv-in-the-engineering-industry">how to format your CV when looking for an engineering job</a>.

5 Ways To Find Out What Hiring Managers Are Looking For

When most people think of the aviation industry, they most likely think of planes. Millions of flights take off and land every day, and planes transport vast amounts of global trade.
But that isn&rsquo;t all that makes up the aviation industry. The global helicopter industry is worth around $58 billion today, and is predicted to be worth $76 billion by 2030. Used around the world in all kinds of environments, including cities, deserts, over oceans, and the arctic, helicopters are powerful, versatile means of transport that have performed under conditions that planes simply could not handle.
When it comes to the aviation industry, while there are many jobs working with planes, don&rsquo;t forget about the chance to work with helicopters. With specialisations leading to higher salaries and increased job security, many new engineers getting into the aviation sector are considering careers as helicopter mechanics.
Commonly called &lsquo;rotorcraft&rsquo; in the industry, helicopters are agile and versatile, and so are their mechanics.
<h2>What does a helicopter mechanic do?</h2>
A helicopter mechanic&rsquo;s job is to carry out maintenance and repair work on the airframe and powerplant. Some mechanics choose to specialise in just one particular section or a particular type of aircraft.
As a helicopter mechanic, your most important job is to maintain the safety of the aircraft, the same as any other aviation engineer.
Your day-to-day responsibilities might include:
<ul>
<li>Inspecting aircraft</li>
<li>Diagnosing faults and deciding how best to repair them</li>
<li>Carrying out any necessary repairs or replacing parts</li>
<li>Testing repairs and measuring general performance</li>
<li>Ensuring that the aircraft meets all safety regulations</li>
<li>Keeping records of all work carried out on the aircraft</li>
<li>Being available on-call for emergency repairs</li>
<li>Providing clients with technical advice</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why you should consider a career as a helicopter engineer</h2>
<h3>Helicopter engineers&rsquo; salaries are high</h3>
One of the most important things to consider about any job is the salary you can expect from it.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/helicopter-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm">Average helicopter engineer salaries in the UK</a>&nbsp;start at around &pound;30,000 annually. As you gain experience, you may end up on around &pound;57,000 annually, possibly higher if you&rsquo;re leading divisions.
<h3>Helicopters are used in emergency services and rescue operations</h3>
Many helicopter engineers feel a deep sense of pride in their work due to the fact that helicopters are routinely used in rescue operations.
The coastguard, police, fire service, armed forces, and search and rescue services all use helicopters in missions which save lives. This sense of purpose, that their work makes a real difference, is often invaluable for engineers.
<h3>You learn transferable skills</h3>
While working as a helicopter mechanic, you&rsquo;ll learn plenty of skills that could serve you across any engineering career.
You&rsquo;ll not only work with the physical machinery, but also the software and data to do with performance, which can be used across all aspects of engineering.
You&rsquo;ll gain more than just technical knowledge: analytical thinking, problem solving, time management, and teamwork are all key elements of working with helicopters. These skills can help you in any career.
<h2>How you can become a helicopter mechanic</h2>
Many helicopter engineers will have bachelor&rsquo;s or master&rsquo;s degrees, but it isn&rsquo;t 100% necessary. Some aircraft engineering companies offer graduate training schemes which can be a way into the industry.
In the UK, to keep in line with the safety standards set out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a helicopter mechanic must be licensed.
To do this, you will need to take exams, as well as gain a certain amount of practical maintenance experience with a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 145 Maintenance Organisation. This usually takes around 3-4 years, where you will qualify as an aircraft fitter.
You can then prepare for the CAA examinations to get your license.
A category A licence is required for minor maintenance tasks and the replacement of parts.
A category B licence is required for work on more complex aircraft, with more difficult maintenance required.
Both licenses need to be renewed every five years.
<h2>The UK helicopter industry</h2>
Many UK-based aviation companies work in the helicopter industry. Leonardo Helicopters is one major manufacturer and has a partnership with the UK Government. Other firms that supply components for rotary-wing aircraft include Rolls-Royce, Smiths Industries, and BAE Systems.
<h2>Career progression for helicopter mechanics</h2>
A helicopter mechanic&rsquo;s role can branch into several different career options. Once you have enough qualifications and experience, you could become a lead mechanic, an avionics supervisor, or even a maintenance controller.
Some mechanics are even able to branch out into design, developing the blade technology, engine design, airframes, or electrical systems for some of the biggest aviation companies in the world.
<h5>When you&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">look for your next aviation job</a>, consider applying to work with helicopters. Your work could help you stand out across your career, and even save lives.</h5>
<h5>Read more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/tag/aerospace-aviation">aviation sector</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-ways-to-find-out-what-hiring-managers-are-looking-for">how to figure out what hiring managers are looking for</a>.</h5>

Why Working as a Helicopter Engineer Could Be the Perfect Aviation Career For You

In 2023, there were over a 320,000 visas granted to work in the UK. Like anywhere, applying for a visa takes some time, there&rsquo;s a lot of paperwork and some fees to pay, but a working visa can open doors to exciting new opportunities for you and your career.
Find out how to get a UK work visa below.
<h2>What is a skilled worker visa?</h2>
A skilled worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do a job you are qualified for, with an approved employer.
It allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to five years. When you reach the end of your visa duration, you&rsquo;ll need to extend it. You&rsquo;ll also need to update it if you change jobs. You can extend or update your visa indefinitely, as long as you still meet all the requirements we&rsquo;ll explain below.
&nbsp;After living in the UK for five years, you can apply to live there permanently, which is called &lsquo;indefinite leave to remain.&rsquo;
It&rsquo;s important to note there are no general work visas for casual employment.
<h2>When to apply for your visa</h2>
&nbsp;You can apply for a visa up to three months before the day you&rsquo;re due to start work. This date will be listed on your certificate of sponsorship, which we&rsquo;ll talk more about later on. &nbsp;
Once you&rsquo;ve applied, you should receive a decision on your visa within three or four weeks.
<h2>How to get a visa to work in the UK</h2>
<h3>You&rsquo;ll have to apply online</h3>
All UK work visa applications must be submitted via the government website. There are different applications depending on whether you&rsquo;re applying from outside the UK, extending your visa, or switching types of visa.
You can include your family in your visa application, if they are also eligible. They may need to submit their own visa applications.
<h3>Pay the visa fee</h3>
The application fee ranges from &pound;625 - &pound;1,423 depending on your circumstances. You&rsquo;ll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of &pound;623 per year of your stay in the UK. You may also need to provide proof of savings of at least &pound;1,270, to prove that you can support yourself. &nbsp;
Your visa fee will be less if your job is on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations">occupation shortage list</a>.
<h3>You must be able to speak English</h3>
To get a work visa, you must be able to speak, read, and write in English. You&rsquo;ll need to prove your understanding of the language when you apply.
<h3>Work for an employer that&rsquo;s been approved by the Home Office</h3>
&nbsp;Your visa sponsor must be a registered company that has been approved by the Home Office.
&nbsp;You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
<h3>Have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer</h3>
Your employer must provide and sign an official certificate of sponsorship for you. This certificate must have information about your employer, and the role you&rsquo;ll be doing while living in the UK.
<h3>Have a job that&rsquo;s on the list of eligible occupations</h3>
&nbsp;There are certain jobs which are eligible for visas, and some that aren&rsquo;t. Check the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes">list of eligible jobs for UK visas</a>&nbsp;here.
<h3>Earn the minimum required salary</h3>
&nbsp;The current minimum required salary to qualify for a UK visa is &pound;25,600 annually, or &pound;10.10 an hour. These requirements may be higher depending on your role.
<h2>Additional documents you may need for your visa application:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Proof of your relationship with your spouse or children if they&rsquo;re coming with you</li>
<li>&nbsp;Tuberculosis test results if you&rsquo;re coming from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa/countries-where-you-need-a-tb-test-to-enter-the-uk">listed country</a></li>
<li>&nbsp;A criminal record certificate</li>
<li>A valid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme">ATAS certificate</a>&nbsp;if your your job involves research or work at a PhD level or higher</li>
<li>Education certificates</li>
</ul>
<h2>Other types of visas</h2>
The skilled worker visa is the only that can lead to permanent settlement. There are five other visas that allow for short-term work in the UK, check with your employer which is best for you.
<h3>The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa</h3>
This allows specialist workers to move between UK and international offices. To be eligible, candidates must be currently working for the sponsor overseas and have worked outside the UK for the sponsor for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
<h3>&nbsp;The Graduate Trainee Visa</h3>
This is for companies in the UK with overseas operations that have graduates who need specialised training to gain the experience of a work placement in the UK that is leading to a specialised role or senior position.
<h3>The UK Expansion Worker</h3>
This allows overseas companies to deploy multiple representatives to the UK to establish and expand operations there.
<h3>The Service Suppliers Visa</h3>
This visa is for contractors or self-employed independent professionals based overseas.
<h3>The Secondment Workers Visa</h3>
This is a brand new route for workers being seconded to the UK as part of a high value contract or investment by overseas employers.
If you&rsquo;re ready, here is the link you will need to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk">apply for your UK work visa</a>.
The UK has relied on workers emigrating there for hundreds of years. In many cities there are a huge mix of cultures, with people from all over the world living and working together. Getting your visa can be the first step towards a brand new life, or a big step up in your career.
Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-create-the-perfect-cv-as-an-engineering-student">how to create the perfect CV as an engineering student</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-best-engineering-jobs-for-the-future">best engineering jobs for the future</a>

The UK Working Visa Guide

When you say the word engineer, many people will think of a man, as the industry has been dominated by men for much of its history. But women have been designing, iterating, and engineering for just as long as men have, creating some of the most valuable and widely used products and inventions ever made, many of which have saved lives, and changed the world.&nbsp;
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Famous women in engineering history&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Ada Lovelace&nbsp;</h3>
One of the most famous women in engineering history, Ada Lovelace&rsquo;s pioneering work laid the foundation for all modern computers. The daughter of famous poet Lord Byron, her mother kept her away from poetry and the arts, encouraging her to pursue the sciences. &nbsp;
&nbsp;During the early 1800s Lovelace developed an interest in the Difference Engine, a mechanical calculator developed by mathematician Charles Babbage.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;They collaborated together on a new, more complex machine, the Analytical Engine. It was designed, but never built. It was the first instance of a machine that would have been capable of modifying its own calculations while it was running.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;While Babbage designed the machine, Lovelace played a vital role in designing the various functions, and can be thought of as one of the first software developers.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Hedy Lemarr&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;Hedy Lemarr was one of the most famous actresses of the 1930s and 40s. When not acting, she worked on engineering projects as a hobby, often in between takes on film sets. Her love of science came from her father, who would explain to her how various machines worked while out on walks together.&nbsp;&nbsp;
She devised a method of encrypting radio signals to prevent enemy spies listening to what was being broadcast. &ldquo;Frequency hopping&rdquo; allowed for rapid switching between radio frequencies in order to avoid a signal being jammed. By manipulating radio frequencies between transmission and reception, her technique formed a code that prevented secret messages from being intercepted by the Germans.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;The technology wasn&rsquo;t widely used until the invention of wi-fi and Bluetooth, but without it, there would be no wireless communication today.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Lamarr had to fight to be taken seriously, given her profession as an actress. Frequently labelled &lsquo;the most beautiful woman in the world&rsquo;, audiences allegedly gasped when she first appeared on screen. But her invention changed the course of history, and is one of the many reasons she is remembered today.&nbsp;
<h3>Stephanie Kwolek&nbsp;</h3>
Kevlar is one of the most widely used materials in the construction of body armours in the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/tag/engineering-defence">defence sector</a>. It was invented by Kwolek in the 1960s, while looking for an alternative substance to manufacture car tyres. She was working as a chemist at the DuPont factory in Delaware, where she carried out research on polymers.&nbsp;
Her discovery of the material was made by accident, and it was almost thrown away. But Kwolek ran the substance through a spinneret, and found it did not break, meaning it could have a wide variety of uses.&nbsp;
Kevlar is five times stronger than steel by weight, and is now used in the creation of bulletproof vests. Since its invention it has saved thousands of lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Because of its incredibly high tensile strength, Kevlar is also used in bow strings, tennis racquets, racing boats, and&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/tag/f1-automotive">formula one cars</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Mary Anderson&nbsp;</h3>
On a cold day in 1902, Mary Anderson was riding in a tram car, and noticed that the driver kept both panes of the double front window open so snow and sleet wouldn&rsquo;t pile up onto it and block his view. But this meant the rest of the tram was cold and open to the elements.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Realising there was an opportunity, Anderson worked with a designer to develop a hand-operated device to clear the windscreen from inside the tram. It consisted of a lever connected to a rubber blade outside which could clear snow, preventing it from covering the window.&nbsp;&nbsp;
She patented her invention in 1903, but few car makers were interested until 1917, when another woman, Charlotte Bridgwood, patented the first automatic windscreen wiper, which is now a standard feature on every car in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Martha Coston&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;Martha Coston invented the first signal flares, which have gone on to be used by the military, navy, and rescue operations all over the world. &nbsp;
At the age of 21, Coston was left a widow with four children to support. In desperate need of a way to support her family, she discovered a design for a pyrotechnic flare that her late husband had left behind in his notebook, and set about creating it for real.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For nearly 10 years she worked on perfecting the design, which needed to be bright, multi-coloured, and long-lasting if they were to be effective tools for communication over long distance, at night, and in high winds at sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;
She succeeded, and achieved a patent in 1859, with the US Navy paying her $20,000 for the rights to the flares. This was a large sum for women at that time, and a testament to the quality of her work.&nbsp;&nbsp;
These women changed the engineering industry, and inspired many other women to enter the field.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-we-need-more-women-in-stem-roles">why we need more women in STEM roles</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-best-remote-engineering-roles">5 of the best remote engineering roles</a>.&nbsp;

5 Women in Engineering and How They Changed the Industry

STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is an important field, one that requires talent, ingenuity, and creative thinking to solve the world&rsquo;s problems.&nbsp;
However, historically women have been less likely than men to engage in STEM subjects at school, less likely to pursue STEM careers, and worst of all, less likely to be encouraged by parents and teachers to study STEM subjects in the first place.&nbsp;
We live in a time when we desperately need creative solutions to difficult problems, whether facing climate change, the energy crisis, space exploration, or the infrastructure needs of a growing population. Women could have answers to these issues but are being put off rewarding, exciting, meaningful careers in science, and this needs to change.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Less than one in five employees in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/the-empowering-guide-for-women-in-tech/" rel="noopener">tech industry are women,</a>&nbsp;despite the fact that women make up more than half of the U.S. workforce.
Women make up only around a quarter of the STEM workforce, less than a fifth of STEM board members are women, and only around <a href="https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/women-in-stem-statistics">3% of STEM CEOs are women</a>. &nbsp;
This is largely in part to the drastic drop-off of women studying STEM subjects after the age of 16, being encouraged or even told to study &lsquo;softer&rsquo; subjects, instead of pursuing a talent for sciences. &nbsp;
<h2>Why are there fewer women working in STEM?&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Gender Stereotypes&nbsp;</h3>
Even today, STEM subjects are often seen as more &lsquo;masculine&rsquo; subjects to study. Because of this, teachers and even parents can doubt girls&rsquo; maths or science abilities, which impacts their confidence in pursuing these subjects.&nbsp;
<h3>Male-Centric Cultures&nbsp;</h3>
Because so few women work in STEM, workplaces often take on a male-centric or male-dominated culture. This makes it harder to introduce women into the workplace, especially since it&rsquo;s more likely that those in charge of the hiring process will be overwhelmingly male. &nbsp;
<h3>Fewer Female Role Models&nbsp;</h3>
The final reason why there aren&rsquo;t as many women working in STEM is that there aren&rsquo;t as many role models to influence and encourage young women to enter the field. This of course perpetuates a negative cycle, where fewer women pursue a career in STEM precisely because it seems like so few have been able to do it. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Only by bringing more women into the field can we break this cycle. &nbsp;
<h2>Why we need more women in STEM&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Diversity improves workplaces and industries &nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
Only having one set of backgrounds or opinions has a negative impact on a workplace&rsquo;s culture, productivity, and overall quality of work. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Ensuring an equal split of men and women helps bring in other viewpoints, considerations, and skill sets that would otherwise be missing. McKinsey found that companies with an <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/why-diversity-matters">even gender balance are around 25% more likely to outperform competitors</a>.&nbsp;
By encouraging a wider talent pool, businesses can expect smarter, more competitive employees, with wider experiences to draw on for their work.&nbsp;
<h3>More women in STEM careers narrows the overall pay gap&nbsp;</h3>
STEM careers generally offer high pay, in fact, a typical <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2018/01/09/women-and-men-in-stem-often-at-odds-over-workplace-equity/ps_2018-01-09_stem_1-09/">STEM worker earns two thirds more</a> than the average worker in a non-STEM field.&nbsp;
Yet even in STEM, many women are missing out on higher pay compared to their male counterparts performing the same jobs. <a href="https://www.aauw.org/resources/research/the-stem-gap/">Men in STEM&rsquo;s salaries are on average around $15,000 higher annually than women&rsquo;s</a>, so it&rsquo;s clear there&rsquo;s still more work to be done in closing the wage gap.&nbsp;
However, if more women were working in STEM, it would provide more women with economic security on an individual level, as well as close the overall national pay gap. &nbsp;
Encouraging young women to study STEM subjects and pursue science and engineering careers, is one step towards a more diverse and equal workforce. Beyond this, workplace initiatives designed to encourage and champion female STEM workers will help raise awareness of women in the field, which will, in turn, encourage more women to work in STEM in the future. &nbsp;
Read more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/4-most-exciting-careers-for-young-people">exciting careers for young people</a>, or learn about &nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/reasons-to-work-in-civil-engineering">reasons to work in civil engineering</a>.&nbsp;
Read the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/the-empowering-guide-for-women-in-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Empowering Guide for Women in Tech in 2022</a>.
&nbsp;

Why We Need More Women In STEM Roles

<h2>How can we attract the female engineers needed to advance the engineering industry?</h2>
VHR are delighted to present our research white paper on How to Get More Women into Engineering.
The white paper features the experiences of Gemma Hatton, Deputy Editor of Race car Engineering magazine and former Formula 1 Trackside Tyre Engineer at Pirelli and Manor Racing, and the expertise of VHR's Engineering Specialist Conor McKeon.
&nbsp;
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5979" src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png?width=489&amp;name=How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png" sizes="(max-width: 489px) 100vw, 489px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png?width=245&amp;name=How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png 245w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png?width=489&amp;name=How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png 489w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png?width=734&amp;name=How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png 734w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png?width=978&amp;name=How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png 978w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png?width=1223&amp;name=How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png 1223w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png?width=1467&amp;name=How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png 1467w" alt="How to Get More Women into Engineering White Paper" width="489">
Download the free whitepaper&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3329963/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Since 2022, up to 85% of engineering enterprises have observed the significant repercussions of skill shortages. Following the onset of the pandemic in the same year, over 200,000 construction engineers have exited the sector.
With the current lack of women in engineering roles, combined with a recent McKinsey report revealing that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/why-diversity-matters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gender-diverse companies are 15% more likely to outperform their competitors</a>, engineering leaders can solve skills shortages and achieve business growth by attracting and retaining female engineers.
Specifically designed to help engineering leaders attract more talent into the industry, the white paper on How to Get More Women into Engineering covers research and analysis of the following topics:
<ul>
<li>
How Engineering Companies Can Get More Women into Engineering
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Shortage of Women in Engineering &ndash; Is it Really that Bad?
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Why Should We Care about Getting Women into Engineering?
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
What&rsquo;s it Like Being a Female Engineer?
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Shortage of Women in Engineering Roles: The Reason
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
The Solution to the Engineering Skills Shortage
</li>
</ul>
Download the How to Get More Women into Engineering white paper&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3329963/Imported_Blog_Media/How-to-Get-More-Women-into-Engineering-White-Paper.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Find out more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/women-engineering-smashing-stereotypes-stem" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shortage of Women in Engineering</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://v-hr.com/news/blog/precision-engineering-skills-shortage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK Engineering Skills Shortage</a>.

White Paper: How to Get More Women into Engineering

When you work in a global industry like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/engineering-manufacturing/">engineering</a>, you truly can work anywhere. And if you can work anywhere, why wouldn&rsquo;t you want to work in Italy?
Home to legendary car manufacturers like Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, as well as luxury marine, aerospace, and engineering companies, Italy is a great place for an engineer looking to move their career while also enjoying a great quality of life.
<h2>Why you should work in Italy</h2>
<h3>Italian Culture</h3>
Italy is widely considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and has some of the best art, food, and architecture found anywhere, as well as a rich and interesting history that has shaped global thought, philosophy, and politics. There&rsquo;s a reason Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and it&rsquo;s not surprising that tens of thousands of people choose to move there for work every year.
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=461&amp;height=308&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=231&amp;height=154&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 231w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=461&amp;height=308&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 461w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=692&amp;height=462&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 692w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=922&amp;height=616&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 922w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=1153&amp;height=770&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 1153w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=1383&amp;height=924&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 1383w" alt="dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash" width="461" height="308" loading="lazy">
<h3>Quality of Work Life</h3>
The average salary in Italy is around 1400-1800 euros a month, but high-skill or high demand jobs can earn much more. Some estimates place the cost of living in Italy at around 1500 euros a month, of course this varies from city to city and individual spending habits, but it&rsquo;s possible you could save some money while living in Italy.
All full-time workers who are registered with social security can enjoy public healthcare, pensions, and benefits. If you&rsquo;re self-employed, you fall under a different social security scheme, so you may not be eligible for all the benefits just mentioned.
All workers in Italy are entitled to a minimum of 22 days holiday. The longer you stay with a company, it&rsquo;s likely you&rsquo;ll earn more holiday time. Many companies also offer remote working and flexi-time.
You&rsquo;re entitled to citizenship after ten years of living and working in Italy.
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=446&amp;height=297&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=223&amp;height=149&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 223w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=446&amp;height=297&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 446w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=669&amp;height=446&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 669w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=892&amp;height=594&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 892w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=1115&amp;height=743&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 1115w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=1338&amp;height=891&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 1338w" alt="henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash" width="446" height="297" loading="lazy">
<h3>Italy&rsquo;s strong manufacturing industry</h3>
The manufacturing sector plays an important role in Italy&rsquo;s economy, with large exports in cars, furniture, and food processing. Italy has a long history of creating luxury machines, being home to world-famous inventor,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/historical-figures-in-engineering-leonardo-da-vinci">Leonardo Da Vinci</a>.
<h2>How to work in Italy</h2>
<h3>Secure a visa</h3>
When applying to work in Italy, you must secure a work visa and a residence permit. Italy only accepts a certain amount of foreign workers each year, so you will need to check if they are still accepting applications as soon as you decide to try to move there.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you must already have a job offer in Italy in order to get a visa as it is your employer who must apply for your work permit. Once in Italy you can then apply for your residence permit. An Italian work visa is valid for up to two years, and can then be renewed for five years.
If you are an EU citizen, you can enter the country and start work without a visa. However, if you plan on staying longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit.
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=493&amp;height=286&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=247&amp;height=143&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 247w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=493&amp;height=286&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 493w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=740&amp;height=429&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 740w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=986&amp;height=572&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 986w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=1233&amp;height=715&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 1233w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=1479&amp;height=858&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 1479w" alt="nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash" width="493" height="286" loading="lazy">
<h3>Look for jobs in Milan</h3>
Milan is one of the major industrial centres of the country, so it&rsquo;s a good place to start looking for engineering jobs.
Generally speaking, it may be easier to find engineering or mechanical work in the north of Italy, in factories or project bases, rather than in the south, which is more agricultural. Of course, exceptions apply, and there will be engineers living and working all over the country.
<h3>Sign up with a global recruitment agency</h3>
Once you have everything you need, signing up with a recruitment agency is one of the quickest ways you can get a job in Italy.
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with an amazing culture. People who move there often say it is the best decision they ever made, and choose to stay there for many years, or even the rest of their lives!
&nbsp;Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-decide-between-two-job-offers">how to decide between two job offers</a>, or learn the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-engineering-companies-to-work-for-in-2022">best engineering companies to work for</a>.

Guide to Working in Italy

Saudi Arabia is aiming to attract $100bn in investments into its aviation sector by 2030. This is part of the kingdom&rsquo;s push to diversify away from a purely oil-based economy, via the Vision Project 2030. The project is vast, huge in scope, made up of several &lsquo;giga-projects&rsquo; designed to transform Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s economy and infrastructure.
Tourism is set to be one of the main drivers of its economy in the future, and to do that, it needs to grow. To support this, Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s aviation strategy aims to reach 330 million passengers, 250 international destinations, and 100 million tourists annually by 2030.
According to the World Travel &amp; Tourism Council, travel and tourism accounted for 6.5% of the Saudi Arabian economy in 2021. The Vision plan aims for tourism to make up 10% of the economy by 2030, and generate around one million new jobs.
Some of the key initiatives of the Kingdom&rsquo;s National Aviation Strategy include opening a new airport in Riyadh, opening eight new regional airports, and launching a new airline to manage the increased demand.
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>How Saudi Arabia plans to grow their aviation industry</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3>Flynas aims to become the biggest low-cost airline in the Middle East</h3>
Low-cost air carrier Flynas is expanding its global presence by opening new units in two countries. This is in service of its aim of becoming the largest budget airline in the Middle East, and becoming more well-known across the world.
Flynas reported a 91% growth in passengers over 2022. This was in part due to Flynas launching 30 new routes, and 16 new destinations, as well as bringing the total fleet number up to 43, allowing for far more flights to take place.
They aim to continue this growth across this year and beyond: the Riyadh-based airline is looking to expand its existing fleet to 250 planes, ensuring it will play a key role in the growth of the aviation section throughout the kingdom, as well as the region as a whole.
&nbsp;
<h3>Transforming existing airports</h3>
While the plan aims to create new commercial airports, existing airports are going to be refurbished and upgraded to improve efficiency and customer experience.
The goal is to upgrade these airports to be better at handling more passengers, which will of course be arriving in greater numbers than ever before, but also to create transportation and logistics hubs that will compete on a global scale, that travellers choose to connect at.
&nbsp;Dubai is likely an inspiration here, having proved that it is possible to take an airport and transform it, changing the way people travel.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg?width=467&amp;height=350&amp;name=backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 467px) 100vw, 467px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg?width=234&amp;height=175&amp;name=backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg 234w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg?width=467&amp;height=350&amp;name=backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg 467w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg?width=701&amp;height=525&amp;name=backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg 701w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg?width=934&amp;height=700&amp;name=backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg 934w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg?width=1168&amp;height=875&amp;name=backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg 1168w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg?width=1401&amp;height=1050&amp;name=backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash.jpg 1401w" alt="backer-sha-ZC1go68bTic-unsplash" width="467" height="350" loading="lazy">
<h3>Giga-projects</h3>
&nbsp;Until now, most tourists and visitors have been domestic. For the tourism sector to be transformed, bringing in international visitors, there will need to be new tourism attractions. This is where the giga-projects come in.
&nbsp;The &ldquo;Red Sea eco-system&rdquo; is a key area of investment and development, and consists of three giga-projects: AMAALA, NEOM, and the Red Sea Project.&nbsp;
The area is close to both Jordan and Egypt, each with their own resorts along the Red Sea, showing that the region is already a viable tourist zone, which has led to each project being aimed at specific groups of tourists to maximise revenue potential.
AMAALA is an ultra-luxury tourism destination currently being developed, spanning more than 4,000 square kilometers.
When complete in 2027, it will be home to more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, and approximately 900 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, alongside high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.
A former military airport, NEOM Bay has been redesigned for commercial travel, and started handling passengers earlier this year. NEOM sits between three continents, with around 40% of the world accessible within a six-hour flight. Customer-centric connectivity is the aim for the airport, with cutting-edge technology providing an unparalleled experience.
The Red Sea International Airport is due to open next year and is designed to be able to handle up to a million passengers at its busiest times. The airport is planning to innovate on the traditional travel model, perhaps the most exciting way being the removal of the baggage claims area, with luggage instead being delivered to guests&rsquo; hotel rooms to shorten time spent at the airport.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg?width=479&amp;height=319&amp;name=abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 479px) 100vw, 479px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg?width=240&amp;height=160&amp;name=abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg 240w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg?width=479&amp;height=319&amp;name=abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg 479w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg?width=719&amp;height=479&amp;name=abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg 719w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg?width=958&amp;height=638&amp;name=abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg 958w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg?width=1198&amp;height=798&amp;name=abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg 1198w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg?width=1437&amp;height=957&amp;name=abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash.jpg 1437w" alt="abdulrhman-alkhnaifer-kUANvJwGN4M-unsplash" width="479" height="319" loading="lazy">
<h3>A new flag-carrier</h3>
There&rsquo;ll also be a new flag carrier, possibly branded as RIA (Riyadh International Airlines), based at Riyadh, designed to compete with other leading Middle Eastern airlines.&nbsp;&nbsp;
That means an extensive long-haul network, enabling international transit traffic, and bringing high value tourists into the kingdom from all over the world. With initial investment said to be in the region of $30 billion, and rumours of a large order of Airbus A350 aircraft, the airline may be set to make a big impact on the aviation industry.
Saudi Arabia has always been able to attract investment, and with these plans in place, there is no doubt that the kingdom will change the future of the aviation industry, both in the region, and around the world.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg?width=465&amp;height=310&amp;name=haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 465px) 100vw, 465px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg?width=233&amp;height=155&amp;name=haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg 233w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg?width=465&amp;height=310&amp;name=haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg 465w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg?width=698&amp;height=465&amp;name=haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg 698w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg?width=930&amp;height=620&amp;name=haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg 930w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg?width=1163&amp;height=775&amp;name=haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg 1163w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg?width=1395&amp;height=930&amp;name=haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash.jpg 1395w" alt="haidan-RhkbHU14MoA-unsplash" width="465" height="310" loading="lazy">
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-civil-engineering-is-growing-in-the-middle-east">why civil engineering is growing in the Middle East</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/contracting-and-construction-in-the-middle-east-how-technology-and-the-engineering-skills-shortage-are-linked">technical skills shortage in the Middle East</a>

How Saudi Arabia’s Transformation Plan Will Impact The Future Of Aviation

Green energy is growing faster than ever. As we become increasingly aware of the impact fossil fuels are having on the environment, eco-conscious consumers are shifting to renewable energy, savvy businesses are changing their energy policies, and engineers are learning to work with solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems.
According to the international energy agency,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2020">renewable energy is set to grow 50% by 2024</a>, an increase of roughly the entire energy capacity of North America. This energy surge will be led mostly by solar energy, which will be around 35% cheaper by that time.&nbsp;
VHR&rsquo;s Energy &amp; Renewables specialists investigate the future of green energy.
&nbsp;
<h2>Why is green energy growing?</h2>
The simplest reason green energy is growing is because it&rsquo;s rapidly becoming more viable than traditional fossil fuels. Over the last two decades, green energy has grown cheaper, more efficient, and more important for businesses to adopt.
&nbsp;
<h3>It&rsquo;s cheap</h3>
It&rsquo;s now cheaper to operate on solar and wind power than gas, and given recent issues with supply around the world, renewable energy is looking increasingly attractive.
The cost of installing and maintaining solar cells has fallen by 90% since 2009, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/21/renewable-energy-to-expand-by-50-in-next-five-years-report">cost of solar power is predicted to drop</a>&nbsp;by anywhere from 15-35% by 2024, whereas Carbon Tracker predicts that&nbsp;<a href="https://carbontracker.org/reports/coal-portal/">72% of all coal-based power will be unprofitable by 2040</a>. Running on fossil fuels soon won&rsquo;t make good business sense, and renewable energy will only continue to fall in price.
&nbsp;
<h3>It&rsquo;s efficient</h3>
Solar and wind power are becoming more efficient each year, in part due to better technology when generating energy, but also thanks to more sophisticated methods of moving and storing it.
Distributed generation is a technique that allows for excess power generated from solar panels on private homes to be sold on and transferred to other sites. The main benefit of this is a reduced reliance on centralised power sources, meaning power-cuts are less likely.
Transmission of power has been a problem for renewable energy in the past, as it is often generated in remote areas, such as offshore wind farms. Being able to transfer energy across long distances will be vital in the mass adoption of renewable energy, and so is an area of huge interest to the industry.
There has been rapid growth in distributed generation in recent years, and this is expected to continue: the distributed generation market could be worth EUR 147.5 billion by 2026. Over three quarters of the power and utility respondents to a recent Deloitte survey said that they are either planning or depending on&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/energy-and-resources/articles/renewable-energy-outlook.html">new transmission projects to increase access to renewable energy</a>.
Energy storage has also improved. Green energy like solar or wind can&rsquo;t be generated continuously, so efficient storage is a crucial element of any renewable energy system. Furthermore, when energy is stored or transferred, it can be lost, so any improvement in storage can potentially save vast amounts of energy and money.
&nbsp;
<h3>It&rsquo;s good for business</h3>
Consumers and investors alike are demanding more widespread green energy use.
As the public grows more concerned about climate change, businesses that are quick to adopt green energy will reap the rewards, whereas those that lag behind may find themselves under scrutiny, criticism, or even risk a boycott.
Industry giants like Google, Amazon, and Apple are investing millions into green energy, so it&rsquo;s likely we&rsquo;ll see others follow suit.
&nbsp;
<h2>What types of green energy are growing?</h2>
<h3>Solar</h3>
Solar is the fastest growing type of green energy because it&rsquo;s more reliable and predictable than wind power. Thanks to increased performance and smarter energy storage, commercial buildings running on solar power will still run at full capacity even when not in full sunlight.
Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Australia are all predicted to have some of the highest growth of solar energy per capita over the next few years, but China will likely have the highest amount of overall growth. But even with current growth levels, only 6% of the world&rsquo;s viable rooftops will have solar panels by 2024, so we will need significantly more investment to hit global renewable energy targets moving forwards.
As of this year, solar installers and developers will have to monitor their compliance with the Solar Energy Industry Association&rsquo;s Solar Supply Chain Traceability Protocol. These guidelines are designed to enable designers, suppliers, and customers to trace the materials back through the supply chain, and to ensure ethical labour throughout construction.
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg?width=485&amp;height=321&amp;name=zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg?width=243&amp;height=161&amp;name=zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg 243w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg?width=485&amp;height=321&amp;name=zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg 485w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg?width=728&amp;height=482&amp;name=zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg 728w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg?width=970&amp;height=642&amp;name=zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg 970w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg?width=1213&amp;height=803&amp;name=zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg 1213w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg?width=1455&amp;height=963&amp;name=zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash.jpg 1455w" alt="zbynek-burival-V4ZYJZJ3W4M-unsplash" width="485" height="321" loading="lazy">
&nbsp;
<h3>Wind</h3>
Onshore wind energy capacity will increase by around 57% by 2024, being driven in part by major investment in the US, a country with vast amounts of open land, perfect for wind power.
Offshore wind energy will also increase, with Japan being a particularly big investor, seeking to replace old nuclear reactors with cleaner, safer wind turbines.
The way we build offshore wind farms is also changing. While traditional offshore wind turbines are built on metal or concrete towers, new turbines are being built to float, having less impact on the environment and marine life around them.
There are also practical benefits for power generation, as this allows wind turbines to be stationed further out to sea, where winds tend to be stronger, creating more energy.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg?width=501&amp;height=333&amp;name=abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg?width=251&amp;height=167&amp;name=abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg 251w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg?width=501&amp;height=333&amp;name=abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg 501w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg?width=752&amp;height=500&amp;name=abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg 752w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg?width=1002&amp;height=666&amp;name=abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg 1002w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg?width=1253&amp;height=833&amp;name=abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg 1253w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg?width=1503&amp;height=999&amp;name=abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash.jpg 1503w" alt="abby-anaday-Nnn2Dc6niVU-unsplash" width="501" height="333" loading="lazy">
&nbsp;
<h3>Geothermal</h3>
Geothermal energy is created when water is pumped from underground at high pressure, then turned into steam, which turns a turbine connected to a generator.
The market for geothermal heat pumps will exceed $2 billion in the US alone by 2024. As building codes are updated to require renewable energy, geothermal is slated to be one of the go-to methods of generating the necessary power across the country.
The global geothermal market will increase by 28% by 2024, with Asia driving roughly one-third of that expansion.
While these methods of generating energy are growing around the world, they&rsquo;re supported and improved by other technologies, like artificial intelligence.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg?width=485&amp;height=323&amp;name=matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg?width=243&amp;height=162&amp;name=matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg 243w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg?width=485&amp;height=323&amp;name=matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg 485w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg?width=728&amp;height=485&amp;name=matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg 728w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg?width=970&amp;height=646&amp;name=matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg 970w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg?width=1213&amp;height=808&amp;name=matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg 1213w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg?width=1455&amp;height=969&amp;name=matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash.jpg 1455w" alt="matt-palmer-UXjYy04EvOc-unsplash" width="485" height="323" loading="lazy">
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The impact of AI on renewable energy</h2>
<h3>Forecasting</h3>
Both wind and solar power rely on ideal weather conditions for peak efficiency. Unfortunately, even today this can be hard to predict, with weather patterns changing faster than ever.
Artificial intelligence can take in and analyse more weather information more effectively than a team of meteorologists, and machine learning allows AI systems to gather past data on whether to make more accurate predictions about what will happen in the future.
<h3>Grid Management</h3>
Artificial intelligence can play a big role in grid management, helping to ease the burden when power needs are high by predicting energy usage in households. If it looks like power needs will be exceptionally high, generation can be increased, or reserves accessed and utilised. If power needs will be low, they can lower generation to avoid waste.
<h3>Maintenance</h3>
Maintenance on a power grid can be difficult for a number of reasons, including sourcing the necessary parts, knowing when maintenance is required, and maintaining consistent power.
AI can accurately predict when parts will fail, allowing for quick and simple replacements before problems occur. This allows notice to be given to local populations in advance of repairs, which can then be scheduled to take place at the least inconvenient time.
&nbsp;
<h2>Sustainable growth through the circular economy</h2>
While green energy is good for the planet, the waste generated by renewable energy infrastructure at the end of its lifespan is not. Early green energy installations are beginning to reach the end of their lifecycle, now obsolete when compared to modern, more efficient technologies. By 2030, there may be up to 1 million tonnes of waste from renewable energy installations.
However, through upgrades, it may be possible to salvage older models, and extend their usefulness into the next generation of renewable energy.
Renewable energy will only grow over the coming years, and there are ample opportunities for companies, governments, and engineers to get involved and help the adoption of green technology around the world.
&nbsp;
Read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-the-uk-will-dominate-the-wind-and-energy-industry">renewable energy market in the UK</a>, or read&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-reasons-to-work-in-energy-renewables">5 reasons to work in renewable energy</a>.

The Future of Green Energy

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a relatively new digital technique that has transformed the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Prior to the development of BIM, the AEC industry regularly faced problems with high cost, slow delivery, unplanned setbacks, and a lack of communication between teams.
BIM helps reduce or even eliminate those problems entirely, and as such is a fast-growing technique in technical industries around the world.
It has seen major uptake in the UK and US over the last decade, but in many ways was pioneered in the Middle East. As the technology continues to develop, we will continue to see expansion of this method across the world, but will the Middle East continue to be an industry leader in the field?
&nbsp;
<h2>What is BIM?</h2>
BIM is a holistic process of creating and managing information about a construction project, creating a single source of information that anyone on any team can use. First, a digital model is created of the asset across all stages of its lifecycle, from initial design, to procurement, construction, maintenance, and refurbishment. That information can then be stored, tracked, and monitored, to ensure optimised performance, integrity, or cost-efficiency, depending on the structure in question.
While the concept has existed in its infancy in the aerospace and aviation industries since the 1970's, advances in digital technology have brought the technique, and the industries it helps, to the cutting edge of design.
BIM ensures that appropriate information is created or captured throughout the entire process, so that accurate decisions can be made at any time. BIM can capture the physical specifications of the build, time management information, cost projections, and facility management data. Far more reliable than traditional methods, BIM has made a huge impact on the construction industry.
&nbsp;
<h2>How BIM has changed the architecture, engineering, and construction industry</h2>
BIM has revolutionised the AEC industry because the digital model forms a reliable basis for decisions around general maintenance and repair, not just the initial construction.
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg?width=419&amp;height=279&amp;name=ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg?width=210&amp;height=140&amp;name=ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg 210w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg?width=419&amp;height=279&amp;name=ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg 419w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg?width=629&amp;height=419&amp;name=ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg 629w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg?width=838&amp;height=558&amp;name=ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg 838w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg?width=1048&amp;height=698&amp;name=ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg 1048w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg?width=1257&amp;height=837&amp;name=ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash.jpg 1257w" alt="ryan-ancill-h86ZkM5Qiqg-unsplash" width="419" height="279" loading="lazy">
<h3>Improved understanding from day one</h3>
Conceptualisation and design can often be one of the toughest parts of a project. Architects have different ideas to builders, who have different ideas to the stakeholders.
Thanks to the level of detail in the 3-D model that is central to BIM, everyone involved can see exactly what the finished product will look like, leaving no ambiguity. This works not only for the physicality of the project, but also the functionality: everyone can see exactly how it will work, and what they're all building towards.
&nbsp;
<h3>Increased efficiency, decreased cost</h3>
The single biggest benefit of BIM is that it allows for increased efficiency across all stages of design, development, and construction, while also being able to reduce unnecessary costs.
The technique inherently relies on integrated collaboration and communication across different teams and disciplines, meaning that people who would never have spoken to each other on a traditional project have to interact and work together. This increases the productivity of the entire project, and means it's less likely that surprises will occur.
88% of engineers and architects say that&nbsp;<a href="https://constructionblog.autodesk.com/future-of-bim-infographic/">BIM enables better design insight</a>.
BIM also allows you to import files and data from other sources relating to the build, as well as other personnel working on the project. Teams can then share that data, analyse it, and back it up safely and securely.
&nbsp;
<h3>Predictive modelling</h3>
BIM allows for a more predictive strategy, as the digital model can allow for potential problems to be solved before they occur. If you have the full design, material information, and data from the site, you can proactively measure and predict degradation, and fix things before they go wrong, saving time, money, and stress in the long-term.
&nbsp;
<h2>The future of BIM in the Middle East</h2>
The Middle East, and the United Arab Emirates in particular, have championed the use of BIM, being early adopters, even going so far as to bring in government mandates and incentives to encourage its use. But what does the future hold for BIM in the Middle East?
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg?width=440&amp;height=320&amp;name=sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg?width=220&amp;height=160&amp;name=sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg 220w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg?width=440&amp;height=320&amp;name=sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg 440w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg?width=660&amp;height=480&amp;name=sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg 660w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg?width=880&amp;height=640&amp;name=sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg 880w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg?width=1100&amp;height=800&amp;name=sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg 1100w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=960&amp;name=sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash.jpg 1320w" alt="sajimon-sahadevan-bpIISsHtlWk-unsplash" width="440" height="320" loading="lazy">
&nbsp;
<h3>A global BIM benchmark</h3>
One issue is that while many firms want to start using BIM in their construction, there isn't a globally recognised benchmark that BIM is held too. This means that not everyone uses the technology in the same way, to the same standard.
While governments around the world have recognised the inefficiencies in construction, and called for greater uptake of BIM to combat falling productivity, there is still a long way to go.
There is an opportunity for the middle east to lead the way in creating a unified accepted set of standards, techniques, and practices for BIM. In 2014 Dubai mandated that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.united-bim.com/leading-countries-with-bim-adoption/">BIM must be used in large projects</a>&nbsp;of 40 storeys or more, or 300,000 square feet and higher. Due to the clear benefits of BIM in terms of economics and efficiency, we may see more countries pushing for increased uptake of the technique in the coming years.
&nbsp;
<h3>Increased BIM training</h3>
BIM requires a specific set of skills, training, and practical ability. Not everyone in the industry is equipped to provide it, and competition is fierce for those that are.
Many technical workers and&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-skills-needed-to-work-as-a-technical-contractor">engineers are learning new skills</a>&nbsp;to work in BIM, as every industry becomes more reliant on digital tools, engineers who know how to create digital models will be far more employable. The Middle East may well soon set the standard when it comes to BIM training.
&nbsp;
Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/aerospace-aviation-trends-report-2021/22">aviation and aerospace trends report</a>, or read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/career-advice-for-engineers-in-2021">career advice for engineers</a>.

BIM in the Middle East

There are small but important differences between a &lsquo;good&rsquo; candidate and an exceptional one. The way you choose to present yourself on your CV could be the deciding factor in getting an interview for your ideal engineering job.
Here are the top five insider tips on how to improve your CV and find your next engineering job.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to Improve Your CV:</h2>
<h3>1. Presentation</h3>
The content of your CV is most important, but good presentation helps to give a positive first impression.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv/why-cv-is-being-ignored/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Recruiters and hiring managers can see hundreds of CVs every day</a>&nbsp;from candidates who have similar skill sets, meaning you need to stand out from your competition &ndash; and in the right way.
For professional and effective CV presentation, improve your CV with these handy tips:
<ul>
<li>
Use bullet points to split up big chunks of information and make the text more reader-friendly, so the recruitment consultant will find it as easy as possible to read on and discover more about your skills and experience.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Images and visual effects are unnecessary and often distracting. Use bolding, italics, underlining and a clear structure to help your CV appear consistent, clean and professional without fading into the background.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Emphasise your greatest achievements. List your most significant accomplishments in order of importance for each of your previous roles from the top down. Allow the recruiter considering your CV to build an excellent impression of your previous and potential capabilities as quickly as possible.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Don&rsquo;t clutter your CV: less can be more. White space on every page limits distraction; your reader will find it easier to focus on what you want them to see most.
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=431&amp;height=287&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 431px) 100vw, 431px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=216&amp;height=144&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 216w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=431&amp;height=287&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 431w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=647&amp;height=431&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 647w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=862&amp;height=574&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 862w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=1078&amp;height=718&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 1078w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=1293&amp;height=861&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 1293w" alt="resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash" width="431" height="287" loading="lazy">
<h3>2. Short and Strong</h3>
Improve your CV by writing clearly, succinctly and confidently. For engineering contractors with a long list of previous technical jobs, you may feel your CV needs to be longer than the standard 2-3 pages to cover all&nbsp; your experience. The page limit is not the problem: it&rsquo;s the amount and quality of the information on those pages.
Try to only include the skills and achievements that are most relevant: if it&rsquo;s not important to the job you are applying for, don&rsquo;t include it. Use no more than five bullet points for each job listed on your CV unless absolutely necessary. &nbsp;
<h3>3. Make It Clear Why You're Right For The Job</h3>
The purpose of your CV is to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/article/revamp-your-cv-for-the-new-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highlight your achievements and relevant experience</a>&nbsp;to present you as the ideal person for the job. Key words that hiring managers and recruiters in your industry will be looking for can evidence your engineering knowledge and grab the eyes of your reader. Spell out that you have experience in CNC Milling, CNC Turning and CNC Programming instead of just saying you work in Precision Engineering; Software Engineers should list the exact types of software they work with, and managers and senior executives can outline the size of the teams they lead or the major projects they are responsible for.
The person reading your CV needs to understand what you do &ndash; recruiters can&rsquo;t confidently put you forward for interviews if they aren&rsquo;t sure whether your skills and experience will match the job requirements. Make it as easy as possible for the employer to match you to the job description.
How do you know if you should improve your CV? Try it out. Share your CV with someone who is not in your industry or function and ask them to describe what you do, what are your best skills and why you are a good candidate. If they can easily understand your CV, specialist recruiters will have no trouble in confidently submitting you for your ideal engineering job.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=429&amp;height=286&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 429px) 100vw, 429px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=215&amp;height=143&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 215w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=429&amp;height=286&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 429w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=644&amp;height=429&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 644w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=858&amp;height=572&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 858w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=1073&amp;height=715&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 1073w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=1287&amp;height=858&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 1287w" alt="uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash" width="429" height="286" loading="lazy">
<h3>4. A Perfect Fit: Tailor your CV to the Role</h3>
Ask your recruitment consultant for a written job description. To help your recruiter match your skills and experience to the right job for you, carefully improve your CV by&nbsp;<a href="https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/how-to-improve-your-cv-15-helpful-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tailoring it to the relevant job description</a>:
<ul>
<li>
Evidence how you have performed similar duties and solved similar problems in your previous roles
</li>
<li>
Emphasise how your relevant skills can be transferred to this position &ndash; this is even more important if you are transferring industries or
</li>
<li>
Show enthusiasm for the area and challenges of the job description throughout your CV.
</li>
</ul>
Aligning your CV to a potential engineering job also informs the expectations of your new employer when you start working from them. Your new boss will have an idea of how your skillset can develop and how to help you grow in your career.
&nbsp;
<h3>5. Do's And Don'ts</h3>
Do include:
<ul>
<li>
Professional qualifications &ndash; Accreditations related to your career will show your commitment to improving your skillset and reveal your potential for growth in your new role.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
A small personal statement &ndash; A busy recruiter or hiring manager should be able to get an immediate feel for who you are and why you are good at what you do. Your statement should be no more than a couple of sentences and quickly communicate your skills, experience and why these offer you as an excellent candidate.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Contact details &ndash; This is an obvious point but surprisingly often overlooked &ndash; there&rsquo;s nothing more frustrating than finding an excellent candidate and not being able to contact them! List multiple contact details including your email, mobile number and landline to ensure you don&rsquo;t miss out on fantastic engineering jobs.
</li>
</ul>
Don&rsquo;t include:
<ul>
<li>
A photo &ndash; recruiters don&rsquo;t need to see what you look like, and clients are only interested in whether you have the skills and experience for the job. This rule can differ in some countries around the world, so check the application process for where you're applying to.
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
References &ndash; at this stage, references aren&rsquo;t essential and will add clutter to your CV. Include a brief line such as &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo; at the end of your CV to show that you have evidence of your skills and experience from reliable sources.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Need help with Job Interviews?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/successful-interview-vhrs-8-top-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read our Top 8 Interview Tips</a> for your best interview yet.

5 Ways To Improve Your CV

When looking for a job, often the fastest way to a new position is through a recruitment agency. Applicants who use an agency may not know how the system works, but knowing what recruiters are looking for and how they work will help any job search.
&nbsp;
<h2>How The Recruitment Process Works:</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>The Client Requires Additional Workers</h3>
</li>
</ul>
The recruitment process always begins with a business needing more workers. They then reach out to a recruitment agency to deliver talent either for a one-time project or across an ongoing period.
Often the recruitment company will then meet with the company to understand their requirements, and which recruitment strategies might work best.
Once the contract is signed and the roles specified, the recruiters on the team will then learn everything they can about the role, what it will entail day-to-day, what the requirements will be, and the kind of person the company is looking to hire. This is a crucial stage in the recruitment process, as this gives the recruiters the information they need to make good placements.
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
<h3>The Recruitment Consultant Begins Approaching Potential Candidates</h3>
</li>
</ul>
After this, the recruiters will then begin creating job ads, and reaching out to candidates in their networks.
The majority of the work in the recruitment industry is finding qualified candidates. A recruitment consultant might get hundreds of applications for a single job posting. They have to sort through and find the very best candidates.
This process can take days or even weeks, finding candidates who have the desired experience, calling them, seeing if the fit the description of the ideal worker for the business, and then ensuring they&rsquo;re available, fully qualified, and have the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-does-the-right-to-work-mean-and-why-is-it-important-for-international-job-seekers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right to work</a> in the country in question.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=336&amp;height=224&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=168&amp;height=112&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 168w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=336&amp;height=224&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 336w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=504&amp;height=336&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 504w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=672&amp;height=448&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 672w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=840&amp;height=560&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 840w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=1008&amp;height=672&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 1008w" alt="jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash" width="336" height="224" loading="lazy">
<ul>
<li>
<h3>The Recruitment Consultant Sends All Qualified Potential Candidates To The Client</h3>
</li>
</ul>
All the qualified candidates are then sent on to the client, who can then pick the ones most suited to the role.
The Client knows the kind of people they need, but also the kind of people they&rsquo;d like. Some candidates might not have certain skills or experience that are considered vital to the role, but they might have some that the client places more value on.
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Interviews</h3>
</li>
</ul>
From here, successful applicants will go to interview with the hiring manager of the business. A good recruitment consultant will coach their candidates through the interview, teaching them how to answer difficult questions and focus on what they could bring to a team.
The recruitment consultant will know what the client is looking for, and will be able to prepare candidates to give better answers.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=342&amp;height=228&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=171&amp;height=114&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 171w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=342&amp;height=228&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 342w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=513&amp;height=342&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 513w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=684&amp;height=456&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 684w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=855&amp;height=570&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 855w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=1026&amp;height=684&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 1026w" alt="van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1" width="342" height="228" loading="lazy">
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Evaluation</h3>
</li>
</ul>
After the interviews are over, the client will evaluate all the candidates, determining who gets hired and who doesn&rsquo;t.
They will feed information back to the recruiters about who they liked, so the recruiters can send through more candidates that are aligned with what the client is looking for.
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Hiring and Post-Recruitment Support</h3>
</li>
</ul>
Once a candidate has been given the position, the recruitment consultant will give them the good news, and begin supporting them through the transition into the new role. Any questions or problems the candidate might have can be dealt with through the recruitment agency, who can act like an extension of the business&rsquo; HR department.
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=343&amp;height=257&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 343px) 100vw, 343px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=172&amp;height=129&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 172w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=343&amp;height=257&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 343w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=515&amp;height=386&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 515w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=686&amp;height=514&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 686w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=858&amp;height=643&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 858w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=1029&amp;height=771&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 1029w" alt="austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3" width="343" height="257" loading="lazy">
Some candidates use the same recruiters for years, using their insider knowledge of the job market to develop their careers.
&nbsp;
Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-rapid-technological-change-means-for-recruitment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how new technology is changing the recruitment process</a>, or read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-job-interview-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">job interview guide</a> to nail your next interview.

Guide To The Recruitment Process

Executive search is a specialised type of recruitment aimed at locating and sourcing highly-skilled senior management talent for an organisation.
In this guide, we&rsquo;ll look at how the executive search process works, and the benefits of using it over other recruitment methods.
As high-level executives have crucial responsibilities within the company, like leading teams, making key business decisions, and gaining an edge over competitors, the cost of a bad hire can be high, leading to stalled projects, damaged morale, and even increased staff turnover.
To ensure maximum success with this crucial element of the business, this specialised area of recruitment utilises unique expertise in the sector, in order to find the highest quality candidates.
&nbsp;
<h2>What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?</h2>
An executive search agency will conduct extensive interviews and research with their client to learn exactly what they want, the kind of person they&rsquo;re looking for, and what they want the new team member to achieve. They will also learn about the client company&rsquo;s values, ethos, and culture, as these are vital in ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership with potential candidates.
Instead of casting a wide net to find as many qualified candidates as possible, executive search focuses on the best of the best. A typical recruiter might put forward 10 or 20 people for a role, whereas in executive search, they may well submit a single candidate, out of hundreds they&rsquo;ve spoken to or assessed.
&nbsp;
<h2>What are the benefits of executive search?</h2>
<h3>Focus</h3>
Unlike a typical recruitment strategy, executive search takes a high-focus approach to a very small number of roles.
After the research phase, the recruiter has a clear understanding of what the company needs and who they need to look for, making the selection process far more specific and granular.
By design, executive search requires proactive engagement, as most of the time the candidates are already employed and not actively looking for a job. As leaders in their fields, these candidates often need more than just an impressive salary in order to consider the role.
This is part of the strength of executive search, in that the recruiter understands what the candidate wants from a role, and the candidates are chosen for their specific experience, traits, and compatibility with the company.
&nbsp;
<h3>Better match between candidates and company culture</h3>
When it comes to executive search, recruiters have to be experts in the field they&rsquo;re recruiting for. They need to understand the landscape of the sector, what the company offers, where it aims to be in ten years, and how those goals align with those of the potential candidate.
This is how recruiters match the client brief and expectations to the right candidate. It isn&rsquo;t just about understanding the skills that make certain candidates excel, it&rsquo;s about understanding them on a personal level, and helping them make the right move for their long-term career.
Over time, the relationship between client and recruiter can prove invaluable when looking for high-profile talent, as the recruiters have developed an exceptional understanding of the brand&rsquo;s culture, values, and requirements, leading to higher levels of success when placing high-level team members.
&nbsp;
<h3>Guarantees on delivery</h3>
An executive search campaign provides value to businesses by giving them a map of the market, complete with profiles of industry-leading candidates, as well as benchmarking for particular skills, roles, and salaries.
This allows smarter decision making, and a more informed approach to where talent can be sourced. High-performance candidates often have a wealth of transferable skills, and the right fit for an organisation may not be immediately obvious.
But a good recruiter can see the potential for compatibility in different candidates, and thanks to their expertise can deliver on very specific and exact requirements for a role.
It can be easy for organisations to fall into the trap of recruiting similar people as the previous team member, but executive search firms often excel at finding people who will help the business to grow and evolve in new ways, understanding what the client needs, and who can deliver. This way, executive search can guarantee results, even for very difficult roles to hire for.
&nbsp;
<h3>Deeper candidate pool</h3>
An executive search firm will have extensive knowledge of board directors and senior executives across the industry, allowing them to tap into a considerable pool of top executive talent.
While the pool for executive search is naturally smaller than for more generalised recruitment projects, the pool for a given role can have surprising depth, with candidates weighing up every element of the job to see if it&rsquo;s really the right fit for them.
This is why the additional attention to detail and personality that is innately part of executive search is so important, as it allows for a deeper match between candidate and role. The process is often far longer and more detailed than typical recruitment for this reason, with the candidate being fully immersed in the finer details of the role and organisation before they make their decision about whether to pursue the opportunity.
It&rsquo;s this level of dedication that leads to successful candidate placement with long-term satisfaction on both sides.
&nbsp;
<h3>Higher quality of candidates</h3>
If a company is looking to grow and improve, and to do so at speed, executive search is often more valuable than a traditional widespread recruitment campaign. One great senior leader member can empower an entire team, improve processes, and bring in new business.
To enable this kind of rapid transformation, executive search only focuses on candidates who are experts in their fields, with clearly proven leadership and team-building skills, who can walk into a role and start producing value from day one. These candidates take on essential responsibilities that have a direct effect on the company&rsquo;s growth and success.
This is why executive search can often drive growth at higher levels than a more widespread recruitment campaign.
&nbsp;
Executive search is a way for businesses to transform how they work, and to improve their overall culture with just a few strategic hires. If you&rsquo;re interested in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/client-area/">learning more about executive search</a>, get in touch today.
Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-businesses-can-attract-engineering-talent-lower-turnover-and-create-opportunities-for-professional-development">how businesses can attract top engineering talent</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-boosting-self-esteem-in-the-workplace-can-help-productivity">how boosting self-esteem at work can help productivity</a>.

Benefits of Using Executive Search Over Traditional Recruitment

Every year, millions of people around the world choose to study engineering to pursue a career in the industry.
Engineering branches across many different fields and disciplines. Engineers build bridges, cars, buildings, artificial limbs, and wind turbines to name just a few. Whatever you&rsquo;re interested in, there&rsquo;s a career in engineering you can explore.
In this blog, we look at what makes the engineering industry so attractive, and what you can expect from a career in engineering.
&nbsp;
<h2>What makes the engineering industry so popular?</h2>
<h3>Employability</h3>
One of the strongest reasons to become an engineer is because of the high levels of employability in the field.
While it isn&rsquo;t easy to just walk into an engineering job, if you have the training and experience, you can be reasonably sure that you will be able to find a job at the right level for you, where you can develop skills while working on something of real value.
With every country in the world looking to develop and grow, there is a higher demand for engineers than ever before. This shortage of engineers drives up demand, which in turn drives up salaries, our next point on this list.
&nbsp;
<h3>High salary</h3>
One of the main factors you need to consider about any career is how much you can expect to make from it. Engineering is one of the most well-paid fields in the world, across all levels of the industry. Whether you&rsquo;re building cars, designing planes, or capturing data, you can expect a strong salary compared to other sectors.
In the UK, graduates can earn up to &pound;30,000 in entry-level jobs after training. The average salary for an engineer can range from &pound;35,000-&pound;50,000 depending on the specific field, and can climb over &pound;70,000 and higher at top level.
But money isn&rsquo;t everything. If you want to feel like your work has real value, engineering has that too.
&nbsp;
<h3>High levels of job satisfaction</h3>
Engineering is an industry where you get to know that your work objectively makes a difference. Engineers bring real solutions to real problems. Building things, making things work, making things better, faster, or more efficient, these are incredibly motivating and satisfying elements to any job, that allow engineers to feel proud at the end of the day.
Many engineers say that the job satisfaction is the best part of their job, and job satisfaction is one of the most important elements in any job you can have.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>You get to be creative</h3>
First and foremost, engineers are problem solvers, and problems often require creative solutions.
Engineering allows for creativity at almost every level. Whether you&rsquo;re designing something new, or making repairs, there are many different ways to approach any problem.
Part of engineering is improving on designs and systems that came before, so engineers often come up with innovative new solutions that can push the entire sector forward, all thanks to one moment of creativity.
&nbsp;
<h3>Teamwork and relationships</h3>
Working in engineering puts you in the middle of a team of experts. This means you get to work with and learn from people across many different fields, who might inspire you in ways you could never have imagined.
As we&rsquo;ve said, engineers are creative individuals, and if you&rsquo;re in a team, you&rsquo;ll meet people whose ways of thinking will help you see things in new and exciting ways.
Engineers often form life-long professional relationships and friendships with colleagues, helping them to find work or improve their skills across their careers.
&nbsp;
<h3>Worldwide opportunities</h3>
Another reason why engineering is so popular is because there is a global demand for it. Every country in the world has engineering projects, so you can move almost anywhere you want to.
Engineers frequently work all over the world across their careers, able to take a contract in Asia, then in Europe, then in South America. Some engineers end up relocating to a new country for the rest of their lives because they love the new culture so much.
Engineering combines analytical skill with creativity, allowing for precise knowledge, broad study, and constant improvement, learning from colleagues and mentors across different disciplines. A strong salary, and strong sense of purpose, help make engineering one of the most interesting, attractive, and rewarding careers in the world.
&nbsp;
Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-format-your-cv-in-the-engineering-industry">how to format your CV for the engineering industry</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-best-remote-engineering-roles">five of the best remote engineering roles</a>

Why You Should Join The Engineering Industry

Famous for its beaches, tropical climate, and friendly people, the Philippines is clearly a beautiful place to live, but is also a good place to work.
The local government is encouraging international investment, supporting businesses to set up or outsource work there, which likewise attracts many workers, leading to a strong economy for the region.
A country made of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines has a diverse population, a fascinating history, and much to offer anyone looking to develop their career while being able to enjoy a beautiful home.
<h2>Why you should work in the Philippines</h2>
<h3>Growing Economic Strength</h3>
The Philippines is an emerging economy, meaning growth is a focus for almost every industry. Businesses are scaling up, construction projects are being greenlit, and engineers are building the infrastructure to help support a stronger economy at a new scale compared to fifty years ago.
The country boasts a strong industrial sector, particularly in manufacturing of electronics and technology components. It is also rich in natural resources, with reserves of chromite, nickel, and copper that contribute to its strength as an electronics manufacturer. This in turn makes a good place for engineers looking to develop their skills.
International companies are beginning to outsource or open offices in the Philippines, as it can be seen as a gateway to Asia, and new markets and opportunities.
Many workers are looking to take advantage and work somewhere new, while still gaining valuable experience they could take anywhere in the world.
<h3>Government Support</h3>
The government of the Philippines is supporting foreign investment by encouraging expats from around the world to live and work there.
Over the coming years, the Philippines&rsquo; economy is forecast to grow by 4% or more annually.
<h3>International Workforce</h3>
Because of the growing economy, and the government support, there is a sizable amount of international workers in the Philippines. English is well-spoken, so you should be able to speak to many people.
By working in the Philippines, you could make new friends and grow your professional network around the world.
<h3>Work Culture</h3>
There is a strong work culture in the Philippines, with workers getting a sense of pride from their jobs. Workers often form close relationships with each other, with many long-term friendships formed from working together.
<h3>Additional Month&rsquo;s Pay</h3>
Lastly, one of the best things about working in the Philippines is that everyone is paid an extra month&rsquo;s salary every year.
<h2>What to Know About the Business Culture in the Philippines</h2>
<h3>Business is Personal</h3>
In the Philippines, business is focused on personal relationships, and trust plays a key role. A personal introduction through a friend or business associate can help you establish a strong relationship with whoever you&rsquo;re meeting.
<h3>Status is Important</h3>
Business in the Philippines is often orientated around status, and the use of formal titles is a crucial way of showing respect to partners and colleagues. There may be very rigid and formal hierarchies, even reflected in where people can sit in meetings.
<h3>Etiquette Tips for Working in the Philippines</h3>
If you&rsquo;re thinking of working in the Philippines, there are some general tips which may help you forge relationships and succeed.
Prolonged eye contact can be considered rude, so don&rsquo;t stare.
Politeness is important: speak with your colleagues before and after meetings, return waves and smiles, and don&rsquo;t interrupt anyone when they&rsquo;re speaking.
The Philippines has many opportunities for anyone looking to develop their skills, and also offers amazing locations, friendly colleagues, and a growing economy.
<h5>Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/top-tips-for-contract-accommodation-solutions">top tips for finding contract accommodation</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-ways-to-find-out-what-hiring-managers-are-looking-for">five ways to figure out what hiring managers are looking for</a>.</h5>

5 Reasons to Live and Work in the Philippines

There has been a skills gap in the construction industry for some time, with years of training and experience required to be considered fully qualified. It&rsquo;s difficult to recruit new starters due to fierce competition, but even more so when it comes to hiring experienced workers, as every construction company places such high value on them.
It&rsquo;s not surprising that many construction businesses are so focused on retaining talent, instead of spending years nurturing new employees.
In this blog, we look at how you can retain your experienced staff, helping you continue to grow in the long-term.
<h2>How to retain talent in the construction industry</h2>
<h3>Give your staff the tools they need to do a great job</h3>
When it comes to construction, you need to work with quality tools. Your team needs to feel confident that what they&rsquo;re using will be able to build something high-quality, otherwise this will impact every area of the project.
The best tools can help achieve better results, work faster, or provide peace of mind for workers on a busy site.
It can be expensive, but upgrading tools and keeping them up to date can make a big difference to your overall turnover.
<h3>Invest in technology</h3>
But it&rsquo;s more than just the construction tools. Design software, communication devices, and organisational tools can all help your team be more efficient with their work.
If your team struggles with slow or outdated software, or multiple platforms that won&rsquo;t work together seamlessly, it&rsquo;s a pain point that other companies can and have solved, and could be a reason that causes your employees to start looking for another job.
If you invest in technology, it shows your team that you&rsquo;re serious about helping them do the best job possible.Taking the time to bring in experts to train them with new tech similarly sends the message that you&rsquo;re on their side, and that you want them to succeed.
<h3>Provide opportunities for learning and development</h3>
Investing in employee development is a key strategy for retaining top talent. Offering opportunities for training and growth can show employees that you value their skills and support their career development.
You can do this through training programs, workshops, and sponsoring certifications. Employees are more likely to remain engaged and loyal when they see growth opportunities within their organisation, especially when that organisation has already enabled and supported their development.
Establishing mentorship and leadership programs can foster a sense of belonging and growth within the company, helping younger or less experienced employees learn faster than they would by themselves.
This has the added benefit of improving the overall culture, bringing teams closer together and helping different members feel like they can rely on each other.
<h3>Celebrate employee achievements</h3>
No matter what industry you work in, everyone wants a little recognition for their achievements in the workplace. Celebrating successes in the workplace can improve how your team feels about their work, and knowing that it&rsquo;s seen and appreciated might make all the difference when it comes to retention.
When it comes to recognising employee achievements, it&rsquo;s important to have a system in place. One of the simplest ways you can do this is by mentioning successes in company meetings, or in company-wide emails.
Keeping employees engaged and confident can really help retain your top talent. By investing in your team, providing opportunities for professional development, encouraging collaboration across the business, and recognising individual contributions and successes, you can create a positive work environment that retains staff, helping you stay well-equipped to succeed.
<h5>Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-hire-the-best-civil-engineering-talent-in-a-skills-shortage">how to hire the best civil engineering talent</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-ways-construction-can-meet-net-zero">five ways construction can meet net-zero</a>.</h5>

Retaining Talent in the Construction Industry

As an engineer, you&rsquo;ll likely take on contract work at some point in your career. Contract work allows more freedom and flexibility than permanent attachment to long-term projects, but it can sometimes be difficult to find accommodation while on a contract, especially at short notice.
But luckily, there are a few solutions to find somewhere to stay while you are working as a contract engineer.
<h2>When to book contract accommodation</h2>
The best time to book contractor accommodation is as soon as you receive confirmation of your contract.
This way, you massively increase your chances that you will have somewhere comfortable to stay during your contract. It also reduces the level of stress you&rsquo;ll deal with, as it gives you plenty of time to research your options and find a good deal on somewhere to stay.
<h2>How to find temporary accommodation for contract work</h2>
<h3>Use contract accommodation agencies</h3>
There are many agencies that specialize in providing accommodation during short-term contracts, some of which operate across multiple cities and countries. They may provide additional services such as transportation or catering.
Some firms outsource handling of contractor accommodation to these accommodation agencies, so for certain contracts you won&rsquo;t need to worry, but remember not to take anything for granted when it comes to where you&rsquo;ll be staying.
Some employers may even cover the cost of your accommodation, but this will depend on your employer. It&rsquo;s best to check with them before you book or make any arrangements.
But if you don&rsquo;t want to use an agency, there are other ways you can find accommodation for contract work.
<h3>Serviced apartments or apart-hotels</h3>
Serviced apartments or apart-hotels can be a convenient way to stay near a project without having to take a short-let on a house or apartment.
Serviced apartments and apart-hotels offer the flexibility of an apartment, with the added benefits of hotel services like cleaning, laundry facilities, and a reception desk. You can find serviced apartments in most cities, and you can book them for a short or long-term contract.
<h3>Rent in a shared house</h3>
For many people, when it comes to where they live, even if it&rsquo;s only for a short time, they want a house or apartment. If you want the stability and familiarity of a place that&rsquo;s yours for the length of your contract, you may want to consider taking a room in a shared house.
There are websites that offer listings of available rooms in shared houses in cities around the world, and you can filter your search by location, budget, and amount of rooms.
<h3>Check social groups</h3>
There are social groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media sites dedicated to every kind of career, and the issues that come with it.
Joining groups about contract work can help you find a place to stay, or introduce you to someone who might be able to help.
<h3>Ensure you have all legal documentation necessary</h3>
If you&rsquo;re looking for accommodation in another country, it&rsquo;s important to have all your legal requirements prepared and finalised before looking for accommodation. Having your passport, visa, and other documentation ready to hand will make finding accommodation much easier.
The company you&rsquo;re working with may be able to help here, and it&rsquo;s always best to double check exactly what you&rsquo;re permitted as per your visa, and your contract.
<h2>How to get a good deal when booking accommodation for contract work</h2>
<h3>Book direct</h3>
When looking for somewhere to stay for contract work, you&rsquo;ll find many aggregate websites that check every hotel or apartment for you, offer a range of discounts and deals. These may seem like the best option, but some websites will charge you more based on your browsing history.
Furthermore, these websites often make their profits from increasing the base price of the accommodation and claiming the difference.
If you find a provider you like the look of, you might get a better price if you go direct to them, as they aren&rsquo;t paying a website to advertise for them.
<h3>Don&rsquo;t forget loyalty schemes</h3>
Many companies offer loyalty schemes, so if you often take contract work and require accommodation, it may save you money in the long-term if you find one provider you like, and use them each time you need somewhere to stay. Even if the savings seem small at first, over the course of your career they&rsquo;ll add up, and you may receive additional perks and discounts thanks to being a loyal customer.
Finding suitable accommodation as a contract working can take some research and planning. But there are ways you can ensure finding something that suits your needs, tastes, and budget, while letting you live close to where you&rsquo;ll be working.
<h5>Check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/candidate-area/">candidate page</a>&nbsp;for more help finding accommodation, booking travel, and finding templates for timesheets.</h5>
<h5>Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-cv-keywords-for-engineering-candidates-in-2023">5 engineering keywords that can help your CV stand out</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-reasons-to-live-and-work-in-cyprus">why you should work in Cyprus</a>.</h5>

Why SailGP is on the Rise

AI has been one of the major frontiers of technology for the last 20 years. AI could revolutionise the ways we live and work, giving us more free time to spend with family, or learning new skills.
AI can be trained to do almost anything, as long as there is the data to train it and the connection or interface that allows the system to do what it&rsquo;s designed to do. This can apply to anything from driving cars to writing movies, with many businesses looking to save money by simply replacing massive amounts of their human workforce with AI algorithms, regardless of the quality of the scripts they churn out, or the amount of people they almost, or indeed do, hit with cars.
Of course, AI can be used to whatever ends it is programmed and trained to do, meaning it could destablise economies, impersonate politicians, and conduct disinformation campaigns.
When facing threats of this sophistication, ironically the only thing that can defend against malicious AI is AI designed to counter it.
There are many valid, and probably highly accurate, concerns that AI will lead to massive job losses around the world, with businesses not wanting to pay a human to do work that a computer could do for free.
When it comes to security and defence however, this replacement of the human factor could lead to many lives being saved. During combat, AI can make faster decisions, analyze new information at speed, and make predictions about how battles may play out. Humans simply cannot work to the same speed, and any loss of time can lead to loss of life.
Military tactics, countermeasures, and technologies are constantly changing and developing. AI needs to be utilised to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.
There are many ways that we will likely see AI applied to defence over the coming years, below are just some of the ways we expect AI to change the defence and security industries.
<h2>How AI will change the defence industry</h2>
<h3>Scenario Analysis</h3>
One of the most obvious ways that AI can help security is by analyzing scenarios for security weaknesses. Every entry point, every potential hiding place, these can be analysed by AI, running simulations to assess the likelihood of a problem in a certain area.
In any security situation, humans might overlook certain things, underestimate the likelihood of certain outcomes, or focus on something that might actually be a distraction. An AI can be trained on previous situations, factoring in variations, and create the most likely scenarios.
<h3>Training</h3>
AI can also speed up the time it takes to train security personnel. Of course, security and defence training is often extensive, given the nature of the work and the importance that it be carried out correctly. But AI can help create personalised training programmes for new recruits, and help experienced team members upskill as new methods, techniques, and technologies are created.
New training can be updated in real-time, when new tactics are developed to counter the enemy, they can be immediately sent out to all active field members.
<h3>Cybersecurity</h3>
Perhaps the biggest area where AI will transform security is cybersecurity. Humans can&rsquo;t think as fast as a computer, and can&rsquo;t react fast enough when a cyber attack is underway.
When a security team or defence force is hit by a cyber attack, it can be disastrous, leaving them vulnerable in the field, or having crucial data stolen from their servers which could put other lives at risk. It is vital to have the strongest defences possible against cyber warfare.
An AI can learn and adapt in real-time to emerging threats, and will handle each successive cyber attack better than the previous one, thanks to its ability to learn from past experience.
AI is going to change the world in a lot of ways, not all of it necessarily for the better. But when it comes to security and defence, given how much of the industry already relies on computers, having smarter, faster, more adaptable computers can help keep us safe from growing threats.
<h5>Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-ai-is-reshaping-the-defence-industry">how AI is changing defence</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-skills-you-need-to-start-a-career-in-cyber-security">5 skills you need to begin a career in cyber security</a>.</h5>

How AI is Transforming the Security & Defence Industry

F1 is a sport of extremes: incredible speed, larger than life characters, and cutting-edge cars. In almost every race there are amazing moments that encapsulate why so many people love the sport, dramatic battles for the podium, epic rivalries, or even explosive emotional outbursts from drivers.
With so much excitement packed into every race, and over seven decades of the sport to choose from, it&rsquo;s difficult to pick just five of the biggest and best moments from Formula One&rsquo;s history, but we&rsquo;ve tried our best to pick moments that capture the drama, spectacle, and spirit of the sport.
<h2>Top F1 moments of all time</h2>
<h3>Lewis Hamilton winning the 2008 British Grand Prix</h3>
Lewis Hamilton has an amazing record for championship wins, with seven World Drivers Championships to his name.
But Hamilton won his first British Grand Prix all the way back in 2008, and has been a household name in the sport ever since.
He had said there were only two races he truly wanted to win during his career: the British Grand Prix and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Hamilton managed to achieve both of these impressive wins in only his second year as a professional Formula One racer.
At the British Grand Prix, after 60 laps, Hamilton crossed the finish line 14 seconds ahead of the racer in second place, Rubens Barrichello, and over a minute ahead of Nick Heidfeld, who came in third.
He credited the win to the wet weather. While other drivers weren&rsquo;t used to such conditions, after the race Hamilton said:&nbsp;&ldquo;Racing here as a kid it was always wet, so it was a real good area for me to show my strengths. I loved that race, it was so much fun.&rdquo;
Hamilton&rsquo;s incredible racing and determination led him to take the Grand Prix, as well as being named the F1 Drivers Champion at the end of the 2008 season.
<h3>Ending of the 1971 Italian Grand Prix</h3>
The 1971 Italian Grand Prix saw the closest-ever finish in F1: British driver Peter Gethin beating Ronnie Peterson across the finishing line by just 0.01 seconds. The top five racers &ndash; Gethin, Peterson, Francois Cevert, Mike Hailwood, and Howden Ganley &ndash; were all across the finish line within 0.61 seconds.
Having started the last lap in fourth place, Gethin decided to push his engine to the limit, and beyond, later saying:&nbsp;&ldquo;The rev limit was 10,500 rpm, but I took it to 11,500 before snatching top gear, figuring that the bugger would probably blow apart &ndash; but if it didn&rsquo;t I&rsquo;d win!"
His average speed of 150.754mph around a lap remains one of the fastest in F1 history. This was Gethin&rsquo;s only win, but what a stunning victory it was.
<h3>Nigel Mansell&rsquo;s 1992 Grand Prix Championship win at Silverstone</h3>
Nigel Mansell had a legendarily successful season in 1992. At the ninth round of the 1992 F1 British Grand Prix, Nigel Mansell won the 59-lap race for team Williams-Renault, leading every lap from start to finish.
Thousands of fans came in to watch the race, and the crowd rushed the tracks and flooded onto the circuit to celebrate with Mansell when the race was over.
<h3>The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix</h3>
The chaos-filled 2011 Canadian Grand Prix is a sure contender for one of the best F1 moments, being the longest F1 race on record at four hours, four minutes, and 39 seconds.
Jenson Button was in last place, having had six pitstops, and a collision with his teammate Lewis Hamilton, and still had 30 laps to go. In wet weather, with a huge gap between him and first place, no one would have believed he could go on to win.
When the rain stopped, and the track began to dry, Button began rapidly gaining positions. Within ten laps of the race restarting, Jenson Button had already made his way to tenth place.
There were other collisions and crashes which allowed Button to move into the lead with half a lap to the finish line. In a 70-lap race, Button ended up leading by just half a lap, having clawed his way to victory from the very bottom of the pack.
<h3>Lauda surviving his crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix</h3>
Following a horrific accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix, Lauda was trapped in his burning car. He would not have survived if it hadn&rsquo;t been for the bravery of fellow drivers Arturo Merzario, Guy Edwards, Harald Ertl, and Brett Lunger, who was also involved in the crash. They pulled him from the wreckage, but he was badly burned and had inhaled a lot of smoke.
He fell into a coma and was not expected to survive. According to Lauda, he heard a priest reading him the last rites, and this gave him the strength to keep fighting for life.
Astonishingly, just six weeks later, he was back in his Ferrari.
For every moment we listed here, fans could think of ten other fantastic moments in Formula One, which is part of why the sport is watched by people all over the world.
<h5>Read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-best-f1-circuits-of-all-time">best F1 circuits of all time</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-f1-academy-and-why-diversity-in-motorsport-is-important">F1 academy and why diversity in motorsport is important</a>.</h5>

5 of the Most Unforgettable F1 Moments of all Time

While every industry suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic, aviation was one of the worst hit, and took a long time to recover.
It wasn&rsquo;t just airlines that struggled: airports, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and supply chain businesses worldwide felt the dramatic impact of the pandemic.
The industry is, by its very nature, global, meaning it was one of the main vectors that allowed Covid to spread around the world. Many countries shut down their airports immediately, while others allowed flights to operate at a fraction of what they usually would. By mid-April of 2020, international air traffic in Europe was down by 95% from what it was the previous year. In 2020, industry revenues totaled $328 billion, just 40% of what was made in 2019.
This was necessary to combat the spread of the virus, but brutally damaged the aviation industry. There are many lessons the industry can learn from how the pandemic unfolded which should be a priority to act on, as they can help the industry become more resilient to sudden disruption of any kind in the future.
<h2>Lessons the aviation industry should learn from the pandemic</h2>
<h3>Flexibility is vital</h3>
Every business and industry had to suddenly pivot to new models of working almost immediately when lockdown began. For many, this meant changing to a 100% digital offering, regardless of whether this suited their business.
The aviation industry had to invent creative new ways of providing value for customers, while also abiding by new rules, regulations, and laws.
<h3>Communication and collaboration between airlines and governments</h3>
Due to government loans or bailouts, it&rsquo;s likely that airlines will have more interaction with governments. While this may bring additional scrutiny, it is also an opportunity for industry leaders to develop better relationships with governments.
As an example of this, the ICAO introduced the Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART), which provides guidance to both governments and industry operators to support the aviation industry and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
<h3>Build stronger supply chains</h3>
There was widespread disruption across supply chains of virtually every kind during the pandemic. Aviation was no different, and this issue could pose a problem again if not addressed.
The industry as a whole needs to be able to source materials and parts quickly and easily, and we&rsquo;ve seen what happens when this can&rsquo;t happen. Industry leaders must not rely on a single supplier, and build a wide and robust network that can allow them to source whatever they need.
<h3>Sustainable fuel should be a priority</h3>
There has been disruption in the availability of oil and fuel for some time, but the pandemic put more pressure on supply, making it difficult to get regular, dependable fuel.
If the aviation industry were able to fully transition to sustainable fuel, it would provide far more security, with fuel readily available and easy to source and supply wherever it is needed.
<h3>Digital experiences are more important than ever</h3>
Lastly, the pandemic brought into focus just how vital digital experiences are for aviation customers.
Creating leading digital experiences and apps isn&rsquo;t cheap, so airlines need to accept a certain level of investment. Before the pandemic, the average annual airline spend on IT and digital technology was low, certainly compared to the cost of maintaining the fleet.
But now, it&rsquo;s absolutely necessary for every airline to have a digital offering, and to have staff able to use digital tools to provide a seamless experience for customers. Check-in and boarding should be simple, and able to do from your phone. Certain airlines are leading the way for this, with dedicated apps that allow customers to earn points, manage their bookings, and have more control over their travel experience.
Analytics are similarly important, allowing for enhanced, intelligent decision making. As more airports make the transition to becoming smart buildings, they&rsquo;ll be able to better understand the needs of their customers.
If the aviation industry at large learns the lessons from navigating the challenges of the pandemic, it will be stronger, more resilient, and in a better position to meet the changing needs of customers, allowing the industry to thrive, even in uncertain times.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/airport-challenges-2022-23">challenges airports faced over the last year</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-covid-changed-the-job-market">how Covid changed the job market</a>.

Lessons the Aviation Industry Learned From the Covid-19 Pandemic

There are many factors that go into getting a new job: your training, your work experience, and how you handle interview questions all play a part. But maybe the most important aspect of any job hunt is your CV.
Get it right, and you might get your dream job. Get it wrong, and you won&rsquo;t even be considered.
There are some rules that apply to all CV&rsquo;s, no matter what industry you work in. But there are also some engineering-specific elements that can make a big difference in whether or not you&rsquo;ll make it to the next stage of the process.
We&rsquo;re going to look at the CV do&rsquo;s and don&rsquo;ts that can help you get an engineering job.
<h2>The Do&rsquo;s</h2>
<h3>Do tailor your CV to the position and company you&rsquo;re applying for</h3>
Possibly the most important thing to ensure you do with your CV is to tailor it for the specific job you&rsquo;re applying for. &nbsp;
If the job mentions a tool, piece of software, or technique that you&rsquo;ve used, you need to make sure those elements are at the top of your CV, broadcasting to the hiring manager that you are qualified.
If the company mentions they want someone who aligns with their values, try to show that in the projects or experience you mention.
For every bullet point on the job specification, try to show a time where you utilised the skills they&rsquo;re looking for, for both hard and soft skills.
<h3>Do include specific examples of work</h3>
When listing your work experience, be specific. List projects you worked on, tools you used, and how your work helped the business or project succeed.&nbsp;
If you have statistics, even better. This allows you to drill down into the specifics of what you did, and how it made an impact. In turn, this gives the person interviewing you something to talk about, allowing for a conversation, instead of just questions and answers.
We&rsquo;ve put together a list of the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-cv-keywords-for-engineering-candidates-in-2023">best keywords that you can put on your engineering CV</a>.
<h3>Do include your skills and technical qualifications</h3>
Your CV needs to communicate what you can do. A bullet point list of software you&rsquo;re trained in, tools you can use, and other skills you&rsquo;ve built over the years helps show exactly what you&rsquo;re capable of, in a way that&rsquo;s quick and easy to read.&nbsp;
You don&rsquo;t need a paragraph to explain you&rsquo;ve used a type of software, you can just list it for the hiring manager to see.
<h3>Do include your hobbies</h3>
You might feel like including your hobbies undercuts the seriousness of your application, or takes up valuable space that could be spent listing your achievements.
But listing what you do outside of work helps humanise you and your application, and can help you stand out in the minds of recruiters or hiring managers. You don&rsquo;t need to go overboard, just one or two sentences can make all the difference. &nbsp;
<h3>Do check it before you send it</h3>
This goes without saying, but always check your CV before you send it off. If you&rsquo;ve been editing it for hours, you might be sick of looking at it, but it&rsquo;s always worth taking five extra minutes and checking for any typos or spelling errors, because if your CV isn&rsquo;t perfect, you may well be out of the process immediately.&nbsp;
<h2>The Don&rsquo;ts&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Don&rsquo;t make your CV too long</h3>
Your CV should be three pages long at absolute maximum. Two is best.
You might have years of experience, and great company names in your work history, but the person reading your CV doesn&rsquo;t have time to read pages and pages for everyone who has applied. They need a shortlist of people who they know are capable. So your job is to make them understand that you are capable, as fast as possible.
<h3>Don&rsquo;t include irrelevant information</h3>
When applying for a job you really want, you might be tempted to include every bit of experience you can think of. But all this does is make your CV too long, and annoy the person reading your CV.
&nbsp;Stay focused on what&rsquo;s most important, and what is specifically asked for in the job outline.
<h3>Don&rsquo;t lie</h3>
It can be tempting to embellish the truth to make yourself stand out. This might help you land an interview, but you&rsquo;ll fall apart when pushed for specific details, or when they check with your old employer.
Lying in an interview is the worst possible impression you can give. Ultimately, it won&rsquo;t help you get the job, and it can even harm future career prospects if word gets around the industry.
Writing your CV doesn&rsquo;t have to be scary. If you follow these tips, and avoid these common CV mistakes, you&rsquo;ll be getting interviews in no time.
Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-explain-a-gap-in-your-cv">how to explain a gap in your CV</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-best-remote-engineering-roles">5 great engineering jobs you can do remotely</a>.

How to Format Your CV in the Engineering Industry

The construction industry is one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocontractor.com/blog/how-does-construction-impact-the-environment/">biggest polluters on the planet</a>, contributing to 23% of air pollution, 40% of drinking water pollution and 50% of landfill waste around the globe. The United Nations Environment Program states that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-10/temperatures-rise-in-europe-as-another-heat-wave-blankets-region">global construction industry produces 39% of gross carbon emissions yearly</a>. This includes emissions from the production of construction materials, the energy consumed during construction, and the energy used by the buildings themselves over their lifetime, so it&rsquo;s clear the problem exists across the entire construction process.
If the industry is going to reach net-zero, it will need to make drastic changes.
<h2>What does reaching net-zero mean?</h2>
Net-zero is the target of balancing the production of greenhouse gasses throughout a construction project, by finding ways to reduce emissions and absorb any created, leaving the overall environmental impact at zero.
Finding this balance in the construction industry is difficult, given the use of tools and machinery, as well as the production of building and site materials.
Any route for the industry to transition to net-zero emissions will require radical thinking, beginning with accurate measurements of all carbon sources in order to understand the scale of the issue, and where best to make reductions.
&nbsp;Technology will play a vital role in this, first by helping industry leaders to understand what needs to be done, and then by powering the transition to a cleaner construction sector.
<h2>How the construction industry can lower emissions</h2>
<h3>Emissions and carbon footprint tracking</h3>
The industry can&rsquo;t improve emissions if they aren&rsquo;t being measured and logged. Some companies are already working on tracking systems that can track emissions and overall carbon levels across the lifecycle of a build.&nbsp;
This would allow businesses to track every piece of material, eliminating job site waste while ensuring reliable data on the final product and its carbon impact. Smart buildings have been paving the way for this for some time, and integrating systems like this into every aspect of the project would allow construction companies to track and control their carbon budgets with precision, helping each subsequent project to have less of a destructive impact on the planet. &nbsp;
If this data were published, it would also help to encourage other businesses to do the same, showing off their green credentials to investors and workers.
<h3>Low-carbon building materials</h3>
&nbsp;More regulations on ensuring low-carbon materials are used during construction would make a huge impact on the industry&rsquo;s pollution levels. These could take the form of mandatory requirements and incentives around carbon budgets, limiting the total amount of carbon emitted during the entire lifetime of a building. This would encourage construction companies to use low-carbon materials in their projects.
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/feb/25/concrete-the-most-destructive-material-on-earth">Concrete alone is responsible for nearly 10% of the world&rsquo;s carbon emissions</a>, but there are many other materials we could be using that have far less impact on the environment, such as recycled plastics, and bamboo instead of traditional lumber.
<h3>Use green energy in construction and tools</h3>
Given the widespread uptake of renewable energy, there is now more choice in how projects are powered. Solar power can be easily integrated into projects, powering generators to save on fossil fuels, and is commonly used for lighting towers and other elements of the construction site.
&nbsp;Tools can be powered with rechargeable batteries, and should be recycled or responsibly disposed of at the end of their lifecycle. Even small changes like these would have a positive impact.
<h3>Modular construction</h3>
Modular structures are built like components in a factory, then put together and assembled on-site, allowing for far greater control over the emissions released during construction.
This allows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.building.co.uk/news/modular-construction-emits-45-less-carbon-than-traditional-methods-report-finds/5117779.article">modular construction to emit up to 45% less carbon than traditional construction methods</a>.
<h3>Project management technology</h3>
&nbsp;Lastly, with greater understanding and control over the build from start to finish, construction companies can expect their carbon emissions to be reduced thanks to better oversight.
&nbsp;Project management software is making great strides in efficiency in every industry, across every type of project. It can play a similar role in construction, allowing industry leaders to start reducing their emissions at the very start of the project.
&nbsp;The construction industry is making progress on reducing its carbon impact. Whether the industry will be able to reach net-zero in time will depend on how it adopts new technology, but also on whether industry leaders are willing to step up and lead by example. As more and more companies begin to work towards reaching net-zero, we will hopefully see a shift across the entire industry for the better.
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/new-technologies-in-civil-engineering-and-infrastructure">new technologies in civil engineering and infrastructure</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-impact-of-the-energy-crisis-on-fossil-fuels">impact of the energy crisis on fossil fuels</a>.

5 Ways Construction Can Meet Net-Zero

<h1>What is Air Force One?</h1>
Air Force One is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/air-force-one/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the modified plane</a>&nbsp;flown in by the President of the United States of America. It has been featured in countless films and TV shows and is intrinsically linked to the concept of governmental power and absolute safety for the US President. Weighing 800,000 pounds, the plane is stocked with everything you would expect the president might need, as well as several high-tech surprises you wouldn&rsquo;t find on a normal commercial aircraft.
<h2>What Makes Air Force One Special?</h2>
<h3>1. Unique Status</h3>
Considered by many to be a kind of flying fortress, the title of Air Force One is actually given to any air force-piloted plane that is carrying the president. The current model designated Air Force One is a modified Boeing VC-25A. The name &lsquo;Air Force One&rsquo; was established after an incident in 1953, when an Eastern Airlines flight with the same designation crossed paths with the president's plane, then called Air Force 8610, although the Air Force One name was not made official until 1962. In service since 1990, the current Air Force One model has carried five different presidents.
<h3>2.&nbsp;Luxury Rooms and Facilities</h3>
The "flying Oval Office" has 4,000 square feet of interior floor space. Among its accommodations are:
<ul>
<li>Conference/dining room</li>
<li>Quarters for the US President and the First Lady, including a bathroom and gym</li>
<li>An office area for senior staff members</li>
<li>Another office that converts into a medical facility when necessary</li>
<li>Work and rest areas for the presidential staff, media representatives and Air Force crews</li>
<li>Two galleys that can provide 100 meals at one sitting</li>
<li>Multi-frequency radios for air-to-air, air-to-ground and satellite communications</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Unrivalled Travelling Ability</h3>
With a full tank of 53,611 gallons of fuel, Air Force One can fly halfway around the world. The state-of-the-art communications are set up to ensure connectivity at all times, for the passing of information and intelligence. The plane is fitted with 238 miles of wiring to power 85 telephones, 19 televisions and countless radios. It costs around $56,000 an hour to operate.
<h3>4. Tailored Protection for the US President</h3>
The medical facility has an operating table and is equipped for a wide variety of emergencies. A supply of the sitting president&rsquo;s blood type is kept on the plane at all times. Beyond that, it also has a suite of technological and aerial combat capabilities, including anti-missile defences.
<h3>5. Cutting Edge Technology</h3>
A new model is slated to be the next Air Force One: the Boeing 747-8. Although it won&rsquo;t be ready for some time, it is being fitted with advanced shielding to protect it from an electro-magnetic pulse that would accompany a nuclear strike. This, as well as other upgrades, are set to cost around $3.7 billion. Recent new refrigerators for the current plane cost $24 million and are now able to hold 3,000 meals.
<h3>6. Flight Speed and Ability</h3>
Every flight is considered a military operation, with the possibility that attack could come at any moment. Jammers and anti-missile defences give the plane enhanced security. The plane can refuel in mid-air, allowing it to stay airborne in the event of an emergency.
It can also fly faster and higher than any commercial plane. The plane can reach heights of 45,000 feet, whereas commercial planes usually travel at 30,000. During 9/11, when the government weren&rsquo;t sure if an attack on the president was imminent, the plane climbed to 45,000 feet and stayed there for some time to avoid detection. It can reach speeds of 600 mph, almost the speed of sound. On that same flight, F1 fighter pilots accompanying the plane had to ask the pilot to slow down, as they couldn&rsquo;t keep up with it.
Air Force One is one of the most advanced, highly specialised planes in the world. As technology improves, it is likely more and more upgrades will be fitted to the plane, keeping it at the cutting-edge.
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-working-as-a-helicopter-engineer-could-be-the-perfect-aviation-career-for-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener">why working as a helicopter engineer could be the perfect role for you</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-secrets-to-finding-top-engineering-candidates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our secrets behind finding the top engineering candidates</a>

What Makes Air Force One Special?

The marine industry is one of the worst polluters in the world, making up around 3% of all carbon emissions yearly, equivalent to the total level of emissions from entire countries like Germany or Japan.
This is due to the shipping industry mostly running on fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. The industry currently uses around 300 million tonnes of fossil fuels a year. If nothing is done, this is due to get worse, as shipping levels are predicted to vastly increase by 2050. If the industry doesn&rsquo;t address its pollution problem, it will hasten climate change on a dramatic scale.
Luckily, there are alternative, cleaner fuels the industry is looking at to lower its carbon footprint. One such alternative is biofuel, which is abundant, easy to store, transport, and use, and doesn&rsquo;t pollute as much as fossil fuels. While not as clean as truly green energy like solar power, biofuels can work as a good stopgap solution while the industry shifts away from traditional fuels like oil and gas.
Liquid biofuel demand is predicted to grow to 3.4 million boepd (barrel of oil equivalent per day) in 2030, and 5.3 million boepd by 2050, so it&rsquo;s clear biofuels have a big future in the marine industry.
<h2>What are biofuels</h2>
Biofuels are a sustainable fuel source produced from renewable biomass: things like vegetable oils, animal waste, crop residues, and food waste.
&nbsp;When used in the marine industry, biofuel is typically in a liquid form, but it can be gaseous as well.
The three most common biofuels are:
HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), also known as renewable diesel
&nbsp;FAME (fatty acid methyl ester), also known as biodiesel
&nbsp;Bioethanol
&nbsp;The three fuels that are most used in shipping are HVO, FAME, and bioLNG, which is liquefied biomethane produced from biomass.
<h3>&nbsp;Hydrotreated vegetable oil</h3>
&nbsp;HVO is made by taking vegetable oils and fats and removing the oxygen from them in a chemical reaction, using hydrogen to produce renewable diesel. HVO is available in its pure form or as a blend.
<h3>Fatty Acid Methyl Ester</h3>
&nbsp;FAME is the most commonly used biofuel quality in shipping and, like HVO, can be derived from various vegetable oils, used cooking oil, or animal fats. It is made using a process called transesterification, which converts the fatty acids to biodiesel in a reaction with methanol. FAME is available as a pure product or as a blend.
<h3>BioLNG</h3>
&nbsp;BioLNG is produced by liquefying biomethane made from biogas, which can be produced from animal waste, crop residues, and food waste.
<h2>Why biofuels will make a difference in the shipping industry</h2>
<h3>They can reduce carbon emissions</h3>
One of the main reasons why biofuels are going to be introduced in shipping is because they will reduce the industry&rsquo;s overall emission levels. This is important as in 2018, the International Maritime Organisation launched its Greenhouse Gas strategy. The strategy recommended that the shipping industry must reduce its total annual emissions by at least 50% of 2008 levels by 2050, with an emphasis towards zero emissions.
Biofuel blends can reduce carbon emissions by anywhere from 5-25%, so can help to reduce pollution while cleaner fuel methods are developed and improved.
<h3>Price of fuel</h3>
While biofuel can be expensive today, the price is lowering as production becomes easier, and more widespread.
Conversely, fossil fuels can only get more expensive as the supply dwindles. Eventually, it will cease to make economic sense to run a fleet on fossil fuels, as biofuels will be cheaper and easier to acquire. &nbsp;
Biofuels provide a simple, flexible solution to the shipping industry&rsquo;s pollution problem while more long-term methods are researched.
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/marine-sustainability-trends">marine sustainability</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-the-gas-shortage-is-predicted-to-impact-the-marine-industry">how the gas shortage will impact the marine industry</a>.

The Future Of Biofuels In The Marine Industry

There are many different sectors for new engineers to consider starting their career in, or for established engineers to change to should they wish. Offshore wind is one that has been steadily growing for some time, and may soon be one of the most attractive and competitive sectors in energy.
The UK is one of the world&rsquo;s largest offshore wind markets, with more than 8 GW of turbines operational and plans for 30 GW of capacity to be installed by 2030.
While offshore wind makes up around a third of the UK&rsquo;s total wind power capacity, it accounts for more than half of the wind industry jobs in the country, so it&rsquo;s clear that many renewable energy engineering jobs will be in offshore wind.
These roles vary from shipping and foundations specialists, to constructing some of the world&rsquo;s largest turbine blades, so there are roles for every skill and discipline within engineering.
If you&rsquo;re just starting out in your engineering career, or thinking about changing the industry you work in, offshore wind is well worth considering.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Why you Should Work in Offshore Wind Development?</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3>Renewable Energy is on the Rise</h3>
One of the simplest reasons to work in offshore wind is that renewable energy is becoming more widespread, meaning there will be a greater demand for engineers in the sector, as well as greater job security and choice of location.
The scale of energy generation required with offshore wind demands substantial investment from stakeholders in the local supply chain and supporting infrastructure to create, store, and transport the energy, so many jobs are created in the local community, as workers will be needed with the skills to build and maintain the wind farms.
The size of offshore wind projects means their installation and maintenance inevitably has a positive impact on local communities and jobs, with engineers in constant demand.
&nbsp;
<h3>Long-term job security</h3>
Offshore wind turbines have a lifespan of around 25 years, requiring frequent maintenance and repairs, so your attachment to a project may last a much longer time than on others.
The long-term security is attractive to many engineers, as sometimes small contracts may last a few months or perhaps only weeks, whereas projects that span many years, while sometimes hard to find, offer far more security, as well as looking impressive on a CV. Offshore wind provides a dependable and consistent supply of work, something that engineers who work in the sector often rate as one of the best parts of the job.
&nbsp;
<h3>The Option to Work Around the World</h3>
There are an increasing number of wind farms under construction around the world. One of the world&rsquo;s largest offshore wind farms, Hornsea One, is based in the UK, 75 miles off the coast of Yorkshire.
There are also offshore farms based in the Netherlands, Germany, China and other countries around the world.
With new offshore wind farms being approved each year, there&rsquo;s always new options for where you could work.
&nbsp;
<h3>Salary and Benefits</h3>
Competitive rates of pay are part of what makes offshore wind so appealing, not to mention the fact that many workers pay nothing for food or accommodation when they&rsquo;re living offshore while working on the project.
Offshore wind engineers can also enjoy longer periods off work in between shifts. Shift patterns typically operate on a set number of days on site, then a similar number off, so it isn&rsquo;t uncommon for engineers to work two weeks, then have two weeks off.
&nbsp;
<h3>Renewable Energy is Good for Planet</h3>
Lastly, it&rsquo;s important to recognise the positive impact that working in the renewable sector can have on your mental health. People who work in industries that have a high impact on the world for the better often cite it as the most important part of their job, as it gives them a sense of pride and satisfaction that other jobs, even if they paid more, simply couldn&rsquo;t match.
While engineering can sometimes be a stressful job, at the end of a long day you&rsquo;ll know that you&rsquo;re helping to make a difference, making the world a better place, and generating more energy, and energy security, for people who really need it.
As one of the more established forms of renewable energy, offshore wind can provide a competitive salary, long-term job security, and a sense of pride that few engineering sectors can compete with. If you&rsquo;re thinking about starting a career in renewable energy, offshore wind might be the right choice for you.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-best-engineering-jobs-for-the-future">the best engineering jobs for the future</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-cv-keywords-for-engineering-candidates-in-2023">engineering keywords you need on your CV</a>.

5 Reasons To Consider A Career In Offshore Wind Development

The Engineer has released its yearly survey into the salaries and job prospects of engineers across the UK, and it has revealed fascinating insights into the state of the engineering industry, the direction it&rsquo;s going, and how businesses can hire the right talent, while retaining the talent they already have.
The survey has found that the average salary of an engineer in the UK is &pound;57,366. Good pay is one of the main motivators for people looking to join the engineering industry, and the survey records that salaries can go as high as &pound;150,000 at director level.
However, the survey also found that only 55% of engineers say they&rsquo;re happy in their current role, so it&rsquo;s clear the industry needs to make drastic improvements to retain talent.
&nbsp;But before you can retain talent, you have to find it in the first place. With competition for new engineers getting more fierce each year, engineering firms have to make sure to stand out from the crowd when it comes to recruitment.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to attract engineering talent</h2>
<h3>Increase salaries wherever possible</h3>
The survey found that the average mean salary has actually decreased since last year, and with the cost of living crisis only having worsened, talented engineers will be looking at all available options for jobs that offer more pay.
As previously mentioned, a strong salary is expected in the industry, so wherever possible companies need to be offering the most competitive salaries they can to attract new talent.
It&rsquo;s clear that not everyone is, as 47% of engineers are actively looking for another job. This is an increase compared to the previous year, so engineering companies need to start focusing on staff retention if they don&rsquo;t want to risk losing their top talent to rival firms.
&nbsp;
<h3>Offer remote working</h3>
Since the pandemic, remote working has become the norm across almost every industry. Many engineering firms have embraced this, as more and more candidates are looking for it, even prioritising flexible working over salary.
To attract new talent, engineering companies will need to change with the time and offer remote working as standard, or else will see competitors absorb all new engineers entering the field.
&nbsp;
<h3>Develop a strong brand</h3>
A strong brand is more important than ever. With new engineering companies starting up, and others diversifying into new industries, a strong brand is vital for standing out from the crowd.
Branding is what separates one business from another, makes them easily identifiable, and can make a huge difference in whether or not people decide to apply to work for them.
Shockingly, the survey revealed that 10% of engineers surveyed are considering leaving the engineering industry altogether. This is devastating news for the industry as a whole, as there is already a skills shortage hampering growth. But it is also bad for individual businesses, as it can cost around &pound;30,000 in lost productivity to hire and train someone new.
To avoid this, engineering businesses should make staff retention a priority.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to increase staff retention</h2>
<h3>Invest in company culture</h3>
Culture can be make or break for any business. It can help keep morale up when working on difficult projects, and for some it&rsquo;s more important than salary. When considering a job move, as many engineers are, culture may well be the thing that stops them from moving on.
Because of that, engineering businesses are looking to improve their culture, building relationships between team members through social events, or running workshops to upskill other team members. This initiatives can make a place far nicer to work, and really do improve perceptions of a business.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to increase opportunities for professional development</h2>
<h3>Increase training, mentoring, and upskilling among your engineering talent</h3>
While there are many engineering students studying STEM subjects, many of them drop out of university, or abandon an engineering career before it can even start, due to competition for roles.
Some companies are opting to invest heavily in learning and development programs to help their staff develop and grow throughout their careers, upskilling as the industry changes. This not only increases the ability of your team to work across different projects, but also increases company loyalty.
Engineers want to learn. According to an earlier survey, 86% of workers say that job training is important to them, 59% say that training would improve their job performance, and 51% believe it would improve their self-confidence.
Being given the opportunity to learn on the job is incredibly valuable in an industry like engineering, where things are changing all the time. Engineers value flexibility, progression, and job security. If you can help them become more resilient to shifts in the industry, they&rsquo;ll want to stay, and will recommend you to others.
&nbsp;
<h3>Invest in and improve opportunities for women in engineering</h3>
Women account for just 16% of junior engineers, and this number shrinks at every senior level, with just 5% of directors being female.
Getting more women into engineering would introduce a huge injection of talent into the hiring pool, so it should be a priority for more businesses to sponsor universities, offer internships, and hire women across all levels of the business.
These survey results illuminate a lot about the current state of the industry, and show areas where businesses should focus their efforts when it comes to recruitment, retention, and overall development for their engineering staff.
Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/new-technologies-in-civil-engineering-and-infrastructure">new technologies in civil engineering</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-we-need-more-women-in-stem-roles">why we need more women in STEM roles</a>.

How Businesses Can Attract Engineering Talent, Lower Turnover, And Create Opportunities For Professional Development

With more and more businesses offering remote working, people are able to work from anywhere in the world.&nbsp;
Beautiful islands and sunny locations are some of the top contenders for where people would like to work, so Cyprus is one of the most sought after places to move to, with almost a quarter of the population being made up of foreign immigrants.
Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea known for its natural beauty and climate. We&rsquo;ll look at why you might want to live and work in Cyprus.
&nbsp;
<h2>Why you should work in Cyprus</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3>Low unemployment rate</h3>
Cyprus&rsquo; unemployment rate has steadily improved since 2020, being as low as 6.1% in January of 2023, which is lower than the average unemployment rate in the EU.
<h3>Cyprus is a hub for international business</h3>
Cyprus benefits from its key location, acting as a bridge to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, it sits in a perfect time zone for truly global business, while also being an EU Member.
The corporate tax rate in Cyprus is 12.5%, making it a preferred location for international businesses. Many companies from the Middle East, USA, Europe, and even China have chosen Cyprus as their regional headquarters, or are expanding into the region.
The standard work week in Cyprus is 38 hours. This can of course vary per industry, but generally most people will work around 38-40 hours. This gives employees the opportunity to maintain a good work-life balance, which is important for mental health and overall work performance.
&nbsp;
<h3>The climate and natural beauty of the island</h3>
Cyprus has an excellent climate, with long warm summers and short winters. Sunny days make up around 90% of the year, with it only raining consistently in winter.
Beautiful beaches, clean water, and wide open spaces make Cyprus a great holiday destination, but equally a fantastic place to live and work, with high levels of satisfaction and happiness among people who move there.
For those who like hiking, the island provides plenty of natural landscape, as well as beautiful mountains.
Because Cyprus isn&rsquo;t as heavily populated as other major urban centres, the quality of the air is also generally much higher than elsewhere in the world.
&nbsp;
<h3>The culture</h3>
Cyprus has a strong culture with a lot of interesting history. Prior to gaining its independence in 1960, the island was a British Colony for over 80 years, meaning many Cypriots speak English, even today.
Cyprus has a rich history which can be traced back thousands of years, and many cultures have shaped the island over time. There are ten Byzantine painted churches as well as the Tomb of Kings, a large necropolis which dates back to the 4th century BC. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the tomb is just one of the amazing sights you can enjoy on the island.
&nbsp;
<h3>Low cost of living</h3>
Compared to many other European locations, the cost of living in Cyprus is low, meaning your money goes further and lasts longer. Rent prices are also low compared to most other European cities.
Basic utilities costs typically in the region of 100 euros a month, whilst the rent of a one room apartment in a city centre can cost around 500-700 euros on average.
Cyprus has a public transport system which links rural areas to all the cities across the island, used by many people to get around while still enjoying the sights. For those who love to commute by bike, some cities have a public bicycle sharing system, with bicycles found at stations that anyone can use.
&nbsp;Public transport is reasonably priced, with a one-way ticket being around 2 euros on average. A monthly pass is around 40 euros on average, far cheaper than London or other cities in Europe, and will allow you to travel far and wide across the island.
Working in Cyprus is so popular as there are many career opportunities, largely due to low tax rates, which led to many international businesses having chosen to expand into the island. Many workers have followed, enjoying the great weather, culture, cuisine, and other opportunities the island has to offer.
&nbsp;
Read more about the <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-best-remote-engineering-roles">best remote engineering jobs</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-cv-keywords-for-engineering-candidates-in-2023">engineering CV keywords that can help you get a job interview</a>.

5 Reasons To Live And Work In Cyprus

Cyber security is one of the best paid and most sought after jobs in the world, as almost every business now operates online, and so is vulnerable to cyber attacks. However, working in cyber security is not easy. You&rsquo;ll need top-notch technical knowledge, tenacity, and people skills to protect your organisation&rsquo;s data and make a career for yourself.&nbsp;
Having the right set of skills is crucial to getting hired, but also to build your reputation over time. So what are the most important skills to work in cyber security?
&nbsp;
<h2>5 Skills you need to work in cyber security</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3>Technical knowledge&nbsp;</h3>
Arguably the most important skill for working in cyber security is complete technical knowledge of the field. If you don&rsquo;t understand the ins and outs of the cyber security landscape, you won&rsquo;t be able to keep your business safe from attacks.
Intricate knowledge of coding and scripting is obviously necessary, as well as knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks.
There are also many types of security software you&rsquo;ll need to know how to use, such as intrusion detection software, security information and event management systems, and intrusion prevention systems.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll also need to ensure your knowledge is up to date as new threats are discussed and analysed across the industry.
&nbsp;
<h3>Proactivity</h3>
This is one career where you can&rsquo;t afford to get complacent. Cyber security is always changing, with new techniques and best practices being developed all the time, so you&rsquo;ll need to keep up to date with new concepts, new software, and any new viruses to defend against.
&nbsp;Cyber security specialists are often life-long learners, with many blogs, youtube channels, and podcasts dedicated to the field, so you can keep your knowledge sharp across your career by learning from the best.
&nbsp;
<h3>Analytical skills</h3>
Cyber security requires a large amount of analytic skill. Can you spot weaknesses in your system? Sometimes things aren&rsquo;t clear, and you&rsquo;ll need to analyse your network to understand how a breach might have occurred.
From there, you can begin to improve your defences by analysing likely attack points cyber criminals might target.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>The ability to work under pressure</h3>
As a cyber security expert, you&rsquo;ll need to be able to work under pressure.
Whether monitoring network activity for possible intrusions, or dealing with an active threat, you&rsquo;ll need to be able to prioritise actions, make decisions quickly, and maintain composure should anything go wrong.
In the event of a cyber attack, you&rsquo;ll need to be able to think through what&rsquo;s happening, assess the severity of threats, gauge the potential impact, and then start taking action.
&nbsp;
<h3>Communication skills</h3>
Last, but certainly not least, a soft skill that is often overlooked by cyber security professionals is people skills. Being able to effectively communicate what you&rsquo;re doing, and why, is a valuable skill. Can you explain things without relying on jargon or using overly technical language?
Both written and verbal communication play a key role in cybersecurity. You may need to write incident reports, where you&rsquo;ll have to document updates and recommendations clearly.
You may also need to collaborate with other teams within your company, such as legal, IT, or public relations, or share your findings with other organisations or the greater cybersecurity community, so being able to work with people is crucial.
&nbsp;There is a lot you need to be a great cyber security analyst, beyond just technical understanding. If you&rsquo;re able to work under pressure, keep up to date with best practice, and communicate with other team members, you&rsquo;ll excel in your cyber security career.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-you-should-consider-a-career-in-computer-security">why you should consider a career in cyber security</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-best-engineering-jobs-for-the-future">best engineering jobs for the future</a>.

5 Skills You Need To Start A Career In Cyber Security

Covid-19 saw millions placed on furlough at lower salaries and rates, lose work contracts or be made redundant.
&nbsp;
With so much more competition, candidates must be ever more innovative and expend more efforts in the job-hunting process. After landing an interview for a potential role, applicants will be expected to prove their skills and knowledge, and differentiate themselves from perhaps dozens of other candidates, during a second interview.
&nbsp;
Here are six ways to prepare for successful second interviews.
&nbsp;
<h3>6 Ways to Succeed in Second Interviews</h3>
<h3>1. Dive Deeper into Your Knowledge and Experience</h3>
Now that your interviewer has sifted through applications and added you to their shortlist, they&rsquo;ll need to ask increasingly probing questions to differentiate you from other applicants and ascertain exactly why you are the best candidate for the job. Whilst your first job interview will have included a brief discussion around your CV and checking off your skill and experience, a second meeting will aim to dig deeper into your skillset and knowledge.
Expect competency-based interviews where your hiring manager will be wanting to find out specific examples of your abilities. Use your previous experience to support your CV: discuss achievements of yours that match those required by the job application, and talk about challenges that you have overcome by using and building on your skills. Prepare answers to questions such as:
<ul>
<li>Tell me about a time when you were put under pressure to deliver against a sudden urgent deadline</li>
<li>Can you give me an example of a time where you have had to deliver a project in an area where you have little to no experience &ndash; how did you approach it?</li>
<li>How have you managed multiple projects and tasks with similar deadlines?</li>
<li>What was your biggest mistake, and how did you fix it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Meeting the Team</h3>
Whilst first meetings will normally be a one-to-one discussion (or in some cases, a group interview amongst several other applicants), many employers will involve their other colleagues a second get-together. Meeting more employees enables applicants to ask questions about culture and working style and receive more diverse and honest opinions, and enables hiring managers to both ascertain cultural fit and get second and third opinions on the quality of each candidate.
Be prepared to meet a range of new people at your second interview, from business Directors and potential managers, to new colleagues or direct reports. Depending on the organisation and the role you are applying for, this meeting could take place at the office or worksite, or at a more informal place like a pub or bar for team drinks.
<h3>3.&nbsp;Opportunities for Your Questions</h3>
Whilst interviews are used by companies and HR departments to ascertain the right person for the job, they also present the opportunity for you to ascertain whether this employer is the right one for you. Imagine you were starting the job in the next few weeks &ndash; what would you want, and need, to know? This could be your last chance to ask questions before a potential job offer: is there anything that you didn&rsquo;t cover in your first meeting or in the job description?
Use your first meeting to inform the questions you ask in the second. Was something mentioned that you weren&rsquo;t expecting, and you need to know how much of it will be involved in the role? Was there anything that wasn&rsquo;t fully covered that you would like clarification on? Crucially, what did your hiring manager discuss in the first interview that they seemed particularly interested in or impressed by, that you can use to probe further questions to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the company and build rapport with your interviewer.
<h3>4. Building on Your Positive First Impression</h3>
If you have been called back a second time, your potential employers will have been impressed with your first meeting. Continue to build on your own personal candidate brand by standing out from the crowd and personalising the interview to your own capabilities to ensure you are the best and most remembered applicant. Reinforce your positive attributes, particularly those that were well received in your first meeting &ndash; even if your first meeting demonstrated how your skills match the job description, utilise all second interview questions as a chance to re-emphasise your competence and fit for the role.
Cement your positive second impression by learning about your interviewers and personalising your meeting towards them and their roles. Ask your contact who you will be meeting &ndash; get their names so that you can look them up on LinkedIn and read more about them on the company website. Researching and knowing your interviewers will enable you to predict the types of questions they may ask you and what they would prefer your answers to be, enabling you to prepare in advance.
This knowledge will also enable you to target your own questions according to each interview, for example:
<ul>
<li>What are the best things about working here? &ndash; More experienced employees will have a different view from new employees, who will provide more of a recent comparison to working for other competitors</li>
<li>How well do teams and departments work together? &ndash; Employees in sales and support teams may have very different views on this, allowing you a more realistic picture of teamworking dependent on your own role</li>
<li>How has your career progressed here? &ndash; Directors may have reached the height of their career progression and may instead be focused on the performance deliverables, but if they have progressed from entry level to Board their story will reveal your own potential career progression, whereas junior to mid-seniority employees may be able to discuss their Personal Development Plans or qualifications they are being supported with.</li>
</ul>
<h3>5.&nbsp;Discussing Your Own Expectations</h3>
Day rates and salaries are often not discussed until the latter stages of the recruitment process, meaning the end of a second interview may present this opportunity. As your potential employer will already have established their expectations regarding, you will also need to come prepared with your own expectations &ndash; and prepare to negotiate. Do plenty of research beforehand to ensure you are in the know about your market worth, by benchmarking current salaries at similar job roles in similar companies, including benefits and bonus packages.
Recruiters and hiring managers will also want to know your availability and any notice period or mitigating circumstances before they formalise a job offer, which you may also be able to leverage in negotiations regarding salaries and benefits. Also ensure you discuss any additional requirements for the position, such as travel or shift patterns, to align your own expectations with those of your potential employer and get everyone on the same page, ready for a positive job offer.
<h3>&nbsp;6.&nbsp;&nbsp;Getting to Know the Real You</h3>
Your recruiter will have spent time previously exploring your skills, knowledge and experience, and will have at the end of the second meeting ascertained whether you are a professional fit for the role. However, your potential employers will want to know you as a person: what you value, how you think and what it would be like to manage, work with and be managed by you, and how your personality will impact on the business and its teams.
Expect questions such as:
<ul>
<li>What motivates you?</li>
<li>How do you like to be managed?</li>
<li>What are your personal goals for the next five years?</li>
<li>Hat has been your proudest moment?</li>
<li>Who in your life most inspires you and why?</li>
<li>How would your best friend/parent/sibling describe you?</li>
</ul>

What to Expect from Second Interviews

Motorsport has always been quick to change, keeping things fresh and exciting for new seasons. Formula 1 is launching a new all-female driving series this year: the F1 Academy. But why now? And why is diversity in racing important?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>What is the F1 Academy&nbsp;</h2>
The F1 Academy is a new feeder series, designed to give female racers a chance to gain experience with racing and move up the ranks. It has been created to augment the W Series, not replace it, with the long-term aim of enabling women drivers to compete in the main F1 races.&nbsp;
This quote from CEO of Formula Motorsport Bruno Michel gives us everything we need to know:&nbsp;
&ldquo;Diversity is extremely important in motorsport, and with the F1 Academy we will prove that female drivers have what it takes to compete at high levels. I am absolutely convinced that if young women are given the same amount of experience as any other driver, they can successfully make their way through the pyramid."&nbsp;
He added: &ldquo;Our goal is to see female drivers on the F3 grid in the next two to three years, and for them to quickly challenge for points and podiums. The aim is to increase the field in the near future, because we hope that this category will inspire more young girls to compete in motorsport at the highest of levels.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;It was announced in December that five teams have signed up to take part. ART, Campos, Carlin, MP Motorsport, and Prema are all well established competitors in other series, and have committed to three drivers in the F1 Academy per year until at least 2025.&nbsp;
Each team will have three drivers, meaning 15 drivers in total. There will be seven events with three races at each, meaning 21 in total across the first season.&nbsp;
The drivers will compete in standardised chassis, powered by a turbocharged four cylinder engine with 165 brake horsepower across the board. As is the case with F1, Pirelli will serve as the manufacturer of the 13-inch tyres to be used in the F1 Academy.&nbsp;
Historically, women have been woefully under-represented in motorsport, and this initiative goes some way towards correcting this.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The academy is designed to nurture new talent, something the sport always needs as teams change and racers retire. This long-term approach is a welcome change, and moves the sport as a whole towards a more diverse future, as it may encourage other types of motorsport to follow F1&rsquo;s lead and create ways for more women to get involved.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Why diversity in motorsport matters&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>It nurtures talent and creates new names in racing&nbsp;</h3>
A criticism of motorsport is that certain racers rise to the top and then become the only names worth knowing. The F1 Academy allows for new talent to enter the sport and gain experience, hopefully propelling them to new heights, maybe even making it to Formula One itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;
It will provide a pipeline of up and coming challengers, ready and eager to prove their skills and make a name for themselves as serious racers, making the sport more exciting and less predictable.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>It attracts more investors and advertising to the sport&nbsp;</h3>
While the fans may not be excited by more advertising or investor interest in the sport, it's undeniably a crucial element of the long-term health of Formula One, and motorsport in general.&nbsp;&nbsp;
When new initiatives like this are launched, it opens the sport up for interest from new businesses, new markets, and advertising to new audiences. All of this is vital for keeping the sport alive.&nbsp;&nbsp;
We may well see increased interest in motorsport thanks to initiatives like this, and more investment in the sport means bigger and better events, spectacles, and interest around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>It brings the sport to more fans&nbsp;</h3>
Lastly, one of the best arguments for introducing more diversity into Formula One is that it increases the number of fans the sport has. While motorsport might have been marketed to male fans during its early decades, it has massively grown in popularity with women, and the F1 Academy aims to continue, helping to introduce more people to the sport with this new format.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This new series may inspire young women to take up racing, or engineering, thanks to them seeing female racers on the podium. The F1 Academy may prove to have a big impact, bringing more fans to the sport, and helping bring more women into the world of racing.&nbsp;
Hopefully the F1 Academy succeeds in all its aims, introducing new racers into the sport, giving them experience to learn and rise up the ranks, and bringing new fans to motorsport.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Read more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-we-need-more-women-in-stem-roles">why we need more women in STEM roles</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-women-in-engineering-and-how-they-changed-the-industry">five famous women from engineering history</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The F1 Academy, and Why Diversity in Motorsport is Important

Want to work in one of the largest and most famous islands in the world?
Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone and home to many of the world&rsquo;s top high-performing companies.
 Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Ireland.
<h2>Irish Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost?</h2>
The cost of living will vary across regions of the country; for example, between cities, towns, suburbs and villages. However, here are the average rents and bills for Ireland&rsquo;s capital city Dublin and the surrounding areas to help you plan your budget:
&middot; Single/Couple Rent in the City &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin would cost around 1,223,79&euro;.
&middot; Single/Couple Rent in the Suburbs &ndash; One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in an average Dublin suburb would cost you around 1,016,51&euro;.
&middot; Monthly Utility Bill for an Irish Apartment &ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in an flat in Dublin will cost around 161,85&euro;.
&nbsp;
<h2>Irish Transport &ndash; How to Travel Around</h2>
The capital&rsquo;s public transport system is made up of buses, trains and trams to help you travel around. On the road,&nbsp;Dublin Bus&nbsp;has an extensive network of buses which run frequently through the downtown area and through to the suburbs.
The Dublin Metro is made up of the&nbsp;(DART) Dublin Area Rapid Transport and commuter trains, which are a quick and easy way to get in and out of the city.&nbsp;Dublin&rsquo;s tram system, the Luas, provides accessible transport services to the city centre and suburbs.
The&nbsp;Dublin bike-sharing scheme offers a cheap and environmentally friendly way to get around, with over 100 bike stations throughout the city.
<h2>Culture</h2>
The culture of Ireland includes unique traditions and customs, as well as folklore, music, language, art, and food. The Gaelic culture originated in Ireland but eventually expanded to Scotland and much of northwestern Europe. Archaeological evidence has shown that farming in Ireland began about the time humans first began to settle. The Irish culture has been influenced by Scottish, English, and AngloNorman cultures throughout history.
Today many Irish traditions have become known around the world, including Halloween and Saint Patrick's Day.The two official languages English and Irish. Irish is considered to be a Celtic language.
<h2>Taxes</h2>
Irish tax is collected through the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system. Each time you are paid, your employer deducts your income tax, PRSI and USC. You are also entitled to tax credits, which reduce the amount of tax paid, and Ireland has one of the highest rates of tax relief in Europe.
Income tax is charged as a percentage of your income, and there are two tax rates in Ireland. Income up to a certain amount is taxed at 20%, with the remainder taxed at 40%. The cut-off point for the standard rate depends on individual circumstances.
<h2>Pensions</h2>
In general, large employers in Ireland have company pension schemes but many smaller employers do not. Each scheme has its own set of rules and is regulated by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/" rel=" noopener">Pensions Board</a>.
<h2>Education</h2>
The compulsory school age in Ireland is 6 years old and all forms of pre-primary education are optional. However, children from the age of 4 can be enrolled in infant classes in primary schools. Primary education&nbsp;includes state-funded primary schools - &nbsp;religious schools, nondenominational schools, multi-denominational schools - and private schools: Gaelscoileanna (Irish-medium schools).
Post-primary education consists of a three-year Junior Cycle (lower secondary), followed by two or three years in the Senior Cycle (upper secondary), depending on whether students take an optional transition year.
Travel Opportunities
Those living in Ireland can easily travel to other nearby countries&nbsp;such as:
<ul>
<li>The UK - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are fascinating destinations in their own right, and travel between these countries reveal both shared culture and unique local ways of life</li>
<li>France - a wealth of history and gastronomic experiences</li>
<li>Iceland - a haven for nature-lovers.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Language</h2>
Try out these handy phrases in Gaelic:
<ul>
<li>Hi = Haigh</li>
<li>Yes = t&aacute;</li>
<li>No = uimh</li>
<li>Thank You = go raibh maith agat</li>
<li>Goodbye = Sl&aacute;n</li>
<li>Sorry = leithsc&eacute;al</li>
<li>You're welcome = t&aacute; f&aacute;ilte romhat</li>
<li>How are you ? = Conas t&aacute; t&uacute; ?</li>
<li>Well = Maith</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why You Should Live in Ireland &ndash; Things to Do and See</h2>
<ul>
<li>Marvel at the Powerscourt Estate &ndash; County Wicklow, a region south of Dublin is known for its mountains and Irish Sea coastline. Powerscourt Estate is Wicklow's most visited attraction: the 64 square kilometre estate is 500m south of Enniskerry town.</li>
<li>Visit the Old Library &ndash; The greatest treasures of Trinity College Dublin are found within the Old Library, built by Thomas Burgh between 1712 and 1732.</li>
<li>Climb the Rock of Cashel &ndash; One of the country&rsquo;s most spectacular historic sites, the Rock of Cashel is a mammoth green hill boasting limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy environment and abundant with a variety of ancient features. The Rock of Cashel is located in County Tipperary.</li>
<li>Guinness Factory Museum &ndash; Discover the most popular visit in town: an homage to Guinness in a converted grain storehouse, part of a 26-hectare brewery.</li>
</ul>
Seeking a new challenge? Choose from&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" rel=" noopener">our variety of technical jobs across industries</a>.

Guide to Working in Ireland

We have been in an energy crisis for some time, and if things don&rsquo;t change, situations like this may become more and more commonplace.&nbsp;
Every industry is looking to increase its sustainability, from&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/establishing-strategies-for-sustainable-aviation">aviation</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/marine-sustainability-trends">marine</a>, in an effort to lower their carbon footprint, but also to improve their resilience to a volatile fuel market.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>How fossil fuels and the energy crisis are linked</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3>Reliance on fossil fuels created the energy crisis</h3>
&nbsp;
The vast majority of the world still relies on fossil fuels to power our homes and businesses. When those fuels aren&rsquo;t readily available, the entire energy system falls into chaos.
&nbsp;The Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered the energy crisis as Russia and Eastern Europe at large are key exporters of fossil fuels. There was already energy scarcity due to lessened energy demand in city centres during the pandemic, meaning suppliers hadn&rsquo;t stockpiled as much energy as they usually would have. When demand came roaring back, there was an energy deficit.
&nbsp;This, combined with ever dwindling fossil fuel resources, made the perfect storm for a prolonged energy crisis that could only ever result in one thing: fuel prices rising overnight.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>The energy crisis has driven up the cost of fossil fuels</h3>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Fossil fuels are inherently unsustainable, as they are a finite resource. A foundational fact of economics is that the rarer something is, the more it is worth. Once fossil fuels weren&rsquo;t as reliably secured, the price of the fuel that was available immediately skyrocketed.
This is occasionally alleviated by more oil or gas deposits being found, or more reserves being accessed, but ultimately there is one fact that can&rsquo;t be avoided: one day we will run out of fossil fuels. Of course, until the very last moment that we do run out, fossil fuels will continue to climb in value.
&nbsp;But if we were to pivot away from needing fossil fuels, we could pull ourselves out of this and any future energy crisis, by generating our own energy. This is possible through renewable energy.
&nbsp;
<h3>The energy crisis has highlighted the need for reliable, sustainable energy</h3>
&nbsp;
Russia&rsquo;s show of force by stockpiling fossil fuels may not have had the desired effect, as Russia&rsquo;s own energy exports have fallen dramatically over the last year. But there has been an even bigger impact: many&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2022">countries are now reassessing their fossil fuel needs</a>, opting to invest in green energy instead, hoping for a more stable, secure, and affordable source of energy.&nbsp;
Examples include the US Inflation Reduction Act, and the EU&rsquo;s Fit for 55 package, which may lead the way for the rest of the world to begin a structural change towards renewables.
Across the world, higher shares of renewables correlate with lower electricity prices, a fact that is increasingly important as the crisis continues.
In the UK,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-record-low-price-for-uk-offshore-wind-is-four-times-cheaper-than-gas/">renewable energy is nine times cheaper than gas</a>. While the current government is still choosing to invest in oil and gas extraction in the North Sea, there is no denying the economic benefit of green energy when applied across the entire UK population.
By definition, our energy cannot be considered reliable, stable, or secure if much of it is imported from another country. While we may never be completely removed from the global energy supply chain, we can begin to generate vast amounts of energy ourselves, easily, reliably, and most importantly: sustainably.
The energy crisis was created in large part by our reliance on fossil fuels. Hopefully we will continue to improve our sustainable energy infrastructure and legislation, leading to cleaner, cheaper, more sustainable energy for everyone.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-urgency-of-developing-green-fuel">why we need to develop green energy</a>, or learn about the<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-green-energy">&nbsp;future of green energy</a>.

The Impact Of The Energy Crisis On Fossil Fuels

he engineering sector is facing a difficult skills shortage, even in the Middle East where the industry has been steadily growing over the last decade. This growth is actually part of the problem, as there is now more competition for skilled engineers than ever before, meaning smaller companies are struggling to recruit while larger companies can afford inflated salaries, hiring many of the best workers.
A staggering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/05/19/uae-jobs-engineering-and-tech-employers-struggling-to-find-right-candidates-to-fill-roles/">93% of engineering firms in the UAE struggled to find qualified engineering candidates</a>&nbsp;in 2021. So what can be done? And what does the skills shortage have to do with changing technology?
&nbsp;
<h2>The contracting &amp; construction skills shortage in the Middle East</h2>
Contracting &amp; Construction has been growing throughout the Middle East for a long time, so one would think there would have likewise been a rise in the number of engineers.
But as construction engineering continues to grow, with projects becoming larger, grander, more ambitious, the industry just hasn&rsquo;t been able to keep up with demand, meaning qualified engineers are becoming more precious.
&nbsp;To make things worse, as the world has become more connected, and demand for engineers has risen world-wide, engineers have also moved from their home countries, further depleting the talent pool.
&nbsp;Furthermore, as the Middle East as a whole is beginning to move away from fossil fuel extraction and refinement in an effort to become more diversified and sustainable, engineers who haven&rsquo;t retrained or up-skilled to work with new technologies are finding work more precarious. The shift towards contracting &amp; construction engineering projects has left many engineers uncertain whether to continue with their career paths.
And lastly, an industry focus on technology is leaving the human aspect of engineering undeveloped.
&nbsp;
<h2>&nbsp;How technology and the skills shortage are linked</h2>
Younger engineers are being trained on new technology, being taught skills for the next frontier of engineering tools, suites, and software.
However, when it comes to more traditional methods of engineering, they sometimes lack practical experience, being turned away when it comes to the interview process.
Part of the problem is the rate at which new technology is developed and integrated into the engineering workflow. Both technology and engineering move so rapidly, that by the time a specific course has been constructed, people have been educated, and then begun applying for jobs, they&rsquo;ve missed out on vital practical experience, while the industry has adopted new technology or software that workers have learned on the job, leaving the graduates less employable than they thought they would be when starting their engineering education. Understandably, after months of looking for engineering work and not finding it, some choose to abandon the field before they even begin working in it. &nbsp;
This is not to say that engineering degrees or training courses aren&rsquo;t valuable, but that there needs to be a greater focus on taking that knowledge and applying it in practical ways that keep up with current and evolving best practices. Engineering firms can build that bridge, and help encourage and nurture the next generation of engineering talent. &nbsp;
Furthermore, a reliance on technology like drones is pushing more engineers out of the industry. While no machine can yet replace the knowledge and understanding and experience an engineer brings to the table, there&rsquo;s no denying that technology is fast encroaching on what human workers can accomplish. Nowhere is this more obvious than AI.
&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp;AI is predicted to play a larger role in engineering</h3>
&nbsp;Artificial intelligence will begin to become more common in industries around the world over the next decade, but especially in engineering, where it can improve efficiency, cut down on wasted materials, and deliver projects faster.
&nbsp;Some career minded engineers looking to transition into project management are steering away from the industry, recognising that certain roles are likely to be entirely automated in the next ten years. &nbsp;
There is still a future for engineers, but firms needs to ensure they are making that future as attractive as possible.
&nbsp;
<h2>How businesses can combat the engineering skills shortage</h2>
<h3>Recruit and train graduates</h3>
&nbsp;Some engineering companies are only focused on the latest project, and don&rsquo;t have time to recruit and train graduates who don&rsquo;t have years of experience. They want engineers who are able to walk onto a site and help move the project closer to completion. While this is understandable, it doesn&rsquo;t solve the larger problem of the skills crisis.
From the same study mentioned earlier, over 40% of engineering employers in the UAE said that applicants lacked crucial work experience and necessary technical skills. But new engineers won&rsquo;t gain work experience or technical skills if they aren&rsquo;t given the opportunity to learn on the job.&nbsp;
If engineering companies want more qualified, experienced workers, they need to start recruiting graduates, and commit the time and expense to train them. In the long-term, this will alleviate some of the pressures caused by the skills shortage, creating a larger pool of talent to draw from.
Younger engineers, with the latest training and knowledge, can help up-skill older employees who aren&rsquo;t necessarily able to go back to university.
&nbsp;
<h2>Up-skill workers</h2>
&nbsp;One of the best ways engineering firms in the Middle East can combat the skills shortage is to up-skill workers to be able to compete in today&rsquo;s marketplace.
As mentioned, new engineers have a strong grounding in the latest theories and academic skills, and can help train existing engineers without them having to retrain at a university.
&nbsp;Likewise, experienced engineers can help train new recruits in tried and tested methods, which while may not be taught on modern courses, still have value in the field.
&nbsp;
<h3>Use a technical recruitment company</h3>
One of the best ways to find skilled workers during a shortage is to use a recruitment company that specialises in engineering. This way they will already have the right connections, a strong talent pool, and the technical understanding of what the project and the wider business needs, as well as the kind of person that can provide it.
&nbsp;While the contracting &amp; construction engineering skills shortage in the Middle East is a complex issue, there are ways that the industry can begin to work towards a stronger, more resilient future.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-hire-the-best-civil-engineering-talent-in-a-skills-shortage">how to hire engineering talent during a skills shortage</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/new-technologies-in-civil-engineering-and-infrastructure">new technology in civil engineering and infrastructure</a>. &nbsp;
Would you like more information about how to help conquer the skills shortage?&nbsp;<a href="mailto:stephen.grisdale@v-hr.com">Talk to our Head of Contracting &amp; Construction</a>

Contracting and Construction in the Middle East: How Technology and the Engineering Skills Shortage are Linked

The construction sector has been going from strength to strength in the Middle East, and shows no sign of slowing down.
Of course, it&rsquo;s not just the buildings themselves, it&rsquo;s also the energy supply, infrastructure, and transport that is making the Middle East a power house when it comes to civil engineering. But civil engineering is growing all over the world.
It&rsquo;s predicted that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.constructionweekonline.com/business/170059-construction-contracting-research-report-global-civil-engineering-market-to-be-12-trillion-by-2025">value of the global civil engineering market will reach $12.5 trillion by 2025</a>. This is driven by innovations in technology, and trends like increased sustainability, which is only becoming more important to consumers, businesses, and governments around the world. The tools, techniques, and materials used in civil engineering generate pollution, so new methods of building are being developed all the time in order to better protect the planet while still allowing for new builds.
Civil engineering is being further boosted by government providing incentives for new projects, or in underdeveloped areas that require further infrastructure or urbanisation, especially in developing economies.
Given that the Middle East is one of the most competitive parts of the world when it comes to industry, it&rsquo;s likely that we&rsquo;ll see increased innovation as the years go on, making it the perfect place for civil engineers looking to develop their career.
&nbsp;
<h2>How civil engineering is growing in the Middle East</h2>
<h3>Sustainability is becoming more important</h3>
The International Energy Agency has found that 36% of all energy demand worldwide comes from the construction sector. It&rsquo;s therefore imperative that the industry change its methods, and adopt a more sustainable approach in any way it can to lower its energy usage.
&nbsp;The Middle East is championing this, seeking to diversify their energy use across more sustainable sources. Saudi Arabia launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smart-energy.com/policy-regulation/saudi-arabia-launches-28-billion-renewable-energy-funding-initiative/">$28 billion renewable energy funding initiative</a>&nbsp;to become less dependent on oil. The government offers loans for clean energy projects, and supports manufacturers of components used in renewable energy generation.
These loans go as high as 1.2 billion riyals, even for companies that are foreign-owned, showing the commitment behind the initiative is real.
Engineers looking to work in the Middle East will need experience with renewables, and may find exciting new projects in the sector in the coming years thanks to this type of government support.
&nbsp;
<h3>Technology use is increasing</h3>
The use of drones, robots, and VR in engineering will increase rapidly over the next decade.
&nbsp;This will improve safety for workers on-site, as dangerous jobs will be handled by machines. Productivity will also increase, as these machines can operate faster than humans, allowing for engineers to focus their attention and energy on other areas.
&nbsp;In the Middle East specifically, spending on technology and innovation within engineering reached more than $100 billion in 2021, and is&nbsp;<a href="https://gulfbusiness.com/the-digital-revolution-in-the-middle-east/">predicted to keep growing</a>.
We&rsquo;ve already seen huge advancements in VR in architecture and civil engineering through the use of digital twin technology, and will only see more as the technology becomes more powerful, more versatile, and cheaper.
Engineers who aren&rsquo;t skilled in this area will need to consider upskilling, as these kinds of technology are expected by many industry experts to become the industry standard within years, and in some businesses are already.
&nbsp;
<h3>Supply chains will be made more resilient</h3>
&nbsp;During Covid, supply chains in every industry around the world felt the strain almost immediately as world trade slowed to a halt. In civil engineering this was especially damaging, as it stalled vital infrastructure and building projects. The industry was quick to realise how disastrous it would be if anything like the pandemic were to happen again, and responded by creating more flexible, durable, and resilient supply chains.
&nbsp;Visibility is a huge factor in supply chain resilience. Digitalisation makes this easier, through the use of cloud technology, artificial intelligence, analytics, and global positioning systems.
For example, industry-specialised cloud solutions can improve efficiency by providing visibility into sourcing, production, and planning processes. From here, artificial intelligence and machine learning can help to automate decisions, and flag future volatility that may arise from developing situations or business challenges. Technologies like this can help companies anticipate, prepare for, and even avoid problems before they arise.
These technologies working together can provide oversight over all areas of a business, and when data is shared with partners, suppliers, and customers, the entire supply chain benefits.
The Middle East has always been quick to adopt new technology, and is leading the way for the rest of the world when it comes to applying it to the supply chain issue.
&nbsp;
<h3>Increased civil engineering career opportunities in the Middle East</h3>
Big engineering projects require big workforces. The Middle East is famous for its megaprojects: marvels of architecture and cutting edge design, resulting in some of the most beautiful buildings of the modern world. As engineering in the Middle East increases, the need for an expanded workforce will also increase, meaning more job opportunities for civil engineers.
&nbsp;When you think of the amazing architecture and breath-taking buildings of the UAE, everything was designed and built by civil engineers. Because of this, civil engineers in the Middle East are well-paid and respected, with good job security and prospects for career progression.
It&rsquo;s clear that civil engineering will continue to grow in the Middle East, making it a fantastic place for young engineers looking to gain experience, or more established engineers looking for their next challenge.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/new-technologies-in-civil-engineering-and-infrastructure">new technologies in civil engineering and infrastructure</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-best-remote-engineering-roles">five best engineering roles you can do remotely</a>.

Why Civil Engineering is Growing in the Middle East

Many business leaders are looking to improve the mental health of their team, as it improves the overall culture and workplace experience for everyone involved.
For every $1 invested in improving mental health at work, there&rsquo;s an ROI of $4 in improved health and productivity.
There are many benefits to improving the mental health of your team, and relatively minor changes can make a big difference.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Why improving mental health at work is important</h2>
<h3>It increases productivity</h3>
&nbsp;Studies have shown that poor mental health costs businesses over &pound;1,000 a year, per employee, in lost profit potential. &nbsp;
Conversely, when staff have good mental health at work, when they feel happy and supported and empowered to succeed, they&rsquo;re more productive. It sounds obvious, but many businesses don&rsquo;t consider mental health a priority, looking only at the overall productivity and the company&rsquo;s bottom line.
But productivity increases with good mental health. A study from Oxford University quantified this boost in productivity:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-10-24-happy-workers-are-13-more-productive">happy workers are 13% more productive</a>, so it isn&rsquo;t just a question of health, it&rsquo;s also a smart business decision to improve the mental health of your workforce.
&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp;It lowers staff turnover</h3>
&nbsp;Staff who have better mental health at work are far less likely to look for jobs elsewhere.
The security and stability that comes with knowing that your day at work will be easy to manage is incredibly valuable, and for some people far more so than even an increased salary.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>It improves workplace culture</h3>
&nbsp;There&rsquo;s nothing worse than a workplace where no one is happy. It saps morale, derails momentum, and isn&rsquo;t conducive to good results.
&nbsp;A team feels supported is more likely to enjoy their work, work better together, and be more motivated to succeed. This feeds back into the overall culture, making your place of work a safer, warmer environment for everyone.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to improve mental health in the workplace</h2>
<h3>&nbsp;Let employees have input into decisions and KPIs</h3>
Our mental health suffers when we feel like we don&rsquo;t have any control over what happens to us. Work is such a huge part of our lives, but often decisions are made without any input from the staff, and this can leave us feeling powerless.
Employees that are brought into the decision-making process often feel more included in the direction the company is taking.&nbsp;
This also applies to individual KPIs. When employees are working to targets they didn&rsquo;t set and weren&rsquo;t consulted on, it can feel like an uphill struggle. When they help to set their own targets, challenges feel more achievable, making the work ahead less daunting.
&nbsp;
<h3>Start a culture of open dialogue&nbsp;</h3>
Often at work, we&rsquo;re on our best behaviour all the time. In certain workplace cultures, any expression of difficulty, of struggling with work, or of unhappiness is taken as a criticism of the company as a whole, which often isn&rsquo;t the case at all. This can lead team members to fear to express themselves, especially if they&rsquo;re having negative feelings, which isn&rsquo;t healthy.
In any context, when we&rsquo;re allowed to express ourselves and feel heard and understood, our mental health improves.
Starting weekly or monthly team meetings, and one to ones between team members and managers, allows everyone to express how they feel at work. This can be things like frustrations, doubts, and worries, but it can also result in pride, compliments, and thanks being shared that otherwise might not.
&nbsp;Having a designated time where employees feel comfortable and empowered to share their feelings can help them feel listened to, acknowledged, and able to express themselves, which in turn will help their mental health.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Offer mental health benefits</h3>
&nbsp;Realistically, there&rsquo;s only so much businesses can do to improve mental health at work by themselves. At a certain point, partnering with mental health organisations is really the best thing a business can do to improve the mental health of its employees.
&nbsp;Many businesses are now offering therapy or counselling as a health benefit alongside gym memberships or health insurance.
Improving the mental health of the team at work will help them be more productive, and ultimately happier at work.
&nbsp;
Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-address-the-skills-shortage-in-the-technical-and-engineering-industries">how to address the engineering skills shortage</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-covid-changed-the-job-market">how Covid-19 changed the job market</a>.

How to Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Health in the Workplace

With everyone working from home, 2020 saw a massive spike in cyber crime, as there were more vulnerable systems for criminals to take advantage of.&nbsp;&nbsp;
With so many people working from home on unsafe networks or unprotected devices, it was easy for cyber criminals to steal data, extort businesses, and get away with it. Sadly, businesses are now more at risk of becoming victims of cyber crime than ever before.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Phishing is the most common type of cyber threat, where cyber criminals pose as legitimate businesses or organisations in order to get unsuspecting victims to click on links or change passwords on fraudulent websites to gain access to their systems.
Other incidents experienced by small businesses include spyware and malware attacks, hacking, and denial of service attacks, all of which can majorly harm their day-to-day operations.
Keeping safe from cyber crime isn&rsquo;t as simple as buying some software or upgrading your computers. There are multiple different practices, all of which play a part in keeping you safe.
If you&rsquo;re a business owner wondering how to protect your business from cyber crime, these five tips are a great place to start.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to protect your business from cyber attacks</h2>
<h3>&nbsp;Secure your network</h3>
Firewalls and antivirus software are the first line of defence against cyber attacks. On top of this, don&rsquo;t forget to hide and password protect your wifi network, as this is one of the major weak points that is often exploited to gain access to systems. Once cybercriminals are on your network, it&rsquo;s only a matter of time until they start dealing serious damage, so keeping them out is the first step you need to take.
However, this won&rsquo;t guarantee the safety of your data, so make sure you back it up should the worst happen.
&nbsp;
<h3>Backup your data</h3>
Ransomware is a type of virus that locks every computer and device on the network. If this strikes your office, you won&rsquo;t be able to access any data saved on any computer.
Hackers often give businesses 24 hours to pay to get their data back. If the business doesn&rsquo;t pay, sometimes all that data is deleted. This can mean client lists, email databases, website designs, and all documentation, gone.
&nbsp;That can be avoided by backing up your data regularly, ensuring you&rsquo;re never left with nothing should the worst happen. This backup should be saved on a separate system so it can&rsquo;t be reached by any viruses.
You may have many hundreds of gigabytes of data, so understanding what&rsquo;s critical for your business to continue is an important step. Back up this data first, and regularly, to ensure you can handle any sudden data loss.
Additionally, under the 2018 UK GDPR and Data Protection Act, if your small business processes personal or sensitive data, you must take reasonable steps to safeguard it from a data breach, or be prosecuted should that data be stolen or compromised.&nbsp;&nbsp;
One of the most effective ways of keeping data safe is to encrypt it. Secure data is encrypted and decrypted using a secret key. Only authorised team members should have access to the key, meaning criminals will not be able to decipher the encrypted data if they&rsquo;re able to steal it, rendering it useless, and keeping you, and your clients and partners, safe.
&nbsp;
<h3>Keep all your IT systems updated</h3>
Updates are one of the best defences against cyberattacks. When systems aren&rsquo;t updated, they don&rsquo;t have the latest protection against new viruses, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks.&nbsp;
Updated systems are stronger, and less likely to be targeted as their weak points haven&rsquo;t been discovered yet. Sometimes the best way to stay safe from cyber attacks is simply to be slightly more work to break into than the next business, and keeping your software up to date is the easiest and cheapest way to do that.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Have a disaster recovery plan</h3>
Hopefully you&rsquo;ll never need it, but should your business suffer a cyber attack, the fastest way for you to recover is to have a well-planned and effective recovery plan. This plan can have contingencies for during and after an attack, so you can minimise losses, protect yourselves, your partners, and your clients, and get up and running again as fast as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>Train your team to be aware of best practices</h3>
&nbsp;This last tip may be the most important on this list. Ensuring your team knows the best practices for staying safe online is the best way to keep your business safe from cyber attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;
While you can invest in antivirus software and top of the line equipment, your cybersecurity is really only as effective as your employees. They can spot suspicious emails, detect faults on the network, and raise the alarm if there is a security breach.
The most common element in all cyber attacks isn&rsquo;t a lack of firewalls, or old vulnerable systems, it&rsquo;s simple human error.
&nbsp;For your team to be an effective defense against cyber crime, they&rsquo;ll need consistent training, as threats are always changing. Create a culture around cybersecurity throughout your entire organisation, making sure that people know not to click links they don&rsquo;t recognise, not to send passwords through email, and not to download files they aren&rsquo;t sure about.&nbsp;&nbsp;
It can also help to have policies in place so your team knows what practices are unacceptable, and limiting the number of users who have admin privileges. This minimises the amount of programs they can download, in turn minimising the risk of downloading viruses.&nbsp;
While there are many threats out there, keeping your business safe doesn&rsquo;t require you to have technical knowledge, the best equipment, or a huge cybersecurity budget. Just adhering to these simple principles and consistently using best practices can help keep your business safe from cybercrime.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/cybersecurity-trends-and-predictions-for-2022">cyber security</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-security-leaders-can-close-the-cyber-skills-gap">how security leaders can close the cyber skills gap</a>.

5 Ways To Protect Your Business From Cyber Crime

New technology has always been used in war to gain the upper hand. Bows were replaced with crossbows which were replaced with guns. Horses were replaced with cars. War has even facilitated and sped up technologies being developed, with radar and computers being famous examples. New technology gives you an edge, and that edge might just be enough to win.&nbsp;
When it comes to defence, if you&rsquo;re working with old technology, you&rsquo;re vulnerable. That&rsquo;s why by the end of this year, the world will have collectively spent around 2 trillion dollars on defence. The war in Ukraine has made the case for upgrading arsenals and defences clear, prompting some EU countries, like Germany, to almost double their defence budget.
One of the biggest new developments on the horizon of defence technology is artificial intelligence, computer systems which, when given large amounts of data to analyse, are able to learn, becoming smarter, faster, and more efficient.
It&rsquo;s an emerging field, but by 2025, it&rsquo;s predicted the US Department of Defence will spend $19 billion on military AI research in a single year.&nbsp;
AI has played a role in business for years, and has huge implications for virtually every area of life, but when it comes to defence, AI is something no government is ignoring.&nbsp;&nbsp;
IBM, Ratheon, and Lockheed Martin are all working on AI technology for military use. It&rsquo;s not a question of if AI will be used in defence, it&rsquo;s a question of when.
It&rsquo;s important to understand that Artificial Intelligence is a technological improvement, not a revolutionary weapons system in itself. It requires humans to apply it to problems, use it properly, and ensure the benefits granted by AI are implemented effectively. If this is achieved, it has the potential to drastically change the future of defence.
&nbsp;
<h2>How AI is changing the defence industry</h2>
<h3>&nbsp;Data can be processed and analysed faster</h3>
Simulations and war games have been a part of warfare since the creation of the very first armies. Generals have studied the tactics of great leaders throughout history, trying to learn all they can about how to win.
AI can learn faster than any human ever could, able to analyse thousands of data points from past battles, incoming reports, and even live feeds of active war zones.
Unmanned systems like drones can carry out missions remotely and assist with threat monitoring. When combined with satellites, cameras, situation reports, and scanning systems, a complete picture of the battlefield is available to be analysed, studied, and learned from.
From here, it takes a human touch to apply these learnings correctly and increase effectiveness, efficiency, and safety in the field.
&nbsp;
<h3>Training</h3>
AI can also help improve training for soldiers and other members of the military. There are many different areas of combat, all of which require training to fully prepare for. Whether it&rsquo;s marksmanship, piloting aircraft, operating drones, or using specialist equipment, AI can help improve competency, and teach new skills. AI can be used in conjunction with virtual and augmented reality systems to create dynamic training scenarios and simulations, mirroring real-life missions, and complications which can be difficult to prepare for.
This augmented training is already being used in certain areas of the US army and navy, and will become more common as AI is developed and training in military strategy.
&nbsp;
<h3>Cybersecurity</h3>
Lastly, cyberwarfare is only going to become more common as smart systems, military commanders, and governments become increasingly connected. Cyberwarfare can lead to a total breakdown in communications, infrastructure disruption, or even hostile attacks on civilian systems.
AI and machine learning can anticipate these threats, and provide greater security against them. AI is so powerful when it comes to cybersecurity because it can autonomously protect networks on a continual basis, recording patterns of attack and creating its own countermeasures.
AI has already changed combat, and will continue to redefine it as we move forward with the technology. It will likely provide the edge to achieve victory that may well have been impossible without it. Personnel throughout the military and defence industries will need to understand the basics of AI, data science, and security, as we develop new suites of operational systems that can, in many ways, defend us from ourselves.
&nbsp;
Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-security-leaders-can-close-the-cyber-skills-gap">how security leaders can close the cyber skills gap</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-shift-to-a-partnership-approach-in-defence-and-security">shift to a partnership approach in defence</a>.

How AI Is Reshaping The Defence Industry

The energy crisis is having an impact on almost every industry around the world. You can&rsquo;t have an industry without energy, so the strain will be felt on costs, operations, and ability to meet demand. The marine industry is no exception.
The war in Ukraine has caused widespread disruption to global shipping, and has worsened supply chain disruption, port congestion, and labour shortages initially caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
&nbsp;
<h2>How the energy crisis is impacting the marine industry</h2>
<h3>Cost of fuel</h3>
&nbsp;The most immediate consequence of a scarcity of fuel is that the price of fuel will rise.
The price of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), the 0.5% sulfur fuel that most commercial ships use, spiked after Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine. In June, the price rose to over $1,000 per tonne, double its price the previous year. &nbsp;
Ships with exhaust gas scrubbers have fared slightly better, able to save around $150-$300 per tonne of fuel, as they are able to use high sulfur fuel oil which isn&rsquo;t as expensive due to lower demand.
The prolonged conflict in Ukraine has reshaped global trade, in part due to businesses choosing not to use Russian fuel. This has driven up the cost and availability of fuel and pushed some businesses to use alternative, non-compliant fuels, with lower explosive temperature. This obviously increases the danger of shipping, as well as the gradual breakdown of machinery running on low-quality fuel, so businesses face a tough decision either way.
<h3>Ability to transport goods</h3>
Without fuel, you can&rsquo;t leave port.
&nbsp;Between 80-90% of the world&rsquo;s transport of goods is done via shipping, so when shipping becomes more difficult, the global supply chain feels the impact severely and immediately.
&nbsp;Looking at Ukraine, when the war began, hundreds of vessels were trapped in ports, unable to leave. This has a huge impact on countries&rsquo; economies, unable to trade, as well as the businesses that do the transporting of goods.
&nbsp;
<h3>Smaller businesses may fail</h3>
Without large reserves of funding, years of relationships with fuel suppliers, or the ability to invest in green fuel, smaller businesses are sadly struggling in the face of the energy crisis.
The International Monetary Fund has warned that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2022/03/28/how-soaring-shipping-costs-raise-prices-around-the-world">war in Ukraine will raise the already high cost of running a shipping business</a>, and these inflated costs are just too high for smaller businesses who can&rsquo;t absorb them.
The cost of shipping a container increased seven-fold in the year and a half following March 2020, while the cost of shipping bulk commodities rose even further.
As shipping is so vital to the global economy, rising shipping costs have a knock-on effect, increasing inflation. This is felt in some countries more than others. Obviously, countries that import more see larger increases in inflation. Similarly, as one would expect, do those who are more integrated into global supply chains, which as previously mentioned, are already struggling.
&nbsp;So what can businesses, governments, and the marine industry at large do to solve this problem?
&nbsp;
<h2>What the marine industry can do about the energy crisis</h2>
<h3>Invest in renewable fuels</h3>
&nbsp;The easiest, simplest, most effective way to avoid the impact of an energy crisis is to invest in renewable energy and green fuels.
Being able to mass produce fuel that is renewable removes energy scarcity, meaning spikes in prices won&rsquo;t grind the industry to a standstill.
Besides the logistical argument, there&rsquo;s also the added benefit of our continued survival. Shipping produces around 3% of all man-made CO2 on earth, millions and millions of tonnes each year. If the industry pivots to a renewable and carbon neutral fuel source, that would go a long way towards reducing our overall carbon footprint and slowing the effects of global warming.
Maersk is already using carbon neutral fuels in some of its container ships, including methanol created from agricultural waste, and renewable generated hydrogen with carbon dioxide. The company even has a head of decarbonisation, hoping their example will spur the rest of industry into action.
It&rsquo;s clear that the marine industry will have to deal with increased costs and disruption as long as there is an ongoing energy crisis, but renewable fuel can help ease the burden and help keep the industry moving.
&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/marine-sustainability-trends">marine sustainability trends</a>, or learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-urgency-of-developing-green-fuel">why it&rsquo;s so important that we develop green fuel</a>.

How The Gas Shortage is Predicted to Impact the Marine Industry

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020 had a huge impact on the global job market. Every business had to alter how it operated, or even close entirely. Millions of workers were suddenly confined to their homes to prevent the spread of the virus, changing how they worked overnight.
Vast amounts of people were furloughed, or lost their jobs, and businesses stopped hiring new staff in an attempt to limit their expenditures in an uncertain world.
As global vaccination campaigns began in 2021, the situation has thankfully improved. But the job market has changed, irreversibly according to many in the recruitment industry. Employees have new perspectives, and new priorities. What has changed? What has stayed consistent? And what can businesses and job seekers do to find the right fit for them in the post-Covid job market. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>How has the job market changed since Covid?</h2>
<h3>Flexible and remote working is now the norm</h3>
The most immediate and obvious change after Covid is the rise in fully-remote working. During lockdown, everyone had to work from home if they could, proving that millions of jobs could be done from anywhere, not just in an office.
Now that we are able to go back to work, many workers are choosing remote positions as they allow more control over their lives, giving a better work/life balance, saving time and money commuting, and being able to spend more time with loved ones at home.
Others are opting for flexible working, spending some days working remotely, and others in the office with the rest of the team. This gives workers freedom to choose their work schedule and pattern in a way that benefits them. Most workers simply did not have this option before Covid, and don&rsquo;t want to return to a 9-5 in the office.
&nbsp;
<h3>Salary isn&rsquo;t the only concern</h3>
&nbsp;Having seen the benefits of remote and flexible working, many workers are now less concerned with their salary, and more interested in what other perks, benefits, and incentives a business can offer them.
Wellness initiatives, team-building days and events, additional training, reimbursement for commuting, these are increasingly attractive benefits that companies are offering in order to get top talent. In a survey last year, over a quarter of European workers surveyed said they would take a&nbsp;<a href="https://employeebenefits.co.uk/28-employees-reduce-salary-flexible-working/">reduced salary for a position with flexi-time</a>.
Over half of those same respondents said they were more productive when working from home, so it&rsquo;s not just about comfort, there are real benefits for businesses in allowing remote working post-pandemic, as many people do their best work at home.
&nbsp;
<h3>Company culture is increasingly important</h3>
&nbsp;Company culture has alway been important, and is one of the main factors in why people change jobs, or why they love where they work. During the pandemic, with so many people working remotely, many workers felt isolated, lonely, or disconnected from the culture which is so vital in keeping up morale.
During lockdown, companies that didn&rsquo;t invest in their culture through virtual events, chats, or other initiatives felt the strain far more than those who did. A company&rsquo;s culture can help keep the team motivated when things are difficult, and can make a difference between someone working harder, or giving up and looking for a new start somewhere else.
Now, workers are looking for companies that go the extra mile with culture, as it&rsquo;s become clear just how much of a difference it can really make, both on an individual and a company-wide level. Culture is made from everyone who engages with it, adds to it, helps make it better.
&nbsp;
<h3>Companies are looking to grow</h3>
Post-pandemic, workers and businesses alike feel like they have some catching up to do. After a year and a half of stagnant growth, some businesses are trying to supercharge their teams, services, and revenue in order to offset losses during the pandemic.
&nbsp;There&rsquo;s been a long time to reconsider how things can be done, with some sectors emerging out of the pandemic completely transformed and revitalised.
It&rsquo;s not just about re-hiring to get back to where they were before Covid, businesses are looking to expand, to go above and beyond where they were, with new staff and new ideas.
While this is a positive step, it&rsquo;s important that businesses don&rsquo;t try to grow too fast. Growth needs to be planned, prepared for, and executed at a stable rate. Rapid expansion can worry existing team members, and new managers or senior leaders can take things in unexpected directions.
Business should include their team in decisions, communicate where the company is heading, and keep them up to date on how things are progressing. This is key to ensuring everyone feels confident about the future, and their place in it.
It is perhaps still too early to tell whether there is truly a &lsquo;new normal&rsquo; in the international labour market, with so many different cultures, working standards, and priorities in flux, with some businesses and governments looking to get back to &lsquo;businesses&rsquo; as usual as fast as possible, and others moving forward with new lessons learned.
&nbsp;With many workers having reassessed their priorities, and many businesses having adapted their targets, strategies, and overall goals, it remains to be seen whether the changes we have seen in the last two years will persist into the future or not. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Read more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/has-covid-altered-our-tech-habits">how Covid has altered our tech habits</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-best-engineering-jobs-for-the-future">the best engineering jobs for the future</a>.

How Covid Changed The Job Market

The engineering sector is facing a difficult skills shortage. The shortage of STEM skills is costing the UK around &pound;1.5 billion a year when it comes to training, recruitment, and lost productivity. What&rsquo;s more, the engineering sector is predicted to grow over the next decade, meaning there will be even more competition for skilled workers.
&nbsp;Strangely, more young people than ever before are studying STEM subjects at university, but less than a quarter of them are actually employed in STEM roles six months after graduation.
We know there is talent out there, but finding it, training it, and keeping it isn&rsquo;t easy, and any company that wants to stay competitive will need the very best if they&rsquo;re going to stay competitive.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to hire the best engineering talent</h2>
<h3>Hire graduates</h3>
The simplest way to ensure you have a reliable pipeline of talent is to hire graduates. Many businesses look to already established professionals, while letting graduates completely slip off their radar. This can lead to them not pursuing careers in engineering at all, effectively shrinking the talent pool even further.
Relatively few engineering companies have developed a graduate scheme. A full developed graduate scheme doesn&rsquo;t just hire new workers, it also trains new hires into fully qualified talent.
&nbsp;
<h3>Show off your brand</h3>
Your online presence is one of the best ways to attract graduates, who will do their research before applying. But most candidates, regardless of age or where they are in their career, will check out potential companies online, so you need to make sure you look your best.
Utilise your social media, careers page, and Glassdoor to show what your culture is like, what your values are, and what your current employees think about working for you.
Talented candidates can go anywhere when looking for new roles. You must make them excited about the possibility of working for your company, and your brand is the best way to do that. Make your company known for its company culture, positive work environment, employee development, and incentives.
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Review what you offer</h3>
Speaking of incentives, many candidates are now looking for more than just a paycheque. Across all industries, not just engineering, workers are expecting the complete package.
A skilled candidate may be more interested in a position that pays less, but offers a four day week, wellbeing initiatives, or remote or flexible working. Remote and flexible working are becoming more and more common, often expected, and if you don&rsquo;t offer these you will likely lose out on top talent.
&nbsp;
<h3>Offer training and upskilling</h3>
&nbsp;Engineering doesn&rsquo;t stand still. New techniques, new technology, and new tools are being developed all the time.
&nbsp;If you can&rsquo;t recruit new staff with the skills you need, it&rsquo;s likely that some of your staff already have similar skills or knowledge that would allow them to be trained in new areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Not only does this help you meet your targets and expand into new areas, it helps boost staff retention as your team will be able to improve their knowledge, skills, and overall employability. Job security relies on staying up to date, so your team will want to know they can grow their careers with you.
Offer training on core skills, as well as emerging technologies, organisation, people skills, managerial training, anything that can help your team grow and develop. It will pay off in the long run.
&nbsp;
<h3>Use a specialist engineering recruitment agency</h3>
Lastly, if you&rsquo;re looking for new engineering talent, you should consider working with a recruitment agency that understands your needs, and the overall job market in the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Recruiters will know what salaries candidates are looking for, where to find the best candidates, and have an established network of talent to tap into. These established relationships with their candidates is one of the best reasons to use recruiters, as they take a long time to build, and are highly valued by candidates.
Hiring the top talent in engineering has always been difficult, and will continue to be while there is a skills shortage. But as we&rsquo;ve outlined, there are ways for any engineering company, regardless of size, to improve their chances of hiring qualified, capable, hardworking staff.
&nbsp;
Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-address-the-skills-shortage-in-the-technical-and-engineering-industries">how to address the skills shortage in the engineering industry</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-we-need-more-women-in-stem-roles">why we need more women in STEM roles</a>.

How to Hire the Best Civil Engineering Talent in a Skills Shortage

Marine racing is a sport that has always looked to the future. New technology, new designs, new ways of producing boats, the sport has never stood still, and that&rsquo;s still true today. Let&rsquo;s look at how marine racing is changing.
&nbsp;
<h2>How marine racing is changing</h2>
<h3>&nbsp;Improved sustainability</h3>
&nbsp;Given the state of the world, it&rsquo;s not surprising that every racing league, sporting event, and manufacturer is looking to improve their sustainability credentials. While fans might only be considered with the racing boats, SailGP is thinking about the environmental impact of every vessel, chartering electric rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) as part of its support flotilla. These particular RIBs are 100% electric and completely oil-free, making them about as environmentally friendly as a boat could be.
&nbsp;This group of boats will have to be versatile, well-equipped, and able to move fast, as this remit covers hospitality, media, medical boats, and more. The support flotilla is by no means small, with a number of around 50 boats depending on who is attending.
All of this being powered by green energy is impressive, and points to SailGP taking their environmental responsibilities seriously. They&rsquo;re aiming for an entirely clean fleet by 2025, which is made more likely thanks to the many marine companies that bring their products and innovations to SailGP to test for their seal of approval. Everything is being designed with sustainability at the very core, something the marine industry as a whole should take notice of.
&nbsp;
<h3>Hydrogen Fuel</h3>
&nbsp;The America&rsquo;s Cup is looking to hydrogen as a new fuel for chase boats, one that could have a big impact on marine racing. Not only does hydrogen fuel help sustainability by not leaving pollution, but it&rsquo;s also a reliable source of power, able to go further and last longer than just pure electric power. &nbsp;
Hydrogen fuel has a much higher energy density than current electric batteries, and is easier to transport than the high amounts of batteries necessary to cover long distances at speed, so is a clear choice for the energy source of the future when it comes to marine racing.
Emirates Team New Zealand has developed a prototype boat, Chase Zero, that was able to travel over 500 nautical miles, with its only emissions being pure water. In the coming years it&rsquo;s likely that we&rsquo;ll see more designs built around hydrogen power, and this may soon become more widespread even outside of marine racing.
&nbsp;
<h3>New materials and composites</h3>
A large amount of the total greenhouse emissions during a boat build are associated with the use of composite materials, especially carbon fiber. The high consumption rate of materials is also a problem. In some builds, as much as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.11thhourracingteam.org/news/lifting-the-lid-on-boat-build-impacts-for-a-more-sustainable-industry/">75% of total starting material is lost by the time the final product is complete</a>.
Recycled carbon fiber produces far less emissions than standard carbon fiber, and is often used for nonstructural parts and molds.
Epoxy resin also has a negative carbon footprint, prompting some manufacturers to swap it for bio-resin. Bio resins have around a 50% lower carbon footprint, and consume around 50% less energy and water than average non-bio-resins.
It&rsquo;s not surprising that many manufacturers are looking for new materials to use, considering every element of the design, build, and operation of a boat.
&nbsp;Marine racing has always paved the way for cutting-edge new technology and manufacturing techniques in the industry. As the sport continues to grow, hopefully the rest of the industry takes note of how it is changing for the better, and follows its lead.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/formula-one-design-trends-to-watch-in-2022">how racing is changing in Formula One</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/creating-a-sustainable-workforce-for-the-marine-industry">how the marine industry is creating a more sustainable workforce</a>.

Marine Racing for the Future

Aviation is currently responsible for around 2.5% of all CO2 emissions globally. That may not sound like much, but when you consider, that around 40 billion tonnes of CO2 is released into the atmosphere each year, even small percentages can have a big impact.&nbsp;
With former customers turning down flights due to the environmental damage, many airports and airlines are looking at ways they can reduce their CO2 emissions.&nbsp;
The UK has set out its Jet Zero strategy to reach net zero in domestic aviation by 2040 and for all airports to have achieved zero-emissions by the same year.
Individual airports, like Farnborough, have set out to meet this target even sooner, in just eight years.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>How Farnborough airport is aiming to reach net zero</h2>
Farnborough airport has adopted the goal of becoming net zero by 2030, an ambitious goal for a busy aviation hub. But they&rsquo;ve proven before they&rsquo;re capable of drastically reducing their carbon footprint: in 2018, it was the first business aviation airport in the world to achieve carbon neutral status, and over the last decade the airport has reduced its emissions by 70% by introducing LED lights, utilising electric vehicles, and using REGO energy (Reliable Energy Guarantees of Origin), energy produced through sustainable methods.
Farnborough was also the first airport in the world to offer sustainable aviation fuel at the same price as traditional fuel, to help push their vision for a net zero aviation industry. More initiatives like this will be needed to help push the aviation industry as a whole towards a greener future, but let&rsquo;s look at how aviation can achieve net zero.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>How the Aviation industry can reach net zero</h2>
<h3>Sustainable Aviation Fuel</h3>
Sustainable aviation fuel is a greener alternative to traditional fuel. It can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 80%, so is one of the fastest ways for airlines to drastically reduce their carbon footprint.&nbsp;
SAF is made from waste materials such as household waste, sewage, or used cooking oil, so not only does it limit the emissions made from flying, it also helps clean up the planet while being made.
The government is introducing legislation to ensure at least 10% of jet fuel is sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. To support this, the government is planning at least 5 commercial-scale SAF plants in the UK by 2025.&nbsp;
This will be vital, as the biggest barriers to widespread adoption are the production and purchase cost. These plants will help increase use of SAF not just in this country, but also around the world as more airlines begin to follow the UK&rsquo;s example.&nbsp;
Pioneering SAF projects can also now apply to the &pound;165 million Advanced Fuels Fund, making it easier to get them off the ground. Hopefully over the coming decades we&rsquo;ll see a more widespread adoption of SAF, and possibly even&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/rolls-royce-are-building-the-fastest-electric-plane-in-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fully-electric planes</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>Modernise airports</h3>
It&rsquo;s not just the planes and the fuel that contribute to pollution. The materials used in airport construction, the vehicles that carry passengers and luggage, the electricity used to run the lights and systems, everything has the potential to add to CO2 emissions if not carefully considered and upgraded to a new, green version.&nbsp;
The UK government is providing &pound;3.7 million between now and next year to help airports upgrade their existing infrastructure.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>Carbon Removal Technologies</h3>
While cutting down on emissions is a smart move, we can also begin to deal with the existing carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the atmosphere by actively removing it.
Greenhouse gas removal can be done through two ways. The simplest is by introducing more plants and trees into the local environment, capturing CO2 they use to grow.&nbsp;
The second method of carbon removal is direct air capture (DAC) technology. The DAC market could potentially reach $100 billion by 2030. Airports will likely invest in both methods over the coming years, to help reduce their overall pollution levels.&nbsp;
The aviation industry has a responsibility to lower its carbon emissions. There are many ways it can do this, as well as government funds available to help cover the costs of new fuel, aircraft, and infrastructure. If the UK can lead the way, hopefully other countries, airlines, and airports will be encouraged to lower their environmental impact using similar strategies.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Read more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/establishing-strategies-for-sustainable-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">establishing strategies for sustainable aviation</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-the-aviation-industry-is-shifting-to-a-digital-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how the aviation industry is shifting to a digital strategy</a>.&nbsp;

Can the UK reach net-zero in Aviation?

Defence and security teams haven&rsquo;t always worked with partnerships in mind. In the past, organisations and businesses wanted to prove they didn&rsquo;t need any help, that they could handle any situation by themselves.
Relationships were strictly transactional, or actively competitive. But a partnership approach brings several benefits that are becoming harder and harder to deny in a world that is growing more connected every day.
Working together helps keep everyone safer, allowing for a more effective and united response to any and all kinds of threats. In recent years, as threats become more diverse, there are many examples of governments, manufacturers, and private defence businesses partnering together for better security. This helps them, their clients, and the general public.
&nbsp;
<h2>&nbsp;Why the defence sector has switched to a partnership approach</h2>
There are common problems all over the world, and when defence organisations and companies come together, they share their resources, expertise, and experiences to overcome them in ways they might not be able to by themselves.
We&rsquo;re stronger together, and partnerships allow different countries and other organisations the ability to adapt to more threats by sharing resources and intelligence.
The UK has recently strengthened its military partnership with Australia, with a &pound;25 million package to support security in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on maritime threats and cybersecurity.
Last year, the UK, USA, and Australia formed a defence partnership called AUKUS, a good example of how partnerships can benefit different countries with different concerns, resources, and priorities.
The most immediate benefit for Australia is the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. Australia had been trying to upgrade and replace their current fleet of submarines for over a decade, and joining this partnership allows them to finally get a modern fleet.
What do the UK and US get out of this partnership? A strengthened western presence in the region may help deter China from expanding its influence. But they can also share intelligence, new strategies and tactics, and can help train or practice to ensure best performance in a variety of scenarios.
But it&rsquo;s not just politics, there are other advantages to partnerships that can have a big impact across the entire defence sector.
The UK and Australia have teamed up on a new composite materials development competition, awarding teams from both countries additional funding. This will go towards research into new composites, adhesives, and improving armour systems. The UK&rsquo;s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and Australia&rsquo;s DST Group assessed the competition together, and will share results when new technology is developed. The programme is funded by the Australian Next Generation Technologies Fund and the UK Ministry of Defence Materials for Strategic Advantage programme. This shows how partnerships can help develop the next generation of materials and technology, with information being shared freely between two powers.
&nbsp;
<h2>Benefits of partnerships in defence</h2>
<h3>&nbsp;Shared intelligence</h3>
The most immediate benefit of partnerships when it comes to defence and security is shared intelligence. If you don&rsquo;t know what potential threats are, or where they&rsquo;re coming from, you can&rsquo;t defend against them.
&nbsp;If there&rsquo;s a missing link in your intel, a partner organisation may have access to information you don&rsquo;t, or can help get more accurate reports of an ongoing situation.
<h3>Faster response times</h3>
&nbsp;No military or security force can be everywhere at once. When it comes to physical deployment, partnerships allow for rapid response and insertion of agents on the ground.
This is shown best when local and national or international law enforcement work together, able to operate across a wider area, working in tandem to search or defend a location far greater than any one organisation could.
&nbsp;
<h3>More flexible and resilient options</h3>
&nbsp;Another benefit of having defence partnerships is it allows you more options when it comes to how you operate. Who do you send, where, and why? Are there other agents in the area, does your partner have access to hardware you don&rsquo;t have?
Partnerships allow for new strategies, which can be incredibly helpful if bad actors have come to expect certain tactics.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s clear there are many benefits to defence partnerships. As new threats continue to develop, hopefully more agencies, businesses, and governments will come together to co-operate and share resources, to help keep us safe.
&nbsp;
Read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-is-the-future-of-cyber-warfare">future of cyber warfare</a>, or learn why the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/is-the-future-of-combat-non-nuclear">future of combat may be non-nuclear</a>.

The Shift to a Partnership Approach in Defence and Security

Civil engineering is an ever-changing industry. With the advent of smart technology, 3D printing, and automation, civil engineers are no longer stuck at a desk designing bridges or buildings with paper and pencil, they&rsquo;re at the cutting edge of what&rsquo;s possible.
&nbsp;
<h2>How technology has changed civil engineering</h2>
<h3>Surveying land with drones</h3>
&nbsp;Aerial drones are a great way to survey land quickly, efficiently, and safely. Drones provide a great level of accuracy, without the need to send people into difficult or unsafe terrain.
Drones are increasingly being used in construction for the same reason, able to fly around and survey a build site without the risk that comes with sending in a team of surveyors.
&nbsp;
<h3>CAD Software</h3>
&nbsp;Once upon a time, civil engineers had to design everything using graph paper and rulers. Now, design software helps design things faster, and in more detail.&nbsp;
This software works on a macro-level, giving a high-level overview of the entire structure, but it can also work on a micro-level, allowing engineers to work with absolute precision, down to individual components. With 3-D rendering, designs can be fully visualised, and VR systems allow stakeholders to see them before construction has even begun.
&nbsp;
<h3>Internet of Things, Building Information Modeling, Cloud Technology, and Remote Sensing</h3>
&nbsp;Once the build is underway, civil engineers don&rsquo;t even necessarily need to visit the site thanks to technology. Live video feeds allow for 24/7 security, and digital sensors can monitor heat levels, pressure, weight, and other factors that need to be checked.
&nbsp;Dashboards help building owners, investors, developers, contractors, and engineers stay informed about every detail related to the project - from site analysis data like soil types or geological conditions, right down to individual components that go into constructing the actual structure itself.
This technology is perfect for problem-solving during design, helping to improve planning and increase efficiency.
All this data is stored in the cloud, where it can be saved, checked, and analysed if needed.
Once the build is complete, all manner of elements around the build can be monitored, controlled, and optimised. The amount of water flowing through pipes, the amount of traffic on the road, the lights being used, these can be all be checked thanks to the internet of things.
&nbsp;
<h3>Big Data</h3>
&nbsp;Once you have a backlog of data, you can start to analyse it to better understand the patterns at play around your project. Weather, traffic, footfall, all of these factors can be analysed and predicted thanks to big data and machine learning.
&nbsp;Big data is important for construction because it can help to uncover hidden trends and patterns in behaviour that might not be seen with small sample sizes. Bigger samples allow engineers to make more informed decisions about the way resources are used, which can improve cost and efficiency, but big data can even help save lives.
Predictive analytics can help stop or mitigate disasters before they occur. If any irregularities are picked up by the system, it will flag them, allowing time to either shut things down, evacuate, or call emergency services.
&nbsp;
<h3>New Materials</h3>
&nbsp;Technology isn&rsquo;t just about digital developments, new materials are being developed that would have been impossible to design without advancements in technology.
Photovoltaic materials allow buildings to generate their own power. Meta-materials like graphene can be designed for a specific purpose, being stronger than steel, requiring less raw material for a build.
As sustainability is becoming a major area of concern within civil engineering, it&rsquo;s likely we&rsquo;ll see more buildings and civil projects using green materials in construction.
Civil engineering has always looked to the future, pioneering new engineering techniques to help us live better lives. As we continue to explore and develop new technology, the industry will likewise continue to adapt, and improve.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-you-should-consider-an-apprenticeship-in-engineering">why you should consider an engineering apprenticeship</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-best-engineering-jobs-for-the-future">best engineering jobs for the future</a>

New Technologies In Civil Engineering and Infrastructure

The skills shortage is one of the biggest issues facing the technical sector today. Across different industries, whether aviation, automotive, marine, or energy, businesses are struggling to attract and retain top talent. &nbsp;
Given these industries have generally offered security, competitive salaries, and rewarding work, why is there such a shortage of talent?&nbsp;
Why is there a skill shortage in technical industries&nbsp;
The main issue is a lack of widespread available talent in the first instance. As roles require more skill and expertise, the less people there are that are qualified for those roles. As competition rises, so do salary offers, meaning skilled workers have the incentive and security to change companies. &nbsp;
This means that there&rsquo;s both a lack of new talent entering the workforce, and senior technicians and engineers are unlikely to stay at a company long enough to train or upskill junior workers, leaving a talent vacuum at both ends of the ladder. &nbsp;
This can be rectified by educating and bringing more people into the industry, but this kind of widespread change requires help from the government, as well as from schools and universities. &nbsp;
However, there are things businesses can do to proactively find, engage, and retain engineering talent. &nbsp;
<h2>How technical businesses can find and retain engineering talent&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Aviation &nbsp;</h3>
Across the pandemic we&rsquo;ve seen the aviation industry struggle due to a lack of staff, whether from furlough, illness, quarantine, or leaving the industry entirely. Given the instability of the industry over the last two years, it&rsquo;s not hard to see why.&nbsp;
However, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, by 2026, we will need <a href="https://www.icao.int/newsroom/pages/icao-addresses-shortage-of-skilled-aviation-professionals.aspx">480,000 new technicians to maintain the industry</a>.&nbsp;
This leaves aviation companies with precious few senior engineers left to upskill new workers, and a lot of jobs to fill. A solution to this is more aggressive recruitment of new workers, combined with rigorous training and development while on the job. &nbsp;
Increased education and support for engineering students will help ease the talent shortage for every technical industry, but businesses can take the long view of looking at the potential of new talent and investing in them, instead of thinking only of what they can do today. &nbsp;
<h3>Automotive &amp; F1&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, staff turnover rose to more than 14% in 2020. Following on from this, the number of job vacancies rose by 40% in the first three months of 2022, to a five year high for the industry. As demand for roles increases, so does the salary, which is why the salary for vehicle technicians has risen by around 8% on average, year on year. &nbsp;
While raises in salary can help attract and retain workers, the Institute of the Motor Industry has warned that the automotive retail sector currently <a href="https://www.am-online.com/news/aftersales/2021/08/18/imi-calls-for-15m-skills-funding-boost-to-get-technicians-ev-ready">does not have the skills pipeline</a> necessary to service and repair electric vehicles, calling on investment from the government to help contribute towards additional training. &nbsp;
As with all technical industries, more needs to be done to upskill existing workers, as they can then train and mentor new recruits. &nbsp;
<h3>Marine&nbsp;</h3>
One of the best ways for the marine industry to stay ahead of talent shortages is for businesses to identify the specialised talent they need, and when they need it. Marine-specific talent with experience are in high-demand, and can be difficult to source and scale when production calls for it, so knowing ahead of time when projects will be going live can save a headache later on.&nbsp;&nbsp;
A recruitment company that understands your needs can locate and supplement your current workforce, and is critical in today&rsquo;s labour environment. &nbsp;
<h3>Energy&nbsp;</h3>
The energy crisis has shown how much could be solved if we developed more renewable energy infrastructure, prompting fresh interest from businesses, the government, and young engineering students. However, in the UK, the offshore wind sector alone requires 69,000 workers to reach the government&rsquo;s 40 gigawatt target by 2030, leaving a large gap to be filled.&nbsp;
While new workers in traditional fossil fuels have been declining, there still aren&rsquo;t enough new workers entering the renewable field, which is somewhat surprising considering how secure the long-term job prospects are.&nbsp;
This may be due to a lack of focused, secure contracts with the government. Plans should last for years or even decades, not months. This would encourage younger people to begin a career in energy, knowing that there will still be good job prospects when they are fully qualified. &nbsp;
The government has introduced a raft of new skill programmes for young people, but these largely rely on teachers securing placements themselves, on top of their already full schedules. Put simply, it isn&rsquo;t enough to just offer new programmes, more must be done to raise awareness, and support those who express an interest. &nbsp;
<h3>Engineering, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing</h3>
Manufacturing businesses were struggling with a skills gap long before the pandemic: in 2015, manufacturers reported 35% of their positions were challenging to fill, this climbed to 46% last year, according to a study by Deloitte.&nbsp;
As with many of the industries listed above, one of the easiest ways to increase recruitment into engineering and manufacture is to offer an increased salary.&nbsp;
As engineers are often needed onsite, remote working or other perks aren&rsquo;t always able to be offered, but a higher salary is always attractive no matter what the job may be. &nbsp;
Of course, beyond salary there are other areas the technical industry needs to address in order to fill the skills gap. &nbsp;
Firstly, there needs to be more awareness and guidance for early career professionals and young people about careers in the industry, and secondly, employers need to invest in education and upskilling to retain skilled professionals and create the next generation of industry experts.&nbsp;&nbsp;
While industry leaders are of course devoting time and resources to combatting the skills gap by training the next generation of tech experts, there also needs to be consideration for how the skills gap presents itself right now. &nbsp;
Providing training for existing professionals is a good start, but business leaders also need to consider the transferable skills of those outside the tech industry. &nbsp;
These skills provide unique problem-solving skills, which is well-suited to a rapidly evolving industry. Tech moves quickly, and with most young people being digital natives, or working in adjacent fields, it can be worth utilising their perspectives for technical roles.&nbsp;
Candidates with varied or non-traditional engineering backgrounds may not just provide the necessary labour the industry is seeking, it may even help improve processes, increase efficiency, and help propel businesses forward. Specialised technical recruitment is one of the best ways you can find new workers outside the established talent pool of your industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The skills gap is not unsolvable, it simply requires industry leaders to adopt new solutions to this old problem.&nbsp;
For help finding top talent, <a href="https://info.v-hr.com/recruitment-services-request?hsCtaTracking=031bd555-7bf4-402d-9e75-1c55dd740139%7C8d9b22a6-89ab-4fcb-afa5-42abf04dbcfb">contact us today</a>. &nbsp;
Read more about the <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-security-leaders-can-close-the-cyber-skills-gap">skills gap in cyber security</a> or read our <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-civils-and-infrastructure-employment-market-outlook">civil infrastructure employment market outlook</a>.

How To Address The Skills Shortage In The Technical And Engineering Industries

When choosing a career path, it can be helpful to consider how certain jobs will fare in the future. While no one can truly predict what the future will be like, we are living in a time of great change, with powerful new technologies impacting the world in new ways that would have been unthinkable twenty years ago. &nbsp;
Engineers are at the heart of this revolution, and young people considering a career in the field have a lot to think about.&nbsp;
The world relies on engineering for solutions to incredibly complex problems. Infrastructure, medicine, defence, transport, 5G, and AI are just some of the ways that engineers are improving the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Old methods of manufacture, design, and operation have changed, and certain schools of engineering are becoming more valuable. We look at some of the best engineering jobs that will stay secure, meaningful, and rewarding in the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>The best engineering jobs to have in the future&nbsp;</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3>Artificial Intelligence&nbsp;</h3>
One of the biggest areas in engineering, and science in general, is the development of artificial intelligence. Machine learning has been around for a while, but creating smarter AI systems is an ongoing process that will have huge ramifications for how we live our lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As data capture has become more sophisticated and powerful, we require more sophisticated and powerful machines to analyse that data. The more data an artificial intelligence has, the better it can go about solving problems. Artificial intelligence is one of the best hopes we have of solving major world issues like the climate crisis, and the engineers that build these systems report having very high levels of job satisfaction, knowing they&rsquo;re building something that will have a huge impact on the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;
There are many ways to work with artificial intelligence, but one of the most exciting is robotics engineering. Robotics engineers work across multiple disciplines, combining mechanics, electronics, and computer science. They are often working at the forefront of robotics and intelligence systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Virtual Reality&nbsp;</h3>
VR systems will likely become more common as we move towards the metaverse being fully realised. While VR games have been dismissed as a fad by some critics in the industry, there&rsquo;s no denying that it seems like VR will be big business in the next decade and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Engineers working in entirely virtual spaces will help shape the next evolution of entertainment and social networking, creating vast worlds to explore. To succeed, engineers will need more than technical skills, they&rsquo;ll also need vision and creativity, which correlate strongly with work engagement.&nbsp;
<h3>Disaster Recovery&nbsp;</h3>
Engineering plays a vital role in helping save lives after natural disasters. Technological advances now allow special trackers, drones, and radar devices to locate missing people in the aftermath of earthquakes or other tragedies.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Engineers have worked on specialised transport designed to drive over uneven or unstable terrain, reinforced shelters that provide a base of operations, and emergency water and sanitation equipment that can save lives after a disaster. Engineers on the ground can repair electrical and communications systems, and help ensure that doctors and other aid workers have working equipment when they arrive.&nbsp;
There are also engineers working on more sophisticated early warning and detection systems which may be able to save thousands of lives. This kind of emergency engineering has some of the highest satisfaction of any career in the world, not just engineering.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Cloud Engineering&nbsp;</h3>
Cloud usage has risen steadily over the pandemic, and is vital for businesses around the world. Ensuring the cloud is reliable, accessible, and secure is becoming increasingly important. Engineers working in cloud technology can be responsible for designing, planning, and maintaining these systems that have become invaluable for so many people.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Renewable Energy&nbsp;</h3>
As we slowly move away from fossil fuels, we require more green energy infrastructure and storage. This will require huge amounts of design, implementation, and maintenance, being one of the largest engineering projects of the last century.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Renewable energy engineers will play a vital role in the transition from harmful fossil fuels to cleaner, safer energy, and as such this particular type of engineering is highly rated, highly sought after, and highly rewarded.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Read more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-engineering-companies-to-work-for-in-2022">best engineering companies to work for</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-you-should-consider-an-apprenticeship-in-engineering">why you should consider an apprenticeship in engineering</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Best Engineering Jobs For The Future

<div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-3 ">
<div class="row-fluid ">
<div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-cell blog-section1" data-widget-type="cell" data-x="0" data-w="12">
<div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-4 ">
<div class="row-fluid ">
<div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-cell wrapper" data-widget-type="cell" data-x="0" data-w="12">
<div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-7 ">
<div class="row-fluid ">
<div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-custom_widget " data-widget-type="custom_widget" data-x="0" data-w="12">
<div id="hs_cos_wrapper_module_1571749709059919" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module widget-type-blog_content" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module">
<div class="blog-section">
<div class="blog-post-wrapper cell-wrapper">
<div class="blog-section">
<div class="blog-post-wrapper cell-wrapper">
<div class="section post-body">
Women hold less than a quarter of all jobs in energy production and distribution, despite making up almost half of the global workforce. For senior managers in the energy industry, the number is even lower: just 14%.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The number of women working in renewables is higher, at 32%, but it&rsquo;s clear more needs to be done to encourage women into the sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that there will be almost 29 million jobs in renewable energy by 2050. Given the way the industry is now, things need to drastically change if the sector is going to achieve gender parity by then.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h1>Why gender diversity is important for the energy sector&nbsp;</h1>
<h3>Lack of female board members negatively impacts profits&nbsp;</h3>
Studies have shown that energy companies with boards that are at least&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ey.com/en_gl/women-power-utilities/could-gender-equality-be-the-innovation-boost-utilities-need">one third female have better profits</a>&nbsp;than those that aren&rsquo;t. Profits come from efficiency, but also innovation, and diversity has an important role to play there as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Lack of women working in energy is slowing down innovation&nbsp;</h3>
Research shows that companies with higher levels of diversity are 70% more likely to capture new markets, and 75% more likely to get innovative ideas to market. Without women in the organisation, companies are missing out on new opportunities for growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Diversity can help improve company culture&nbsp;</h3>
While not specific to the energy sector, diversity has been shown to help improve cultures at businesses around the world. Rather than everyone thinking the same way, having a broad range of ideas, opinions, experiences, and backgrounds allows for a richer culture at work, making it a more enjoyable place to be for those who otherwise might have felt left out.&nbsp;
<h2>How to get more women working in energy and renewables&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Improve access to education and work experience for women around the world&nbsp;</h3>
Perhaps the biggest barrier to entry blocking women from starting work in the energy sector is a lack of specialist education around the technical side of the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Many women working in energy do so in administration, not engineering. Companies can change this by funding scholarships, training events, and internships, all of which can help women who might otherwise not be able to gain experience in the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Improve the hiring process, and the work environment&nbsp;</h3>
The entire hiring system in the energy sector needs to change to encourage more women to join the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Inclusive recruitment practices must be designed and implemented, with gender-neutral language used in job descriptions. Gender balance evaluations should be carried out across teams, highlighting where new hires could make a positive impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Once new women are onboarded, flexi-time should be offered as an immediate option, to make it easier for those who have other commitments or responsibilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Safety at work should also be considered, with zero-tolerance policies for harassment or discrimination. These policies must be enforced, showing everyone that bad behaviour will be met with swift punishment. This is how an industry-wide culture can begin to change for the better.&nbsp;
<h3>Create professional networks to aid career progression&nbsp;</h3>
One of the main barriers to entry stopping women from joining the energy industry is the lack of career information and networks that could help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for moving up the career ladder. Mentorship from senior women in the industry who have experience can be invaluable for women who are just starting their careers in energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Of course, energy companies must also ensure that women in high-level roles are promoted beyond the company by being given chances to speak at events and conferences. Promoting women in senior roles inspires other women to join the field, ensuring the next generation of female energy engineers continues to grow.&nbsp;
<h2>Questions to ask to improve diversity&nbsp;</h2>
How many female team members are there in the company? Has this number improved over time?&nbsp;
If female team members are leaving, why is that?&nbsp;
How many female team members are promoted to higher roles within the organisation?&nbsp;
What support or mentorship programmes do we have?&nbsp;
The energy industry is missing out on vital creativity, ingenuity, and diversity of thought and experiences that women can bring to the sector. Until a sustained, concentrated, and unified campaign to recruit more women is realised, the industry will be missing out on individuals that could be helping them excel.&nbsp;
Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-reasons-to-work-in-energy-renewables">working in renewable energy</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-green-energy">future of green energy</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-8 ">
<div class="row-fluid ">
<div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-custom_widget " data-widget-type="custom_widget" data-x="0" data-w="12">
<div id="hs_cos_wrapper_module_158152157779260" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module">
<div class="simple-social-sharing squircles horizontal">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-9 ">
<div class="row-fluid ">
<div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-custom_widget " data-widget-type="custom_widget" data-x="0" data-w="12">
<div id="hs_cos_wrapper_module_1573124357645256" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module"></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-10 ">
<div class="row-fluid ">
<div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-cell related-post-section" data-widget-type="cell" data-x="0" data-w="12">
<div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-11 ">
<div class="row-fluid ">
<div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-cell wrapper" data-widget-type="cell" data-x="0" data-w="12">
<div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-12 ">
<div class="row-fluid ">
<div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-custom_widget align-center heading-container" data-widget-type="custom_widget" data-x="0" data-w="12">
<div id="hs_cos_wrapper_module_1571838503720237" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module widget-type-rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module"></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

How To Achieve Gender Diversity In Energy & Renewables

The pandemic forced the entire business world to pivot to online working and online business models. Digital infrastructure now supports every area of our lives, making things easier, faster, and more convenient. &nbsp;
But as everyone became more reliant on technology, cyberattacks increased, taking advantage of the lessened security of people working from home. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Cyber-attacks rose by more than 90% in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in the year before, even more worrying considering that 2020 was the previous worst year on record for cyber-attacks. &nbsp;
This meant that cybersecurity experts became more valuable virtually overnight, increasing demand for their skills without an influx of new talent, leaving many businesses without anyone qualified to manage their security. &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>How bad is the cyber security skills gap?&nbsp;</h2>
The UK&rsquo;s cyber security skills shortage increased by a further 30% last year, despite the industry contributing over <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055565/Cyber_Sectoral_Analysis_2022_Report_V2.1.pdf">&pound;5 billion to the UK economy</a>. Cybersecurity is one of the most sought-after technical skills in the job market today, and 43% of digital leaders in a survey reported having a skills shortage in this area. &nbsp;&nbsp;
In 2021 the UK government published a report looking at the<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/973914/Ipsos_MORI_Cyber_Recruitment_Report_v1.pdf"> cybersecurity skills gap in the UK</a>. It found there is a shortfall in the recruitment pool of 100,000 people a year, meaning the cybersecurity skills gap is one of the biggest in any industry. &nbsp;
It&rsquo;s not just the UK that&rsquo;s in trouble. Globally, the <a href="https://www.isc2.org/Research/Workforce-Study">cybersecurity workforce is around 65% below what it needs to be</a>.&nbsp;
Given that many businesses are either looking to increase investment in technology or increase headcount, it&rsquo;s almost impossible for them to keep pace with hiring when it comes to security. This means it&rsquo;s likely that more and more of them will fall victim to cyber-attacks, as there simply aren&rsquo;t enough trained individuals to protect them. &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>How businesses can close the cyber skills gap&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Offer apprenticeships&nbsp;</h3>
One of the best ways to close the skills gap and hire new workers is to make it easier for people to break into the industry. &nbsp;
Apprenticeships are a great way of ensuring new hires have the skills you need, as your existing cybersecurity team trains them on the job. Cybersecurity requires a vast amount of specialist knowledge, and a mix of education and practical skills can help create the next generation of security specialists. &nbsp;
Apprentices are often loyal to the company that trained them and may stay with you for many years. &nbsp;
<h3>Increase training on the job&nbsp;</h3>
It&rsquo;s not surprising that many businesses are choosing to train existing employees in similar fields instead of recruiting entirely new workers. Competition is simply too great given the wide variety of companies hiring for security.&nbsp;
There is now &pound;400 million of private funding being invested into cybersecurity in the UK. Much of this is being directed towards upskilling existing employees. The reason for this is two-fold. Firstly, these employees have already proven themselves competent. Secondly, investing in existing employees is one of the best ways for businesses to show them that they&rsquo;re valued, helping to reduce turnover. &nbsp;
Training is a great way to increase the overall skill level of a team without needing to bring in a new hire.&nbsp;&nbsp;
While technical knowledge is essential, there are other skills involved in cybersecurity that people may not immediately think of, like problem-solving, project management, curiosity, communication skills, and strategic thinking. This means employees without a traditional security background can still play crucial roles in security teams. &nbsp;
<h3>Focus on staff retention&nbsp;</h3>
It&rsquo;s not just about bringing in new staff. Because demand is so high for cyber security specialists, the job market is always competitive. Someone with years of experience can expect to be headhunted, so if you&rsquo;re not working hard to retain staff, you&rsquo;re virtually guaranteed to lose staff, possibly to direct competitors. &nbsp;
Despite businesses knowing how competitive the market is, relatively few reassessed their salary offers, other perks, or work culture, to increase retention. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Improving the working conditions of your team shows them they&rsquo;re valued, meaning your turnover should decrease. &nbsp;
Cybersecurity is growing fast, and businesses need to focus on attracting the best talent, keeping them happy at work, and training the next generation of cybersecurity experts, if they want to stay competitive in the new digital landscape. &nbsp;

How Security Leaders Can Close The Cyber Skills Gap

The world uses over 320 billion kilowatt-hours of energy a day. That&rsquo;s the equivalent of everybody on earth running 22 lightbulbs non-stop, forever. &nbsp;
All this energy has to come from somewhere, and for many countries around the world, it comes from fossil fuels. This is bad for the environment, but it can also pose economic problems, as we&rsquo;re currently experiencing. With so much energy coming from a finite source, eventually, there will come a crunch where there isn&rsquo;t enough fuel to meet our energy needs. &nbsp;
Many factors contributed to the energy crisis we currently find ourselves in, but only one way out: renewable energy. &nbsp;
To understand how to get out of the energy crisis, it&rsquo;s helpful to understand how we got here.&nbsp;
<h2>Why are we in an energy crisis?&nbsp;</h2>
A significant amount of the energy we use in the UK is generated from fossil fuels, much of which needs to be imported. More than three-quarters of our homes use natural gas for heating, making it an incredibly vital resource across the country, which we don&rsquo;t make ourselves.&nbsp;
Demand for natural gas has steadily risen in China and other countries over the last decade, putting additional pressure on production and distribution, as well as a rise in prices. &nbsp;
Russia provides some of the UK&rsquo;s natural gas supply, and there is a common belief that this is the cause of the current energy crisis. However, less than 4% of the UK&rsquo;s natural gas was supplied by Russia in 2021.&nbsp;
Russian fuel is not the root cause of the energy crisis, merely a contribution to it. The pandemic was another. In 2020, energy demands plummeted during the lockdown, meaning fossil fuel production and investment also fell. &nbsp;
The pandemic also forced vital maintenance and repairs on fossil fuel infrastructure to be postponed. This meant that when demand rose after lockdowns ended, it simply couldn&rsquo;t be met, plunging us into an energy crisis.&nbsp;
However, given the inherently finite nature of fossil fuels, it was always inevitable that we would find ourselves in an energy crisis sooner or later, as natural gas and oil reserves are certain to run out eventually.&nbsp;
The precarious supply of fossil fuels makes us vulnerable to energy crises like we&rsquo;re seeing now. Given how volatile the fossil fuel market is, and how precious the resources are, it&rsquo;s only logical that as demand increases, supply decreases, and prices rise, trapping us in a cycle that punishes people just trying to heat their homes. &nbsp;
But it doesn&rsquo;t have to be this way.&nbsp;
Renewable energy can ensure a constant supply of clean energy for everyone, breaking our reliance on importing energy from around the world, and helping ensure bills are manageable.&nbsp;
<h2>How renewable energy can help end the energy crisis&nbsp;</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3>Renewable energy can be generated anywhere&nbsp;</h3>
The single biggest benefit of renewable energy from an economic point of view is that we can generate it at scale across the country. Solar panels could be installed on skyscrapers, residential homes, even roads that can be used to generate solar energy. Wind power can be generated on land, at sea, and on the tops of buildings. &nbsp;
While renewable energy generated through solar and wind can&rsquo;t be created 24/7, methods for storing and transporting it are improving all the time. &nbsp;
This can help end the energy crisis as no country would have to rely on others for their energy needs, eliminating the political and economic restraints that we currently find ourselves up against. &nbsp;
In recent weeks over 50% of all electricity in the UK has been generated from wind energy alone. With additional investment, combined with solar power, this could grow to meet all of our energy needs, making a real difference to the energy bills of everyone in the country. &nbsp;
<h3>Excess renewable energy from individuals can be sold to the grid&nbsp;</h3>
If renewable energy got widespread adoption, we could soon be generating more power than we need. Individuals with their solar panels could then sell excess energy back to the government. European households with solar panels are saving around 60% on their electricity bills, with the ability to make extra savings through energy sales to governments.&nbsp;
If this were something UK residents could do across the country, this would give us a stockpile of energy, even during winter when new energy would be harder to create, safeguarding us from future crises.&nbsp;
<h3>Renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels&nbsp;</h3>
The energy crisis is an economic crisis. Given that renewable energy is cheaper than traditional fuels like gas, they could easily provide a way out of the economic cost that comes from being reliant on fossil fuels. &nbsp;
A decade ago, the cost per megawatt/hour of gas was $83 while the MWh cost of wind was $135, solar was almost three times as expensive, at $359.&nbsp;
As of last year, those costs had completely reversed. Wind and solar were $36 per MWh, whereas gas was $60.&nbsp;
As solar and wind energy improves and becomes more efficient, it also becomes cheaper. &nbsp;
Countries that invest in renewable energy will be protected from energy market fluctuations, as they will have a degree of self-reliance thanks to the energy they generate themselves. &nbsp;
Without a secure and reliable means of generating our energy, the UK will remain at the mercy of whoever is supplying the gas we need, meaning future energy crises will sadly be a certainty. Renewable energy can provide for everyone, ending our reliance on fossil fuels, and freeing us from energy anxiety. &nbsp;
Learn more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-green-energy">the future of green energy</a>, or learn about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/marine-sustainability-trends">sustainability in the marine sector</a> and <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/establishing-strategies-for-sustainable-aviation">how the aviation industry is becoming more sustainable</a>. &nbsp;

Renewable Energy: The Solution To The Energy Crisis

3D printing is one of the most innovative developments in manufacturing and engineering in recent years. It has helped reduce costs, increase efficiency, and help improve on existing designs across many different industries, including the aerospace, automotive, and even the medical fields. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Chinese company WinSun has 3D printed an entire building, and we may soon see even more incredible feats from this technology
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YzqGfJDdbDM" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
But how did it get started? And how has it changed over time?&nbsp;
<h2>How 3D printing has changed over the years&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>The birth of 3D printing&nbsp;</h3>
3D printing was originally conceptualised in Japan in the 1980s, thanks to Hideo Kodama, an engineer who created the technology to print layers of material resulting in a 3D product, but who was denied a patent. &nbsp;
In France, the French General Electric Company also created a similar method to create 3D objects, but the company didn&rsquo;t see a use for the technology and scrapped the project. &nbsp;&nbsp;
However, in the mid-1980s, an American engineer named Charles Hull created a prototype for a process called stereolithography (SLA). His design took acrylic-based materials and turned them from liquids to solids using ultraviolet light. He patented the SLA printer and is now often called the father of 3D printing. At this time, a 3D printer as it existed then cost around $300,000 to purchase. &nbsp;
<h3>The growth of 3D printing in the 1990s&nbsp;</h3>
Now that the foundation of 3D printing existed, other engineers and businesses began to innovate and expand on the technology. &nbsp;
New processes like micro casting allowed 3D printing to be used for metals, not just plastics, opening up new areas of production and manufacture, widening the use for the technology into new industries. &nbsp;&nbsp;
However, the cost of 3D printing was still expensive, limiting the technology to low-volume product design and creation. As such, it was a natural fit for prototyping and was used extensively in the <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/tag/aerospace-aviation">aerospace industry</a>.  &nbsp;
<h3>Low-cost printing&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
The biggest blocker to 3D printing going mainstream was the cost. In England, a professor named Adrian Bower designed and created a low-cost 3D printer, called the Darwin. Almost a fifth of its components could be 3D printed themselves, and the printer cost less than $750. Before long, they were all over the world. &nbsp;
They ceased to be only an option for businesses, with hobbyists and amateurs getting 3D printers at home, allowing them to design and create with ease.&nbsp;
Businesses could use the technology to generate new replacement parts faster than ordering them, meaning inventory shortages were no longer a concern. &nbsp;
By 2014, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2015/07/30/4-1-billion-industry-forecast-in-crazy-3d-printing-stock-market/?sh=2002c3f71631">the 3D printing industry generated over a billion dollars in revenue</a> and has only continued to grow since. &nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>3D printing and COVID-19&nbsp;</h3>
When the pandemic first hit, 3D printing played a key role in the fight against the virus. Ventilator components, respirator valves, and even protection equipment were created through 3D printing, allowing hospitals to create their supplies instead of relying on a supply chain that was stretched to breaking point. &nbsp;&nbsp;
3D printing has grown incredibly fast over the last two decades and will continue to play an important part in how we manufacture products at scale.&nbsp;
According to some estimates, <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/315386/global-market-for-3d-printers/">the global 3D printing market is expected to surpass 40 billion US dollars by 2024</a>. This is in part thanks to the ease with which we can now create complex components, but also for the incredible things we can now 3D print that would have been impossible to even imagine in the past: for example, we can now print viable human organs. &nbsp;
 With young engineers learning the technology early on in their careers, we&rsquo;ll likely see even more innovations in 3D printing in the future. &nbsp;
Read more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-best-supply-chain-innovations">supply chain innovations</a> like 3D printing, or learn about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-ways-manufacturing-engineering-businesses-have-diversified">how manufacturing has diversified</a>. &nbsp;

The Evolution of 3D Printing

Many factors go into deciding what industry to work in: salary, security, and satisfaction are just some of the most important elements to consider. Cyber security has them all and is one of the most attractive career fields for people looking for a job that utilizes technical knowledge, lateral thinking, and problem-solving skills. &nbsp;
It also lets you make a real impact and help keep people safe from cybercrime. Perhaps most importantly, there&rsquo;s never been a better time to get started in cyber security. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re thinking about what industry to start working in, or you&rsquo;re considering a change of career, cyber security could be the right move for you.&nbsp;
<h2 aria-level="2">Why computer security is a good industry to work in&nbsp;</h2>
<h3 aria-level="2">Computer security offers a good salary&nbsp;</h3>
For many people salary isn&rsquo;t the most important aspect of a job, but it&rsquo;s always something that needs to be considered. Cyber security always offers a good salary no matter where you work.&nbsp;
Given that computer skills require specialist education and training, the base salary for working in computer security is higher than average, usually between &pound;25,000 and &pound;35,000 depending on the size of the company, and this will rise as you gain experience and build a name for yourself in the field. &nbsp;
The <a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/cyber-security-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm">national average salary for someone working in cyber security</a> is &pound;44,000, and those that make it to the top of the industry can earn well over &pound;100,000 annually. &nbsp;
It&rsquo;s predicted that as competition becomes fiercer for top-level security experts, and threats become more sophisticated, the salary will also increase, so now is a great time to get into the cyber security industry if money is a motivator for you. &nbsp;
<h3 aria-level="2">Good job security&nbsp;</h3>
Besides salary, the security of a job is always worth considering. Luckily, cyber security has great job security. &nbsp;
Cybercrime is rising year on year and spiked dramatically during the pandemic. While this is bad news for businesses, it&rsquo;s great news for cyber security specialists, ensuring they&rsquo;re always in demand. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Some estimates claim the number of cybersecurity experts would need to more than double to meet the growing demands of the industry. Given that every business, no matter what industry they work in, has a digital element, every business is now at risk from some kind of cybercrime. This means that cyber security analysts will always be in demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;
At times, <a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/3120998/zero-percent-cybersecurity-unemployment-1-million-jobs-unfilled.html">cybersecurity has had a zero percent unemployment rate</a>, so it&rsquo;s an incredibly safe field to get started in if you want job security. &nbsp;
<h3 aria-level="2">Career flexibility&nbsp;</h3>
If you progress in cyber security you could work with some of the biggest companies in the world, and there will always be positions open if you feel like changing who you work for.&nbsp;
Of course, one of the benefits of a career in cyber security is that you don&rsquo;t necessarily have to stay at one company, you could freelance. Once you&rsquo;ve established yourself as an expert, you could consult for multiple different companies, having an impact on the wider cyber security landscape. &nbsp;
There are also different areas of security you could specialize in or move between throughout your career. Mobile security, blockchain, data recovery, there are many different elements of cyber security to understand and develop. &nbsp;
One of the main benefits of working in cyber security is that no two days will be the same. As the threats firms face are evolving all the time, there'll always be something new to learn and new issues to deal with, making the job dynamic, challenging, and rewarding. &nbsp;
79% of cybersecurity professionals agree that they are happy with their career choice, so it&rsquo;s a great industry to get involved in.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Read more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-cybersecurity-is-critical-with-offices-reopening">why cybersecurity is critical with offices reopening</a> or learn about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/cybersecurity-trends-and-predictions-for-2022">cybersecurity trends and predictions for 2022</a>.&nbsp;

Why You Should Consider A Career In Computer Security

We&rsquo;re living at a critical moment in the fight against climate change. &nbsp;
According to some estimates, emissions need to fall by 7.6% each year over the next decade to limit global warming to 1.5C. This is a huge undertaking, and every industry needs to play its part.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The aviation sector has come under scrutiny due to being a large contributor to global emissions.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In 2019, the global aviation industry was responsible for 12% of all transport-related CO2 emissions that year, over 900 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Realising things had to change, the aviation industry has made significant progress in fuel and CO2 efficiency, halving the amount of fuel used per flight compared to 1990. This has been achieved through technological advancement, as well as improvements in operations and infrastructure.&nbsp;
Each new generation of aircraft is roughly 15% more fuel-efficient, and manufacturers invest billions per year in research into greater efficiency. &nbsp;
The UK aviation industry has set decarbonisation targets of at least 15% by 2030, and 40% by 2040, which has reaffirmed its commitment to net-zero by 2050, a crucial target year for the entire industry. &nbsp;
But how will this be achieved?&nbsp;
<h2 aria-level="2">How the Aviation Industry can become more sustainable&nbsp;</h2>
<h3 aria-level="2">Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)&nbsp;</h3>
One of the easiest ways for the aviation industry to tackle its carbon footprint is by using a more sustainable fuel than traditional jet fuel. Luckily, a reliable fuel alternative has been in use for some time: Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF. While it doesn&rsquo;t have the most imaginative name, it works and is growing in popularity.&nbsp;
Part of what makes this fuel so powerful in the fight against emissions is that it doesn&rsquo;t require additional equipment or infrastructure investment, as it can be mixed with existing fuel. &nbsp;
This fuel isn&rsquo;t just cleaner than traditional fuel, it can be made from the by-products of other industries, so it helps recycle materials that might otherwise go to waste or cause harm. Sustainable Aviation Fuel also reduces the number of harmful particulates that are produced from air travel, such as SOx and NOx emissions.&nbsp;
If used alone, SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80%. In its pure form, however, it is not yet able to meet the standards set by the aviation industry, so it&rsquo;s blended with conventional jet fuel, helping to limit the carbon footprint of air travel. &nbsp;
Although the use of SAF is increasing in the aviation industry and is expected to become much more common in the future, it represents less than 1% of the types of aviation fuel currently in use by the industry. This is partially due to the cost: it is around four times more expensive than traditional fuel. It is also due to availability. SAF has to be manufactured, and while it is readily available in some locations, it has to be shipped to others. &nbsp;
This presents a problem since the environmental benefit of a &ldquo;green product&rdquo; such as SAF is diminished if it has to be transported long distances by truck before it can be used. Consuming SAF close to where it is produced is crucial for the aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s where &ldquo;book-and-claim&rdquo; comes in. This is an emerging practice in the aviation field, where SAF is purchased by one customer and used by another, helping to limit the environmental impact. &nbsp;
<h3 aria-level="2">Operational Improvements&nbsp;</h3>
Fuel is only one part of the equation, the way the planes are built, flown, and maintained is another.&nbsp;
New fleets are being made lighter, and more efficient. Even the way air traffic control operates is changing. Landing using a continuous descent instead of the more traditional method saves around 150kg of carbon dioxide per flight. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Even the wingtip devices can have an impact on the overall fuel efficiency of the plane, so every component, every technique, everything from the seats we sit into the cutlery we use is being optimised for sustainability. &nbsp;
<h3 aria-level="2">Government policies that incentivise carbon removal technologies&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
Aviation businesses have been looking at cutting their emissions for decades, but this comes at a massive cost to their bottom line. Government policies, incentives, and subsidies help ease the financial impact, making it easier for progress to be made faster than would be possible if the industry was working alone. &nbsp;&nbsp;
As such, the industry is asking for more support from governments around the world to help shoulder the cost of increased sustainability. &nbsp;
One such initiative is the international Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which has helped the industry make great leaps towards carbon neutrality. &nbsp;
When it comes to sustainability projects like electric cars and solar power, there have been landmark projects showing the effectiveness of government policies and subsidies in speeding up sustainable action, as well as aiding with widespread adoption. &nbsp;
More needs to be done on a national level to support airlines around the world, so we&rsquo;ll likely see more initiatives as we get closer to 2050 and governments begin to see the tangible benefits of supporting the aviation industry become more sustainable. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Read more about the aviation industry in our <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/aerospace-aviation-trends-report-2021/22">aviation trends report</a>, or learn about other <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-green-energy">sustainable energy sources</a>. &nbsp;

Establishing Strategies for Sustainable Aviation

Deciding between two job offers&nbsp;is not an easy task to perform. There are a lot of factors that one must observe before choosing between two job offers. You must pick the job that will bring them the most fulfilment and fit in best with your goals.&nbsp;
VHR's recruitment specialists will offer a complete guide about what to consider when deciding between two job offers.&nbsp;
<h3>Tips for Deciding Between Two Job Offers</h3>
Choosing between&nbsp;two job offers&nbsp;can be demanding and challenging, mainly when the jobs are similar. Making an informed selection can help you discover the most fulfilling place to work for you, and manage your career line. If you get two appealing job offers, you can select the one based upon your requirements and needs instead of merely accepting the first offered position. Check the below-mentioned guide when deciding on which&nbsp;job offer&nbsp;to take and which one to reject.&nbsp;
<h3>1.) Compare Both the Options</h3>
You can easily make an informed choice by directly comparing essential parts of each job, such as salary package and other job-related benefits. Consider both the constructive aspects and potential drawbacks of each position. Some of the essential things which you need to observe before making a decision are flexibility, commute, paid time off, location, schedule, company values, growth opportunities, job security, health insurance, company culture, and more.&nbsp;
<h3>2.) Observe Long-term Goals</h3>
When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-compare-great-job-offer-with-your-current-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deciding between two job offers</a>, spend your time identifying your own goals and values. Make sure the career path which you are planning to pick goes well with your lifestyle. Different people have different priorities. Some people are only concerned about salary and other job benefits whereas some want a job where they get pleasure from the culture and enjoy their time in the company. Evaluate your priorities and then make an informed decision.
<h3>3.) Do Proper Research about the Workplace</h3>
Don't forget to perform complete research about each workplace once you get an offer letter. Consider talking with people who presently work at each company and enquire about their working culture and environment. The former and current employees can present a helpful insight into how their employer shows admiration and supports office culture. Looking on such websites as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/member/home/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glassdoor</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://uk.trustpilot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TrustPilot</a>&nbsp;can also give anonymous reviews about the companies.&nbsp;
<h3>4.) Review the Company&rsquo;s Hiring Process</h3>
The hiring process also tells a lot about the company and its staff members. When selecting the job, review the hiring process of that particular institute and organisation. Recall your experience with the staff during the interview. The way they treated you during the interview can often specify how you will be treated on the job. So it is an essential factor to observe while selecting the job offer. The actions used while hiring a new employee can provide a great idea of how a particular organisation operates. In this case, your top priority is consistency and communication. You might pick a company that swiftly shared updates about your application over a business that was hard to reach and took a long time to present you with the job.
<h3>5.) Figure out Your Preferences</h3>
It is essential to classify the dimensions of the offer that are significant and related to your decision. For example, some organisations and companies provide excellent paternity and maternity leave policies to their employees, as well as onsite childcare. If this is your preference, then select the company that offers such services to you. Similarly, some companies have excellent bonus policies, summer Fridays off, stock options, and more. So it is essential to&nbsp;check all these points&nbsp;before making a decision.&nbsp;
<h3>6.) Listen to Your Gut Feeling</h3>
You must listen to your own gut feeling before deciding between two job offers. Do not overlook the red flags. If you feel like the environment is a little toxic and is not according to your personality, don&rsquo;t ignore it. Is your boss prompt with replies to all your queries? Do the staff members appreciate good ideas and not make you feel bad if you suggest something wrong or not according to mark? These are all the essential points to observe while making a decision. Go with your gut feeling while making a decision as it is correct most of the time and help us make the right choice.&nbsp;
<h3>7.) Make a Comparison Chart</h3>
If you are wondering how to choose between two jobs, the choice possibly isn&rsquo;t clear-cut. Both the job roles include pros and cons, and neither is superior to the other. One easy way to cut through the uncertainty is to list out an ordinary day in each role. You can ask yourself these crucial questions:
&middot; Who are the employees will I interact with in the company?
&middot; How are the office facilities and how long is the commute?
&middot; What are the working hours?
&middot; Does the job involve travel? And much more
Consider all the details of a typical day on the job, and imagine yourself going through the motions. If both jobs are analogous in all other respects, your preference could come to small detail, like a smaller commute or a more striking workplace, or slightly higher pay.
Are you currently looking for a new job?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/career-advice-for-engineers-in-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here's our advice on navigating your technical career in the year ahead.</a>
<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-stay-safe-when-working-abroad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here are some tips to ensure you are staying safe when traveling abroad.&nbsp;</a>

How to Decide Between Two Job Offers

Once you have achieved your engineering degree, the next step is to start looking for jobs that match your skills and experience. This can be a pretty daunting experience but it is important to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Before you begin applying for these jobs, you need to have a solid and compelling CV that showcases your skills and talent.&nbsp;
While engineering is undoubtedly one of the best fields in today&rsquo;s digital age, the competition in this area is pretty fierce. The only way to set yourself apart from other candidates is by preparing a killing CV.
VHR&rsquo;s recruitment specialists have compiled a list of a few things you must consider when preparing your graduate engineering CV. &nbsp;
<h3>Choosing the Right Format</h3>
Craft your CV in chronological order. It makes it easier for the potential employer to identify your skills and match them to the job description. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/combination-resume-example-and-writing-tips-2061951">combination format</a>&nbsp;is also a good option, as it allows you to highlight your most important skills. Most graduates do not have any experience in this industry unless they are lucky enough to land their first job before graduation or have completed an internship. So, the only information you may have to showcase is your expertise in the core subjects and relevant skills in other industry jobs. For the overall structuring of the CV, here are a few things to keep in mind:
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;Keep it easy-to-read.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Use readable fonts (no need for anything fancy).</li>
<li>&nbsp;Keep it short and straightforward (one-page long is most effective).</li>
<li>&nbsp;Bullet points are a great way to organise your writing and make your points stand out. </li>
</ul>
You don&rsquo;t always have to build your CV from scratch. Instead, you can use templates for the&nbsp;<a href="https://resume-example.com/engineer-student/">engineer student resume</a>&nbsp;or ask a recruiter to help you structure it. It makes it much easier for students to rephrase the already written sentences and bullet points with the relevant information suited to them and the jobs you are applying for.
<h3>Start with Your Contact Information</h3>
Contact details should be mentioned at the beginning. If the employer likes your CV and wants to contact you for the interview round, it must be easy for them to get in touch with you. Write your name and mention your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL. This makes your CV look more credible.&nbsp;
<h3>Write a Summary</h3>
A summary is on the top of the page, under your contact details. A summary or the objective states who you are, what you have studied, your main skills, where you have worked before, and why you are a perfect candidate for the vacancy in question. Keep it short, i.e. 3-4 sentences is enough. If you have any achievements or awards that make you a better candidate for the job, mention them in summary itself.
One of the common mistakes people are likely to make with their engineering CV is the informal and ambiguous summary. Don&rsquo;t use too many pronouns and fluff just to increase the length of this section. Keep it simple.
<h3>Academic Details</h3>
For students applying for the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-make-yourself-more-employable">first engineering job</a>, the academic experience is most likely the only speciality you have to showcase. So, make this section as detailed as possible, but avoid &lsquo;fluff&rsquo;. Start with your college/university, its location, and the universities it is affiliated with. Next, mention the courses you have completed from the college, extracurricular activities, and achievements.
Your academic background shows a lot about your skills, personality, and dedication. Do not list your primary and secondary schools, as that will be irrelevant to your job. Only mention your bachelor&rsquo;s and master&rsquo;s programs. Good grades, participation in extracurricular activities, any other certificates &amp; qualifications or involvement in voluntary programs are a few bonus points that can make your CV look better. Don&rsquo;t forget to mention the year you graduated and your GPA or grade.
<h3>List Your Experiences</h3>
If you have worked as an intern for a company or a part-time employee, add that to your CV. Past work experiences make a big difference to make you stand out from competition. Mention the organisation's name, the date of your joining, your title, and your responsibilities.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s fine if you don&rsquo;t have any work experience. You can use a voluntary job or an internship program that&rsquo;s relevant to the current position. Anything that shows your expertise and how you are a suitable candidate for the job will do. Mention the quantitative data wherever possible to make your application look more effective.
<h3>Achievements and Rewards</h3>
This additional section is another way to prove your credibility and skills. List your achievements and rewards. It doesn&rsquo;t have to be relevant to the job, but anything that can make your CV look better will be a good addition. For example, if you have worked as a leader or got nominated for the best speaker award, mention it. Similarly, if you took any voluntary job during graduation, mention it under this section.&nbsp;
<h3>Mention Your Skills</h3>
Both soft and hard skills are essential elements of any CV, especially for engineering students. For hard skills, you need to list the software or machines you have used. A few examples of hard skills are data analytics, prototyping, IT skills, testing, structural analysis, city planning, etc. You can also list the digital software you can use such as Adobe suite.
For the soft skill section, your communication, speaking, writing, listening, leadership skills are a few things that can leave an excellent first impression on your employer.
<h3>Use Proper Grammar and Structure</h3>
We have already mentioned the proper format for an engineering CV. The format doesn&rsquo;t have to be in chronological order, though it&rsquo;d be great if you could use a template to keep the order similar to the points listed above. Double-check the summary, objectives, educational background, and other details to ensure proper grammar and punctuation. Avoid pronouns (I, me, and we) and ensure you spell check your CV before sending to the employer.
&nbsp;It&rsquo;s essential to leave an excellent first impression on the recruiting team. You can only expect a call back when you manage to win the attention of the employer with your CV and job application. Remember that they probably have tons of CV&rsquo;s to check, and there&rsquo;s an excellent chance they will skim through your application if your engineering job CV looks too complex.&nbsp;
Looking for an Engineering job?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">Take a look at all of VHR&rsquo;s live jobs</a>.
<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/career-advice-for-engineers-in-2021">Here are four ways engineers can improve their career prospects in 2021.</a>

How to Create The Perfect CV as an Engineering Student

The concept of intermediaries' legislation status for national insurance and tax law is issued by HMRC. There will not be any changes in the<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/ir35">&nbsp;IR35 tax law</a>&nbsp;in the future; however, the rules relevant to that status will keep on updating from time to time.&nbsp;
VHR's specialists reflect on the first quarter of IR35 and the changes that have been as a result of the legislation.
<h3>&nbsp;The Changes and Effects of IR35 on Contractors/Businesses-</h3>
IR35 is known as "intermediaries&rsquo; legislation.&rdquo; It is a tax law issued by HMRC. The benefit of this tax law is to prevent automated contractors from the captivating unfair advantage of constructive taxation by providing services through a partial corporation or some other means.
The independent contractor or businesses must understand the allegations of IR35 tax law entirely to report easily and pay taxes correctly. It will help them in saving from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accountsportal.com/blog/how-to-disagree-with-a-tax-decision-by-hmrc">penalties from HMRC</a>.
<h3>What is IR35?</h3>
IR35 is a tax law that was first introduced in 2000. The purpose of IR35 is to gather employment grade income tax and national insurance from businesses and contractors who are working independently and have set up their own business or company. Running an independent business can facilitate contractors to be taxed as a business, not as an employee.&nbsp;IR35 aims&nbsp;to spot all those contractors. Previously, for suppliers working through their services business, the individual who determined whether an agreement was outside or inside IR35 was the supplier themselves.&nbsp;
However, from 6th April 2021, it is the responsibility of the end client to check things properly. Ne must achieve status fortitude by reviewing the day-to-day functioning practices of each of their suppliers and deciding whether each supplier is inside or outside of IR35. If some supplier or contractor is working as a worker of the end client, the client could conclude that the contractor is inside of IR35. Similarly, if some supplier or contractor is working as an independent consultant, the client could determine that the contractor is outside IR35. In case the status determination is inside of IR35, the fee financier, who is the person that pays the contractor's unique service company, must remove national insurance and employment status income tax as if the supplier was a member of staff.
<h3>Workers Affected by IR35-</h3>
IR35 affects two main types of workers. It includes&nbsp;freelancers and independent contractors. The freelancers are similar to independent contractors as both are handling their business independently, but the freelancers offer a variety of services to clients on an "as needed" basis.&nbsp;
On the other hand, independent contractors are self-employed people who provide services through a limited company or other comparable business. It doesn't matter how you are offering your services to people. If you are working as a freelancer or an independent contractor, you will get affected.&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp;Workers not Affected by IR35-</h3>
The individuals who receive and payroll compensation monthly and work as permanent employees in some business or company are not affected by IR35. The reason is that such individuals are already paying tax payments. The individuals working as temporary employees and providing services straightforwardly to some businesses do not fall in this tax law category.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>How Could IR35 Benefit your Business?</h3>
According to media reports, the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-is-ir35-and-how-does-it-impact-businesses-and-contractors">IR35 rollout</a>&nbsp;to the secretive segment is a bad idea. The IR35 legislation will undoubtedly bring a lot of different challenges. If a person can handle all such challenges correctly, it could be helpful to businesses. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gattacaplc.com/IR35-update-finance-bill">latest Finance Bill</a>, the Government is hauling on with the transformation, full steam ahead. So, anyone who still has some hope that the Government can change its decision must accept it so that they cannot get disappointed later on. However, as much of the commentary around IR35 seems to be doom, we perceive IR35 as a prospect for our customers, our suppliers, and the business to make optimistic changes.&nbsp;
Some of the important reasons that explain how IR35 could&nbsp;benefit your business&nbsp;are as follows:
<h3>1.) Provides a Deep Knowledge of Things</h3>
For one thing, the new obligation of deciding 'inside/outside' status powers organisations to do something vital: distinguish your contingent workforce. We work with numerous customers who don't have the foggiest idea of how to catch the divergent administration of unexpected laborers across their business, and IR35 expects you to do this.&nbsp;
Assessing how your organisation draws in unexpected specialists, as well as how much you&rsquo;ve got and how much you splurge on them, is a good fixation. Information is power: the new legislation gives a chance to review your assets and guarantees you have the proper cycles set up to help your business while becoming IR35 compliant. &nbsp;
<h3>2.) Engage the Best Talent</h3>
After the changes, unforeseen laborers will still satisfy an essential job in your business. You need the best workers for hire, who can offer the most benefit to your work.
Organisations with a groundbreaking way to deal with IR35 and the commitment of their unforeseen laborers are probably going to capitalise on the changes. In contrast, others will hazard both non-compliance and unfortunate admittance to the contingent workers' community.&nbsp;
While contenders are scrabbling about to figure out their way to deal with IR35, you could turn into a magnet for the best off-payroll talent. They will be hoping to work with associations with a straightforward, agreeable IR35-related process.
<h3>&nbsp;How has the technical industry adapted to IR35?</h3>
From April 2020, it gets compulsory for the private sector companies to define their workers&rsquo; status as self-employed or employed. IR35 makes technical companies serious about getting a thorough process in place to determine their workers' employment status effectively. It is observed that IR35 helps in reducing jobseekers seeking contracting roles. It opens up direct employment opportunities for people in It-industry and more. The companies now attract young individuals by offering flexible working hours, different graduate schemes, and ongoing training sessions.&nbsp;
The difficulty with taxation changes and a large number of companies and businesses see them as unfavourable. The same is the case with IR35. The IR35 law has caused agitation for independent organisations and contractors but has numerous benefits associated with it. It provides the ability to people to earn more in less time. Because of IR35, the companies agree to a specific budget which leads to a defined timeline. This approach helps contractors to&nbsp;complete the task correctly on time and move towards the next more quickly.
Are you a Contractor?&nbsp;<a href="https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/3329963/IR35%20A%20Contractors%20Guide%202021.pdf">Download our Contractor's Guide</a>&nbsp;and read more about the next steps regarding IR35.
Are you an Employer?&nbsp;<a href="https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/3329963/IR35%20A%20Clients%20Guide%202021.pdf">Download our Client's Guide</a> and discover the next steps to staying compliant.&nbsp;

The Changes and Effects of IR35 on Contractors/Businesses

The fashion industry has long claimed that a look comes back every twenty years. Today, it rings true, both on the catwalk as well as the tech world.
In the eighties and nineties, tech firms were creating a variety of solutions,&nbsp;<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/10/us/90s-technology-fads-trnd/index.html">some clunky</a>, some downright bizarre. Amid all that, there was the occasional, bright spark that was often&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocket-lint.com/gadgets/news/148030-weird-and-wonderful-tech-concepts-that-were-before-their-time">ahead of its time</a>&nbsp;or worked so well they continue to be used almost three decades later.
Today, there are plenty of instances where the underlying infrastructure is still based on the advancements of the eighties and nineties. Surprisingly, this can be seen even in today&rsquo;s biggest technological focus &ndash; automation.
VHR&rsquo;s Technology and Cyber recruitment specialists take a closer look at how old technology has influenced new automation.
<h3>Cloud platforms are based on old protocols</h3>
Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) was created as a low-overhead protocol that could accommodate the CPU and bandwidth limitations that plagued the early development of PCs and networking.
In short, it was designed to offer an effective and reliable communication path.
It was initially developed as a proprietary protocol to make communication easier with SCADE systems in the oil and gas industry. However, its ease of connectivity has led to it being the leading protocol for connecting IoT and IIoT devices.
This ease of use makes it simple to add value and easily bring new benefits to a myriad of industries including smart energy, smart manufacturing and more. The end result was a solution that eclipsed the normal end to end connection and created one that decoupled data users from data producers.
Compared to other protocols, MQTT has many advantages that make it well suited for cloud applications.
For instance, being event driven, MQTT clients only send data when specific conditions are met. Due to this, devices save on battery consumption and energy. Additionally, only one way communication is required for data transmissions.
MQTT also offers many to many communication. Thanks to this publish-subscribe model, machines are required to only create a connection with the broker and do not have to directly connect to each other, saving time on authentication. And with only the broker required to handle all communication, developers and businesses enjoy a more reliable data connection.
As with all things Internet, security is an important consideration and it&rsquo;s an aspect MQTT excels at. The protocol supports passwords and account names, helping prevent unauthorized users from connecting and subscribing. With additional support for TLS encryption, data transmissions are largely free of hacking worries.
<h3>The very concept of cloud computing</h3>
Long before &ldquo;cloud computing&rdquo; was a buzz, large scale organizations were already using big data, IoT and real time monitoring &ndash; albeit in comparatively primitive form.
Salesforce successfully integrated Cloud Computing in 1999, using the Internet to deliver software to buyers. This program could be downloaded by any user or business with Internet.
Three years later, Amazon debuted its&nbsp;<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/02/andy-jassys-brief-history-of-the-genesis-of-aws/">internet-based retail services</a>. Not only was Amazon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/23/17970466/amazon-prime-shopping-behavior-streaming-alexa-minimum-wage">among the first</a>&nbsp;to step into that space but it was also at the forefront in solving the issue of using only 10% of their computing capacity. The Cloud Computing Infrastructure Model, although in its infancy, gave Amazon the flexibility in effectively maximizing computer capacity. This would be soon adopted by other large organizations and serve as a framework even in 2021.
The road for the future of automation has already been paved; today it&rsquo;s all about refining and developing the existing software and hardware to suit our requirements.
<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-automation">Find out more about the future of automation.</a>
<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">Looking for a Technology or Cyber Security job? Take a look at VHR&rsquo;s openings.</a>

Back to the Future: How Old Technology is Inspiring Automation’s Future

Aerospace&nbsp;and Aviation generates 2% of the world&rsquo;s carbon emissions, with one flight producing&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/aircraft-design-challenges-and-solutions-for-2020">more CO2</a>&nbsp;than the average human produces in one year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Airports are exceeding or reaching capacity due to the increased demand and accessibility of business and leisure travel. In an aim to reverse the climate change caused by the sector&rsquo;s emissions, the United Nations have targeted airlines globally to monitor their CO2 emissions as part of the Pairs Agreement and regularly review emissions to identify reductions, and the UK&rsquo;s Sustainable Aviation Commission industry&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/feb/04/uk-air-industry-sets-zero-carbon-target-despite-70-more-flights">recently pledged</a>&nbsp;to cut net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.&nbsp;
Made even more difficult by Covid-19. The pandemic has set new hygiene and safety standards for the year ahead, and these requirements are sure to continue into the near future as increased globalisation prepares international leaders to expect other contagious disease outbreaks. Necessary cabin decontamination will use additional energy and water utilities for every flight, airport sanitisation will be made possible through the use of various chemicals, and disposable products that protect travellers and employees from cross-contamination will build up a high volume of excess waste.&nbsp;
&nbsp;However, many Aviation leaders and sector specialists are already stepping up to the challenge. Here are five ways that carriers can meet sustainability targets whilst maintaining business continuity and protecting passengers and crew.&nbsp;
<h3>5 Environmentally Sustainable Aviation Innovations&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>1. Biofuels&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;
Aircraft fuels are one of the largest culprits for Aviation pollution, and rising fuel prices have been attributed as a major factor in the collapse of multiple airlines around the world in recent years. The EU&rsquo;s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/aviation_en">Corsia</a>) aims to stabilise CO2 emissions at 2020 levels. The measures will be voluntary until 2027, after which European counties and their airlines will be targeted to reduce or offset their emissions &ndash; and fuel innovation could provide the solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Biofuels created from renewable energy sources and more environmentally-friendly materials are becoming a more popular investment across the industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportenvironment.org/publications/role-electrofuel-technologies-europes-low-carbon-transport-future">Electrofuels</a>&nbsp;such as power-to-liquid are a potential source of zero or lower carbon alternatives. Sustainable Aviation fuels could&nbsp;<a href="https://aviationbenefits.org/environmental-efficiency/climate-action#:~:text=Sustainable%20aviation%20fuels%20have%20great,systems%20or%20engines%20of%20aircraft.">reduce CO2 emissions by 80%</a>&nbsp;compared with fossil fuels, without the need to radically change the fuel supply systems or engines of aircraft, presenting a mutually beneficial situation for environment, legislators, manufacturers and airlines in terms of compliance and cost.&nbsp;
<h3>2. Reducing Flight Times &nbsp;</h3>
The European Commission set new performance times for air journeys in 2019 with the aim of increasing efficiencies and decreasing pollution through shorter flight times. The EU Transport Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/news/2019-05-29-targets-improve-air-traffic_en">advises</a>, &lsquo;The average actual distance flown by aircraft should be shortened by an additional 0.2 percentage point as compared to the target for 2019. This would improve flight efficiency, reducing fuel burn, and thus avoid a large amount of CO2 emissions per year.&rsquo;&nbsp;
 Shortening flying times by just one minute saves&nbsp;<a href="https://aviationbenefits.org/environmental-efficiency/climate-action#:~:text=Sustainable%20aviation%20fuels%20have%20great,systems%20or%20engines%20of%20aircraft.">at least 100kg</a>&nbsp;of CO2 per flight. Boeing are currently&nbsp;<a href="https://simpleflying.com/worlds-fastest-aircraft/">leading the way</a>&nbsp;with Research and Development, aiming to release the next fastest plane in the world before the end of 2024, and pursuing the ambitious mission of building planes that can travel from London to New York in under two hours. &nbsp;
<h3>3. Air Traffic Management Efficiencies&nbsp;</h3>
&nbsp;
The Single European Sky (SES) concept, created to reform the continent&rsquo;s air traffic management systems using cross-country collaboration in an aim to increase capacity, safety, sustainability and efficiencies, has been hotly contested but now appears increasingly welcome. More flexible airspace management using combined efforts are aiming to help address the high numbers of flight delays: in June 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://flightchic.com/2019/12/07/europe-moves-towards-greener-skies-with-ses-regulation/">over 210,000 flights</a>&nbsp;(20% of all flights) were delayed, with delays lasing 17 minutes on average.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As global passenger traffic is predicted to double in the next 20 years, to double by 2037, air traffic management efficiencies are vital to meeting passenger demand whilst minimising the environmental impact of a greater volume of flights. That will require the innovation of air navigation service providers, better communication between national jurisdictions, the integration of unmanned systems, infrastructure upgrades and the full digitisation of air traffic management. &nbsp;
IATA reports that the implementation of SES over the next 15 years could accommodate 50% more flights than the total number of air journeys operated in 2017, whilst simultaneously cutting a staggering 18 million tonnes of Europe&rsquo;s CO2 every year.&nbsp;
<h3>4. 3D Printing&nbsp; </h3>
Manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing have&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/3d-printing-can-change-the-aviation-industry">already begun using 3D Printing</a>&nbsp;to create thousands of flying and non-flying parts. As some airplane parts can weigh up to a third less than traditional metal components, 3D technology could significantly reduce the weight of planes, requiring less fuel and therefore reducing pollution.&nbsp;
The rapid prototyping of 3D printing also means faster build and maintenance processes, creating further efficiencies, and significantly reducing waste. The reduction in error when designing and building parts also aids any necessary redesign, further reducing the volume wasted energy or materials, and delivering cost savings which could free up funds for environmental and further efficiency investment.&nbsp;
<h3>5. Green Planes&nbsp;</h3>
Following the revolutionary technological advancements of the Automotive and Engineering industries, which have seen such innovation as electric and autonomous vehicles and robotic design and manufacturing using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the&nbsp;Aerospace&nbsp;&amp; Aviation industry has been investing into the research and testing of new technologies to solve the sustainability challenge.&nbsp;
After displaying the new model at the Paris Air Show in June 2019, the world&rsquo;s first all-electric commuter aircraft is set to launch later in 2020. Returning from a difficult start to the year, which saw implementation delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and the destruction of a prototype in a fire,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eviation.co/">Eviation&rsquo;s Alice</a>&nbsp;aims to signal the aircraft evolution of the future with affordable, sustainable air travel for all. &nbsp; 
The so-called &lsquo;green plane&rsquo; will run on an efficient power system run by a combination of batter and propellers that reduce noise and fuel pollution, and utilises a streamlined supply chain that reduces waste. The smaller design empowers the aircraft with aerodynamic flight and fast speeds across 1,000km distances.&nbsp;
Earlier this year, Automotive giants Rolls Royce&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/electric-hybrid/rolls-royce-reveals-300mph-electric-aircraft.html">released the first model</a>&nbsp;from their ACCEL (Accelerating the Electrification of Flight) Project which aimed to build the fastest electric plane in history.&nbsp;Rolls Royce partnered Motorsport innovators Formula E to design the plane&rsquo;s advanced 6,000-cell yet featherlight battery, which is reported to be the most powerful and energy-dense battery ever used for an aircraft. The single seater aircraft should be able to reach speeds of 300 miles per hour (beating current records of 210mph) through an all-electric powertrain generating 750 volts and a propeller powered by three motors that generates 500 horsepower.&nbsp;
 The 90% efficient plane will reduce fuel consumption and therefore pollution through shorter journeys, and the aircraft will generate its own data that can be analysed to further improve efficiencies and inform the next generation of green plane design. Rolls Royce are looking to incorporate electrical energy into their long-term strategy over the coming decades, and could pave the way for sustainable manufacturing and operations across the transport sectors.&nbsp;
Discover&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/4-award-winning-aviation-companies-the-story-of-their-successes">4 Award-Winning Airlines and Airports and the Stories Behind Their Success</a>. &nbsp;
&nbsp;Find out more about our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/about-us/">specialist Aviation recruitment services</a>.

How Airlines Can Meet Sustainability Targets

The world is moving from manual work towards automatic work as it has been found that robotic automation is fast, accurate, and reliable. Robotics protect the employees in the industry from any type of risky, difficult, or dangerous tasks.
Robotic automation in the automotive industry can be installed for speeding up the manufacturing process as well as the rate of production. VHR&rsquo;s F1 recruitment specialists look at how robotic automation is affecting the Formula One and Automotive Industry.
&nbsp;
<h2>Automotive Automation in F1</h2>
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-teams/">Formula 1 automobile manufacturers</a>&nbsp;attempted to create a fully functional self-driving vehicle. There is no doubt that autonomous cars are already present in our lives with Advanced Driving Assisting Systems. Formula 1 cars are a pinnacle of automobile racing, and the best drivers around the world participate to race the most advanced open-cockpit cars ever built.&nbsp;
In present years, F1 has become a double-tier competition with six cars only, which are built-up by three brands, including Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari. The automatic process is being used by almost all of the manufacturers in the automotive industry, including:
<ul>
<li>
Mobile robots&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Three-dimensional printers&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Robot manipulators
</li>
<li>
Object sorters&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Automated machine adjustments&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Robotic wheel loading&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Different technologies that are based on robotic automation, as well as AI (artificial intelligence), help us to make the processing more efficient, accurate, feasible, and stable.
&nbsp;
<h2>Advancements in Automotive Assembly Stations</h2>
The automotive industry predominantly consists of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.madehow.com/Volume-1/Automobile.html">assembly stations</a>&nbsp;which include engine shop, welding shop, final assembly shop, and paint shop. Various autonomous robots are used in welding shops. They are used to weld different parts of an automobile. This process is pre-set in the algorithm of a robot which is used to analyze the metal. The robot welds it at a particular place without any error. Metal parts are then coated with the help of an anti-rusting material to make an automobile resistant to corrosion or rust. The Assembly line takes the materials into a tank, and a machine dips a part of it, making sure that the chemical is completely exposed to every corner of an automobile. Then the parts are painted well and are sent to final assembly stations where are all the components are assembled using robots.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Advantages Of Robotic Automation</h2>
Robotic automation has many&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-smart-technology-will-transform-the-automotive-industry-in-2020">positive impacts on formula one cars and the automotive industry:</a>
<ul>
<li>
Autonomous vehicles have very high speeds and have a narrow width to keep the assembly line short.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Formula one vehicles are stated to be safer when compared to standard vehicles.
</li>
<li>
The introduction of robotic automation has eliminated errors due to human distractions and tiredness.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Wide operation ranges are made well-structured, making sure safety and accessibility and allowing the robots to keep the downtime at minimal levels. Challenging processes, for example, casting processes, have a lot of minor details and are very difficult to obtain from manual processes. However, robotic automation has made it easy for us to deal with difficult tasks.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Dual-arm allows a robot to work at different movements simultaneously.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
The triple arm robotic concept has also been introduced as it is reliable and capable of performing different operations at an assembly line.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
It reduces labour which helps to save salaries, and these systems act as a cashback source.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
All of the formula one cars have been manufactured having a high degree of precision and accuracy without any dimensional errors.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>Drive Your Automotive Team to Be The Best&nbsp;</h3>
Having difficulty in finding engineers to join your team? Discover&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-hire-top-quality-engineers-after-covid-19">3 Innovative Ways to Hire Skilled Engineers in 2021</a>.
Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-recruit-internationally-after-brexit">Guide to International Recruitment After Brexit</a>.&nbsp;

Impacts of Robotic Automation on Formula 1 and Automotive Industry

Stepping out of permanent employment and into the world of contracting can be a big change &ndash; It can often require learning a host of new skills to remain competitive and find success.
Are you a technical contractor looking to thrive in your next venture? This article will tell you how.&nbsp;
<h1> What is a Technical Contractor?&nbsp;</h1>
Technical contractors have the responsibility to bring the necessary experience and expertise to a company. They assist with the over management of a specific project, including both development and deployment.&nbsp;
When working as a technical contractor, a typical role will consist of supporting a wider team. This means being a key figure in a project&rsquo;s planning, building formation through to completion.&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp;The Ability To Adapt To Change</h3>
If you aren&rsquo;t particularly fond of change, becoming a technical contractor may not be suitable for you.
As a technical contractor,&nbsp;no two days are the same. Therefore, you must be able to face change with confidence, adapting your skills to the environment you are in.
Being adaptable to change is one of the most important skills a technical contractor can have, helping you not only hit the ground running but grow your business successfully from the ground up.
<h3>Excellent People Skills</h3>
As a technical contractor, the person who needs to recommend your services to other people is you. The best technical contractors have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/improving-communication.html">excellent communication skills</a>&nbsp;and dedicate time to those important one-to-one conversations.
As the building contractors at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southernsheeting.co.uk/">Southern Sheeting</a>&nbsp;put it, excellent people skills are vital when trying to nail down repeat business. They state: &ldquo;Many customers come back to us time and time again and appreciate the one-to-one personal contact we offer through our work.&rdquo;
As such, having good people skills will help you go a long way. Leaving a lasting impression on people everywhere you go will help you to build a reputation. So, if you want to succeed as a technical contractor, learning how to engage effectively with different people in different environments is essential.
<h3>Solving Problems</h3>
As a technical contractor, your employers will expect you to find solutions to their problems &ndash; both quickly and efficiently.
Therefore, if you are a naturally solution-orientated person, contracting could be the perfect next step in your career journey. Solving problems quickly and to a high standard is a great skill to have, encouraging employers to hire your services again and again.
<h3>Take The Reins&nbsp;</h3>
Being a technical contractor takes initiative &ndash; after all, you are the one who is in control of your career progression. So, to remain competitive, you need to stay up to date with the developments, training courses, and certifications in your industry.
Having the right knowledge is just as important as having the expertise, particularly when it comes to your business succeeding over the coming years. Taking the reins in your business development will help ensure that you have always got new work lined up.
<h3>You Have To Be Organised</h3>
As a technical contractor, you can&rsquo;t leave all the admin tasks to someone else. Instead, you will be responsible for all the invoices, tax payments, payroll, and pensions.
For someone who is not as naturally organised, the behind-the-scenes elements of contracting can be something to get used to. So, it is important to be as organised as you can. It requires planning and, often, a little bit of overtime.
<h3>Cold Pitch With Confidence</h3>
Nobody likes to shout about how great they are but, to gain new business, you need to learn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freestyleaccounting.com/resources/contractor-articles-and-factsheets/contracting-advice/6-steps-to-marketing-yourself-as-a-contractor/">how to market yourself effectively</a>. Fortunately, there are many great ways to do this and a key one of them is cold pitching.
While it may take confidence and a bit of thick skin, cold pitching is a great way to reach out to companies or people you want to work for.
Take the time earlier on to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-write-a-great-cv">perfect your CV</a>&nbsp;and brush up on your interviewing skills. That way, you&rsquo;ll be able to succeed at cold pitching to your dream clients much sooner.
<h3>Do Not Be Shaken By Insecurity</h3>
While contractors have the freedom to set their own hours and take on projects they want to work on, the downside can be job uncertainty.
Unfortunately, in contracting, there are never any guarantees. Not all technical contractors have regular work they can rely on. It can be easy to be shaken by financial insecurity.
As a technical contractor, you will need to remain confident in times of uncertainty. When your monthly income fluctuates slightly, or you don&rsquo;t have another project lined up yet, you need to remain positive.
<h3>Final Thoughts&hellip;</h3>
We hope the above insights have given you some great tips to get started as a technical contractor.
By following the advice outlined in this article, you will likely nail down plenty of work.&nbsp;
&nbsp;However, during some of your quieter weeks, it is important to remember that a technical contractor shows their grit by staying confident and unshaken in difficult times &ndash; do this, and you&rsquo;ll reap the many&nbsp;<a href="https://medium.com/swlh/5-surprising-benefits-of-working-as-a-contractor-300196e3fc81">benefits of working as a contractor</a>&nbsp;in no time.&nbsp;
<h3>Looking for a new job?&nbsp;</h3>
VHR&rsquo;s team of recruitment consultants is made up of former technical professionals, including Aerospace Engineers, Formula 2 drivers, and international yacht racing champions. Our personal experiences mean we understand your industry, your career path, and the best ways to navigate the challenges and opportunities you will encounter in the coming year &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/candidate-area/">get in touch with us</a>&nbsp;to find out how we could help you.
Browse and apply for all&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">our technical job opportunities around the world</a>.

The Skills Needed To Work As A Technical Contractor

In 2009, 3 years after securing a long term partnership with Etihad Airways (UAE&rsquo;s national airline) there was a shortage of Aircraft Cabin Technicians (ACTs) &ndash; a crucial and rare Aviation skillset. Etihad had become the World&rsquo;s fastest growing airline in part due to prioritising their Cabin to attract travellers across economy, business and first class cabins. Etihad&rsquo;s problem was that Emirates and Qatar Airways were also prioritising Cabin&rsquo;s and searching for the same skills. The approach of all 3 airlines had been to hire ever more expensive European cabin technicians. Staff retention became an increasing issue as did cost due to a wage spiral. &nbsp;
A new approach was required if Etihad were to recruit the amount people that they required. VHR persuaded Etihad to adopt a sustainable approach to their ACT workforce. The aim of VHR&rsquo;s programme was to:
<ol>
<li>To create a skilled workforce to solve the initial and future skills shortage</li>
<li>To reduce the associated manpower costs whilst maintaining ethical practices and a quality workforce</li>
<li>To increase worker retention rates</li>
<li>To improve workforce planning and create a talent pool</li>
</ol>
VHR scoured the world to source workers with excellent English language skills (communication is paramount to Aviation safety) and identified the Philippines, where individuals have excellent English languages skills and which has a large Aerospace industry (resulting from WW2 and American influence). In addition Filipino nationals are culturally comfortable with working overseas for extended periods.
&nbsp;After securing a source location for skills VHR identified a training provider in the form of Lufthansa Technik Philippines whom had a large facility in Manila.
Etihad and VHR then spent several months designing a training course in conjunction with Lufthansa Technik. The course was designed to take airframe and engine mechanics and to train them into cabin maintenance mechanics on advanced wide body jet aircraft. The 6-week course included 12 modules and exams and practical experience on Etihad seats which were specially shipped to Lufthansa&rsquo;s facility. Each course was designed to accommodate 25 students.
VHR identified a local recruitment partner (legal requirement in Philippines) to organise a series of recruitment roadshows. Initially 60 candidates were recruited, referenced and put through a medical to ensure they were fit to work and would pass entry requirement to the UAE.
The first course commenced in August 2009 with 25 students graduating in late September 2009. VHR covered all the tuition costs.
In October 2009 VHR deployed the first 25 newly qualified ACTS to Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. Each ACT was provided with an initial 3-year contract with VHR, a salary of between 7-10 times the salary they received in Philippines, free good quality accommodation in shared apartments inclusive of bills and Wi-Fi, free transport to/from work. In addition each ACT received an annual leave ticket back to Manila.
VHR partnered Etihad management on performance monitoring and additional training. VHR and Etihad provided continuous professional training throughout the duration of each ACT&rsquo;s contract with VHR.
To date VHR has run 22 training courses for Etihad training 550 people. This success of this programme was then used as the basis for a similar programmes in Czech Republic and Malta that has trained and employed in excess of 450 workers.
VHR&rsquo;s sustainable workforce programmes have trained, up-skilled&nbsp; and secured employment for just over 1,000 aircraft workers for 5 clients in 3 countries since 2009. This represents 9% of all the workers VHR have found employment for since VHR started trading in 2003. &nbsp;The average worker retention rate for our sustainable programmes is more than 90%.
&ldquo;VHR&rsquo;s innovative aircraft cabin technician program has been integral to the success of Etihad Airways Cabin Maintenance Department and the product we offer our guests. I can thoroughly recommend VHR, they provide a quality and professional service and consistently go the extra mile.&rdquo; - Jeff Wilkinson CEO Etihad Airways Engineering
If you would like more information on how VHR can tailor a sustainable workforce programme for your organisation please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hello@v-hr.com">hello@v-hr.com.</a>

Creating a Sustainable Workforce in the UAE

The Civil Engineering sector has experienced a decade like never before. With investment ramping up, new technologies launched, globalisation increasing and new markets emerging, the industry was full speed ahead before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
Below VHR&rsquo;s Civil Engineering recruitment specialists reveal the latest market challenges, trends and predictions for the coming decade.
<h2>10-Year Global Civil Engineering Outlook</h2>
<h3>1. Market Size and Share</h3>
Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, the global Civil Engineering market size was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/civil-engineering-market">valued at $7.74 trillion</a>&nbsp;in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2021 to 2028. Construction services led the market and accounted for more than a 27% share of the sector&rsquo;s global revenue in 2020. The market share was maintained through increasing demand for high quality, sustainable transport projects to tackle growing populations and the traffic and pollution challenges this creates.
Emerging economies and expanding populations around the world will require rapid enhancements to roads, railways, buildings and power supplies to meet increasing need. Increasing consumer disposable income amongst the emerging middle classes in several growing economies will drive real estate and housing market booms for the next decade. Increasing urban populations in Asia Pacific will drive industrial manufacturing demand and residential property demand in China, India and South Korea until 2028.
Climate change targets enforced by the European Union and United Nations will drive investment in green bonds and environmentally friendly construction and infrastructure projects. Planning and design services are projected to see the fastest CAGR of the sector in the next seven years, due to increasing prioritisation of integration of design and construction processes.
<h3>2. Impact of Covid-19 in the Short-Term and in the Future</h3>
The immediate impacts of the coronavirus pandemic were similar to many other industries: project cancellations, supply chain delays and inefficiencies resulting from lockdown and social distancing measures. Deferral of investment plans is set to continue in the short-term &ndash; PwC&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/crisis-solutions/covid-19/engineering-construction-post-covid-world.html">latest survey</a>&nbsp;found that 81% of Chief Financial Officers across industries are considering cost reductions in response to the crisis, with 60% planning to defer or cancel investments in areas such as facilities, operations, technology and equipment. Construction start-ups and SMEs have been and will be particularly vulnerable to bankruptcy due to the standard lack of capital reserves. Financial stability will remain the priority for most construction and civil businesses in the next three years, with innovation temporarily shelved in favour of close budget balancing and customer retention.
Ways of working must be adapted and workers must upskill to incorporate new technology into Engineering processes and effectively manage teams who cannot occupy the same physical space. &lsquo;Working remotely with good digital infrastructure might be easy for designers, consultants, educators and students but more difficult for large construction site workers and network maintenance operators,&rsquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/ice-community-blog/april-2020/how-civil-engineering-can-adapt-to-covid19-crisis">says Bachar Hakim</a>, Head of Pavement Design and Asset Management &amp; Transportation at AECOM. &lsquo;The first priority is to improve the digital infrastructure and communication skills, followed by offsite construction and automation.&rsquo;
&nbsp;
<h3>3. Smarter Cities</h3>
Homeworking is set to remain popular with workers across industries who have enjoyed a lack of commute, increased productivity and more time to focus on family and home life. The majority of office-based work is set to shift to a hybrid model, involving a balance between professional buildings and working from home.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-54907237">One in four</a>&nbsp;businesses had already cut office space by November last year. FTSE Financial Services companies are first in line, with insurance giant Aviva announcing in March 2021 that it would cut office space by 30% this year, and HSBC, Standard Chartered, Lloyds Bank and Metro Bank have all announced plans to dramatically reduce office space before 2025.
Large cities like London are predicted to transform in the next decade: skyscrapers are set to become increasingly redundant, with the look, feel and function of all working spaces redesigned to reflect the evolving needs of their inhabitants. Post-pandemic workplaces will focus more on providing a positive environment that feeds a company culture of hybrid workers from all backgrounds, that inspires creativity and facilitates real teamwork. Physical workspaces will no longer resemble the office blocks of the past, but will be more complex to design, build and maintain, with breakout rooms, gathering spots, rest and hygiene areas and training facilities.
The reduced demand for office space will enable bigger cities to develop more residential spaces. Town and city centres will become multicultural hubs for both living and working, with more green areas, space for families and exercise, and entertainment and shopping facilities. Civil Engineering and Infrastructure companies will see their products and services rapidly evolving to meet the changing needs of communities and industries.
&nbsp;
<h3>4. Shift to Contract Workforce</h3>
In recent years, the news of the impending IR35 legislation changes has caused much debate on whether temporary labour will be consigned to history. The introduction of IR35 off-payroll laws into the private sector will require all UK businesses employing contractors, freelancers or interim staff to increase investment in legal administration and ramp up focus on workforce compliance rather than risk &pound;millions in fines. &nbsp;Whilst the additional admin and resource burdens will negatively impact both employer and contractor, IR35 will not see the end of temporary labour &ndash; and contracting will in fact continue to grow, particularly in Civil Engineering and Infrastructure.
Engineering contractors present the perfect solution for businesses that have recently made redundancies and are cautious about committing to long-term workforce investments. Engineering and Infrastructure providers will be more in demand than ever before as communities reopen and telecommuting becomes part of the new normal, leading to urgent prioritisation of cybersecurity measures, safe transport and connectivity across sites and locations. These businesses will be operating with smaller budgets but will still require the same levels of expertise to deliver vital projects on time and in full. Flexible, highly skilled contract workers will be increasingly drafted in at short notice on short contracts to deliver to project deadlines, before moving on to the next assignment.
&nbsp;
<h3>Grow Your Civil Engineering Business</h3>
Looking for specialist Engineering recruitment services? Find out more about our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/client-area/">award-winning technical recruitment solutions</a>.&nbsp;
Skills shortages, drone, sustainability and more &ndash; discover the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/civil-engineering-infrastructure-trends-for-2021">Biggest Civil Engineering &amp; Infrastructure Trends for 2021</a>!&nbsp;

Civil Engineering Market Report 2021 – 2030

By being prepared and considering a few important topics, you can make the process a lot smoother, feeling more confident about your decision. &nbsp;
Join us and discover some of the key questions to consider before deciding to change your trade.&nbsp;
<h1>Retraining not retiring!&nbsp;</h1>
<h3>Retraining not retiring</h3>
When it comes to changing jobs, it can be easy to convince yourself you&rsquo;re too old to take on fresh responsibilities, apply your existing skills to new roles and potentially learn new skills you had never considered before. This isn&rsquo;t true.&nbsp;
While the majority of trade skill workers start their career path<a href="https://www.skillstg.co.uk/blog/learn-a-trade-uk/"> between the ages of 16 and 24</a>, times have changed, and we are now seeing more and more workers switching their trades later on in life.&nbsp;
This is great news for those who are older and looking for a fresh start but, while it may be tempting to throw in the towel right away, don&rsquo;t forget to think about the physical demands of the trade you&rsquo;re interested in. &nbsp; &nbsp;
<h3>Is Now&nbsp;The&nbsp;Right Time?&nbsp;</h3>
We are all guilty of saying &lsquo;it&rsquo;s not the right time&rsquo; when putting off something we don&rsquo;t want to do.&nbsp;But,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s a crucial question to ask yourself when considering changing careers.&nbsp;
For example, getting married is classed as one of the most stressful things a person can experience, so <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career">changing careers</a>  while preparing to become a newlywed might put unnecessary pressure on your shoulders. This logic will also apply to other life-changing upheavals like bereavement, divorce, or a house move.&nbsp;
As such, you need to look at your life objectively and decide whether you have a good enough foundation to handle a career change. If you have another major life event occurring, it might be wise to let things settle down before making the jump.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Why Do I Want&nbsp;To&nbsp;Change Trade?&nbsp;</h3>
<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=413&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png" sizes="(max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=207&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 207w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=413&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 413w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=620&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 620w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=826&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 826w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=1033&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 1033w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=1239&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 1239w" alt="Picture 2 guest blog" width="413" loading="lazy">
As with most situations in life, knowing your motivations for doing something can be&nbsp;useful. This is particularly true when thinking about&nbsp;changing fields.&nbsp;
Finding your &lsquo;why&rsquo; is not only<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2013/10/30/know-your-why-4-questions-to-tap-the-power-of-purpose/?sh=1c9ea8af73ad"> a great way to find&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2013/10/30/know-your-why-4-questions-to-tap-the-power-of-purpose/?sh=1c9ea8af73ad">purpose and fulfilment</a>, but it can also make you examine things from a new perspective and identify the crux of an issue.&nbsp;
Discovering your &lsquo;why&rsquo; will make sure you are changing trades for the right reasons and decrease your chances of feeling regret after you have.&nbsp;
<h3>What Are My Financial Expectations?&nbsp;</h3>
There&rsquo;s no avoiding it, it&rsquo;s vital to consider the financial implications of switching careers, looking at how much you want to earn and what <a href="https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Country=United_Kingdom/Salary">the average salary ranges</a>  are for the field you want to go into. &nbsp;
However, your ideal salary expectations are not the only element of your compensation to examine. Would you receive greater flexibility in your role despite having a smaller salary? Or would you need to commit to working longer hours to progress in the field?&nbsp;
You need to weigh up what&rsquo;s most important to you but being clear about your financial situation is integral to finding the right choice for you.&nbsp;
<h3>What Should I Do Before Leaving My Current Role?&nbsp;</h3>
It&rsquo;s always nerve-wracking handing in your notice but there are a few things you can do to make the <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/job-resignation-tips-2063013">transition to a new role</a>  a whole lot smoother.&nbsp;
Updating your CV, getting references from your old supervisors, and having a portfolio or examples of your work &ndash; where possible &ndash; will make the job hunt easier for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
However, it&rsquo;s equally important to have a plan. While the basics described above are great, doing your research into the new field you want to go into is what will best prepare you for changing careers.&nbsp;
Also, look at whether you&rsquo;ll need to take any courses or qualifications to operate in your new field, speak to people already working in the industry and investigate job availability. That way, you&rsquo;ll have a much clearer picture of what to expect before you decide to take the leap.&nbsp;
<h3>Final Thoughts&hellip;&nbsp;</h3>
If you&rsquo;re thinking about changing careers, it doesn&rsquo;t have to feel overwhelming. &nbsp;
By taking the time to ask yourself what your motivations are, being clear on the practical aspects involved, and ensuring that now is the right time, you&rsquo;ll be able to make the jump to a new career with ease.&nbsp;
<h3>Switching Up Your Engineering Career&nbsp;</h3>
Looking for Your Next Engineering Job? Browse and apply for all VHR's &nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical job opportunities around the world</a>.&nbsp;

The Key Questions To Ask Before Changing Your Career

The Covid-19 pandemic ensured that the New Year began with a mountain of challenges for the business world. With a Brexit deal announced just before 2020 drew to a close, the eventual outcome of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union will mean permanent changes for organisations across industries, both in the UK and in the EU.
Hiring internationally will present great challenges for organisations across sectors, alongside a wealth of opportunities to access fresh talent and create new ideas and solutions.
Here are five ways that businesses around the world can continue to find the best talent and drive business growth following Brexit.
<h2>5 Ways UK Businesses Can Grow Their International Teams After Brexit</h2>
&nbsp;
<h3>1. Understand and Take Advantage of the Fine Print</h3>
Although&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/hiring-strategies-after-brexit">25% of UK businesses</a>&nbsp;currently employ European nationals, over half of British business leaders are concerned about employing an EU citizen due to potential changes in immigration laws. However, many Human Resources departments and senior teams may not be fully aware that British businesses can still access a notable section of the European workforce with little to no red tape:
<ul>
<li>Skilled Scientists and those working in Technology, Research, Academia or Arts and Culture can quickly move to the UK under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/global-talent">Global Talent Scheme</a>, even without a guaranteed formal job offer</li>
<li>EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and other non-visa nationals do not require a visa when visiting the UK for up to 6 months (however they will need to apply for the Right to Work), which could provide valuable talent to the contract workforce</li>
<li>EU citizens who were already living in the UK before 2021 must hold or have applied for UK immigration status to legally work in the UK. Workers who have applied for and received Settled Status are already eligible to work in Britain</li>
<li>A new graduate immigration route will be available to international students who have completed a degree in the UK from summer 2021. Organisations can employ these international graduates at any skill level for up to two years (rising to three years for PhD graduates)</li>
<li>Individuals who were born in the UK or are citizens of the European Economic Area will automatically have the right to work in the UK, but will need to apply for a residence permit.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Skilled workers with a job offer from an approved employer sponsor will also be able to begin a UK-based role. Under the new rules, your potential hire will need qualifications or certifications equivalent to A Levels and must be fluent in the English language. Salary requirements also apply for some roles. Businesses can find more information on the new immigration system on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-immigration-system-what-you-need-to-know#eu-citizens-who-were-living-in-the-uk-by-31-december-2020">UK Government&rsquo;s website</a>.
<h3>2. Make Cross-Departmental Collaboration the Norm</h3>
&nbsp;
With new immigration rules and a longer time to hire, hiring managers and recruitment agencies will need to work harder to attract European talent. The right to work, the Settlement Scheme and the updates to existing legislation that are expected to follow in 2021 and 2022 will require Compliance departments to take centre stage in the hiring process, and play a key role in supporting candidate screening and selection.
In 2021, Human Resources teams, department managers and Board Directors will collaborate to adopt a longer-term talent attraction strategy that both retains existing talent pools and plans for international recruitment needs in the coming decade. Tighter regulation will encourage companies to work much more closely with their recruitment agency suppliers to build a full workforce management solution.
<h3>3. Diversify and Add Innovation to Job Advertising</h3>
Whilst some European candidates may now be harder to reach, UK businesses have the chance to turn the challenge into an opportunity. Globalisation and the accelerated adoption of technology in the past year means that potential talent of all nationalities can be reached digitally, from anywhere in the world.
Innovative British businesses can stand out in the global market and reach candidates across the continent in a variety of ways:
<ul>
<li>Advertise on international job boards. Research around to find up and coming websites focused on hiring diverse talent and younger generations who will not yet have been approached by UK competitors</li>
<li>Reach out to candidates where they already congregate online, such as local industry publication websites, message boards that act as popular support networks in your sector, and social media channels that are popular in European countries like LinkedIn, Xing and Facebook</li>
<li>Enlist the help of your UK-based employees who are also EU nationals themselves. Tell their stories and their experiences, and use their video and written testimonials, to encourage other candidates with similar backgrounds to envisage themselves working for you and inspire them to apply</li>
<li>Some EU residents may be nervous around the UK&rsquo;s lockdown situation and unsure of the new immigration rules after Brexit. Host webinars to provide a more in-depth view of your company and what it&rsquo;s like to work there. Hold a Q&amp;A so that potential candidates can speak directly with and receive reassurance from the senior leadership team to encourage them to apply for your vacancies.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>4. Retain and Promote Internally&nbsp;</h3>
With Brexit seeing a 95% decline in the number of EU workers travelling to the UK to live and work, retaining European nationals will be one of the main methods to taking a business forward with a workforce that includes international talent. However, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cipd.co.uk/news-views/brexit-hub/workforce-trends">34% of business leaders</a>&nbsp;reporting challenges in retaining staff from the EU, how can companies reassure their EU staff, protect job security and continually engage their European employees?
The most popular methods for increasing employee engagement across the board include:
<ul>
<li>Flexible working</li>
<li>Learning and development opportunities</li>
<li>Work-life balance</li>
<li>Benefits such as holiday incentives, childcare vouchers and gym memberships</li>
<li>Positive working culture and friendly, collaborative teams.</li>
</ul>
In addition to providing a positive overall working experience, employers can help reassure their European employees by communicating with them proactively and regularly to update them on sponsorship, visas and legal employment requirements. Sending out regular messages of support for international staff from senior leaders will facilitate an open and accepting culture across the business. Creating dedicated support groups will enable international staff members to connect with and support each other, and promoting helplines and useful resources will enable staff to navigate legal applications.
<h3>5. Partner with an International Recruitment Agency</h3>
Although many staffing partners can prove valuable by saving time and resources when looking for new hires, recruitment agencies with an international focus will have developed strong networks around the world that your company can access instantly. Recruiters with a long-standing global footprint will not only have a presence in and knowledge of the local market place, but can provide advice tailored specifically for your requirements and guide you on defining and identifying the ideal candidate for your organisation.
International staffing specialists will have first-hand experience and deep understanding of:
<ul>
<li>Visas and work permits</li>
<li>Legislation required for different types of employee, such as the IR35 requirements for UK contractors</li>
<li>Common problems or challenges that can be planned for to avoid risk</li>
<li>Acclimatisation and the support that new hires from overseas will most benefit from.</li>
</ul>
VHR are international inside and out: our teams are former technicians and Engineers, meaning we truly understand our market, and our teams originate from all over the world, collectively speaking 15 languages.
<h3>Recruit Skilled Engineers and Technicians for Your Business</h3>
Looking to grow your international business?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/about-us/">Find out more about our award-winning recruitment services</a>.
Discover&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-will-the-engineering-industry-change-in-2021">5 Ways the Engineering Industry will Change in 2021</a>.

How to Recruit Internationally After Brexit

Are you one of the 50% of the UK population considering a new career choice following the Covid-19 pandemic?
Despite the difficulties of the past year, many Engineering and technical industries are actively&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">recruiting for skilled technicians</a>. Sustainable Engineering fields hold some of the best opportunities for jobseekers in the New Year. Here are five of the best reasons to get a job in the Energy and Renewables sector.
<h2>5 Best Things About Energy &amp; Renewables Careers</h2>
<h2>1. Millions of Available Job Opportunities</h2>
In the first few months of the Covid-19 pandemic over 60,000 UK contractors saw their work cancelled or cut short, and in December 2020 UK redundancies have hit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2020/dec/15/uk-redundancies-hit-record-high-as-covid-19-pushes-unemployment-up-business-live">a record high</a>&nbsp;as businesses slash staff to keep their companies afloat. However, many industries such as medicine, healthcare, food manufacturing and technology are thriving, and the Energy and Renewables sector is set to join this prosperous group.
&nbsp;
In September 2020 the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)&nbsp;confirmed a continual growth in the jobs market despite the pandemic. In the past year there were 11.5million jobs available around the world, and IRENA predicts that with growing investment committed by Governments internationally, the next five years will see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irena.org/newsroom/pressreleases/2020/Sep/Renewable-Energy-Jobs-Continue-Growth-to-11-5-Million-Worldwide">35 jobs created</a>&nbsp;for every $1million invested in efficiency and development.
&nbsp;
Those interested in travelling of moving abroad after almost a year of quarantine restrictions will be well served in this industry. 63% of the sector&rsquo;s job opportunities lie in Asia, with South America providing many other options. The following countries are offering exciting new job prospects in 2021:
<ul>
<li>Brazil</li>
<li>Colombia</li>
<li>India</li>
<li>Malaysia</li>
<li>Philippines</li>
</ul>
IRENA estimates that transforming energy systems based on renewables could boost global GDP by $98trillion by 2050 and create&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/09/renewable-energy-drive-post-covid-recovery/">63million new jobs</a>&nbsp;globally, making the next year an excellent time to start in the industry.
&nbsp;
<h3>2. Abundance of Career Choices</h3>
Working in Energy and Renewables means not only a high demand for skills, but a wide range of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergladesuniversity.edu/blog/5-renewable-energy-careers-in-high-demand/">available specialisms</a>&nbsp;open to those looking to enter the field. Hundreds of different types of job requirements and roles include:
<ul>
<li>Energy Conservation Officer</li>
<li>Green Construction Manager</li>
<li>Researcher</li>
<li>Renewable Energy Consultant</li>
<li>Enterprise Business Architect</li>
<li>Solar Project Manager</li>
<li>Field-Based Technician</li>
<li>Power Engineer</li>
<li>Electrical Design Engineer</li>
<li>Wind Farm Site Manager</li>
<li>Programme Manager</li>
<li>Geotechnical Engineer</li>
<li>Mechanical Design Engineer</li>
<li>Solar PV Installer</li>
<li>Sales Representative.</li>
</ul>
Whether you specialise in design, build or maintenance, and whether you suit more logical or creative vocations, the sector has something for everyone.
<h3>3. Job Security</h3>
Whilst 2020 saw difficulties for many sectors such as retail, hospitality and entertainment, many Engineering fields saw increased demand for their products and services to keep the country going throughout lockdown and social distancing &ndash; translating to greater job security for contractors and employees in sustainable industry.
The Energy and Renewables sector continued to grow in the past year, and is predicted to skyrocket as Governments increase investment and companies create new jobs to weather climate change. The UK&rsquo;s Green Homes Project alone has received &pound;1.3billion to equip sustainable construction and Engineering companies reduce CO2 emissions by 65million kg.
Governments globally are increasingly investing in job creation in Renewable manufacturing. With onshore wind and solar power rapidly driving down electricity costs, and with mammoth carbon emissions targets introduced by the EU, UN and G7, political leaders will favour sustainable sources over much costlier fossil fuels, meaning thousands more jobs created in this sector every year. With Government backing and commitment, technicians working in this sector can be assured of their continued employment for years to come.
<h3>4. Giving Back &ndash; Eco-Friendly and Beneficial to Environments and Communities</h3>
Although this may seem an obvious reason, more jobseekers than ever are searching to add greater meaning to their day &ndash; and Renewables is one of the best vocations to find real personal and professional purpose. Working in this sector can enable you to truly make a difference to the world and everyone and everything living in it, and be a core part of change for the better and making positive history.
Developing environmentally friendly products, materials and technologies has wide-reaching effects including:
<ul>
<li>Natural Beauty &amp; Environment&nbsp;&ndash; Reducing waste, environmental damage and overuse of raw materials helps our planet to maintain its glaciers, forests, mountains and beaches and provides time for the Earth to repair the damage already inflicted in previous decades</li>
<li>Animal Welfare and Life Span&nbsp;&ndash; Sustainable development helps to prevent destruction of habitats and natural food sources</li>
<li>Business&nbsp;&ndash; Following the struggles and demise of thousands of businesses around the world, cheaper Energy sources are vital in helping eco-minded start-ups to get off the ground and helping small companies stay afloat by making reliable and consistent savings</li>
<li>Homes&nbsp;&ndash; Slowing and reversing climate change can reduce the threat of floods and forest fires, securing millions of homes and livelihoods around the world for years to come</li>
<li>Poverty&nbsp;&ndash; Access to efficient energy sources has been proven to support disadvantaged countries and communities across the globe and empower those in poverty to improve their own quality of life</li>
<li>Health&nbsp;&ndash; Air pollution is increasingly linked to premature deaths in children and adults around the world, meaning any products or services that facilitate cleaner air are not only improving lives but saving them too.</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. Forward-Thinking &amp; Innovative</h3>
With the industry in its infancy compared to other centuries or even decades-old sectors, renewable energy presents the perfect vocation for those who desire learning and development. With technology changing rapidly, ever-increasing investment and new demands to respond to, creativity and innovation are valued and rewarded, and those with original ideas can see their visions brought to life in a way that supports and improves the lives of millions. No day is ever the same in this fast-paced vocation which is guaranteed to provide an interesting, varied and enjoyable career.
Energy and Renewables are also more forward-thinking in terms of their diversity and inclusion rates. Renewables jobs&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2EKTImo&amp;text=%23Renewableenergy%20jobs%20are%20more%20inclusive%20%26%20better%20%23genderbalanced%20than%20fossil%20fuels.%20@IRENA%20report%20highlights%20that%20women%20hold%2032%25%20of%20%23renewables%20jobs%2C%20opposed%20to%2021%25%20in%20fossil%20fuels&amp;hashtags=%23RecoverBetter">have shown</a>&nbsp;greater inclusion and a better gender balance than fossil fuels and similar fields. Female Engineers hold 32% - almost one in three &ndash; of total renewables jobs, as opposed to just 21% in fossil fuels. As only 8% of Engineers across the UK are female, sustainable energy presents a more welcoming profession for those from diverse groups and could be the ideal place for untapped talent to succeed.
<h3>Find Your Next Job in Energy &amp; Renewables</h3>
VHR are looking to recruit skilled technicians around the world &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">browse our latest jobs</a>.
Need career advice? Find out&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-job-and-advance-your-career-during-covid-19">6 Ways to Advance Your Career Throughout Covid-19</a>.

5 Reasons to Work in Energy & Renewables

Are you looking for an exciting, rewarding and ever-changing career path?
Since the Covid-19 pandemic has wrought devastation and total changes to ways of working and living across the globe, millions of people are seeking to use the situation as an opportunity for positive change. Over 50% of all workers are exploring the idea of a new career path in the next year. However, with many industries at risk of collapse and many others expanding rapidly to meet new demand, choosing your next vocation can prove challenging.
Here are five reasons to start a career in Civil Engineering.
<h3>5 Reasons to Get a Civil Engineering Job</h3>
<h4>1.Job Security</h4>
High-demand jobs that are essential to the running of business, public sector and everyday life represent the most secure professions. The public health and security standards involved in a Civil Engineer&rsquo;s job mean that safety is paramount, and tasked with potentially risky and wide-reaching projects, skilled technicians receive sufficient support and resources for every single job they take on.
Covid-19 and the previous economic recession of 2008 saw multiple millions of job losses across the world, and job security is set to worsen for many in 2021. In the UK alone, unemployment has reached new lows whilst the number of available jobs advertised recently decreased for the twelfth consecutive month. The past few months saw over 60,000 contractors lose contracts and projects and over 8 million employees placed on the Government&rsquo;s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which will see unemployment rise again across sectors when financial support is changed again in October 2020.
Whilst sectors such as Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment, Leisure and Travel are expected to suffer well into the next year, Civil Engineering and all those who work in the sector will continue to thrive in the years to come.
<h4>2. Skills Shortage</h4>
Even before the coronavirus pandemic had emerged into view, the UK&rsquo;s Civil Engineer leaders were struggling to recruit successors. Due to fast-approaching retirement ages, underinvestment in careers education and a lack of awareness amongst young people, one in five British business leaders describe a shortage of technical talent as their most urgent and difficult business challenge.
The demand for skills in this sector is driven by the industry&rsquo;s core importance to both business and everyday life. In Britain, Engineers help generate almost one quarter of the UK&rsquo;s total GDP through vital private and public buildings, transport, utilities and other infrastructure. As the world&rsquo;s population grows and the needs of individuals, communities and companies become more complex and more urgent, Engineers will become increasingly valuable and sought-after.
To fulfil labour demands, the UK&rsquo;s Civil and technical sectors must recruit and train 1.8 million people by 2025. In the next year alone, British companies will need&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michaelpage.co.uk/our-expertise/engineering-and-manufacturing/engineers-demand-uk-and-throughout-world">over 182,000</a>&nbsp;skilled technicians. Joining a sector with a long-term shortage of workers will significantly improve your chances of finding long-term success in a new vocation.
<h4>3. Variety</h4>
One of the most diverse vocations in existence, this career path holds a variety of opportunities and ensures no day is ever the same.
Civil Engineers not only construct and manufacture, but also plan, design, maintain, manage, supervise, consult, problem-solve and generate new ideas. These technicians can work on multiple projects simultaneously or focus on large-scale initiatives across industries. This technical discipline focuses on the physical and natural environment such as buildings, transport and the systems that support everyday life. The profession offers hundreds of specialist areas to choose from, including:
<ul>
<li>Architecture &ndash; Construction, buildings, structural work and a variety of environments</li>
<li>Transport &ndash; Roads, railways, airports, bridges, seas, rivers, canals and dams</li>
<li>Public Health &ndash; Water, waste management, sewage systems and pipelines</li>
<li>Power &ndash; Electricity, geotechnical, utilities and green energy.</li>
</ul>
Some technicians choose to work outside in the natural environment, others prefer an office atmosphere with more time at their desks and others enjoy a mix of the two, often accompanied by remote working and travel to see clients and stakeholders. Experienced professionals will often run the large-scale projects they work on, opening up a wealth of chances to work with many different people of all backgrounds and abilities around the world.
Professionals in this area often choose their own hours and working arrangements, and work with a wide range of tools. From technical drawing with computer-aided design (CAD) to freehand architectural drawings, to managing budgets on spread sheets and financial software, to leading teams and coaching junior employees face-to-face, the role spans all areas of practical and soft skills.
In addition to expanding networks, the job also involves continuous learning and development. Whether learning informally from others or learning on the job, the ever-evolving nature of the Engineering industry means adding brand new skills to your repertoire every year and fine-tuning your specialist areas all the time to stay on top of your game.
<h4>4. Earning Potential</h4>
Whilst the average UK employee earns around &pound;29,000 a year, individuals working in the Civil technical sector have much higher earning potential. The specialised skills, hard work and dedication demanded by the sector is reflected in the higher day rates, permanent full-time salaries and benefits awarded as standard.
For newly qualified technicians, average pay packets are significantly greater when compared to other fields. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/consulting-civil-engineer">average basic salary</a>&nbsp;for members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is around &pound;50,000 &ndash; a 72% increase on the average British resident&rsquo;s salary &ndash; with this rising with experience and growth in skill sets. The average basic salary of highly experienced ICE fellows is &pound;81,447.
The majority of employers will also provide benefits, rewards and loyalty schemes. Those working in this role will receive pensions and holiday allowances, and are likely to also enjoy company cars, private healthcare plans, life insurance and paid for mobile phones and technology equipment.
<h4>5. Legacy and Purpose</h4>
Whilst some individuals are content with working to support their families and passions, or simply finding meaning outside of their chosen vocation, those working in Civils and Infrastructure have an innate sense of life and work purpose. By designing and building phenomenal feats of architecture, making scientific and medical breakthroughs, and creating the systems that improve the health and life standards of millions of people, Civil Engineers truly make a long-lasting difference to the world.
Planning and design mean a high level of influence over public and private spaces that affect businesses, communities and our natural environment. Civil technicians are reshaping the world around us and becoming a part of history with every new structure and system they build. From skyscrapers to sports stadiums, from hospitals to schools, and from national parks to entire towns, each Civil Engineer leaves their own unique legacy for others to enjoy for decades to come.
<h4>Start A New Career in Civil Engineering</h4>
Thinking of a life or career change? Here are&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/7-reasons-to-work-in-denmark">7 Reasons to Work in Denmark</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/10-best-jobs-in-tech-for-2021">Best Technical Jobs to Begin in 2021</a>.
Take a look at all our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">latest technical jobs around the world</a>.

 Reasons to Work in Civil Engineering

Following the devastating impact of Covid-19 upon the entire world and the majority of its industries and communities, the job market is predicted to become even more competitive. The coronavirus has seen millions of staff receive redundancies or lose employment contracts, and the UK particularly is expecting one of the worst periods of unemployment &ndash; during one of the worst economic recessions &ndash; in the past century.
Amongst the doom and gloom, many individuals are now reassessing what they most want from their lives. A new career path could provide the answer to more stability, a more exciting day-to-day job or simply a better quality of life &ndash; but with so many options available, how can you choose which vocation is right for you?
Here are five myths about working in the Aerospace &amp; Aviation industry, and five facts to set the record straight.
<h3>1. Myth: It&rsquo;s Too Competitive</h3>
Fact: The sector is suffering one of the world&rsquo;s most urgent skills shortages.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/commercial-market-outlook/">latest predictions</a>&nbsp;from leading aircraft manufacturer Boeing forecast that the demand for pilots around the world will double in the next seven years alone. In the next 20 years, airlines will need to recruit and train 800,000 new commercial pilots for passenger planes and 98,000 new pilots for private jets.
The skills shortage also extends to the international Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO), which is already experiencing a significant reduction in the hiring of new technicians. More than 2 in 5 (42%) of Aerospace &amp; Aviation leaders say a labour shortage in the maintenance technician field is the most important business problem &ndash; ahead of Brexit, climate change and airport capacity &ndash; in the next decade.
Whilst an unprecedented challenge for industry CEOs, the shortage of talent presents an excellent opportunity for prospective employees. Recruiters and hiring managers are already looking to expand their sourcing and training programmes to incorporate a wider, younger and more diverse pool of talent than ever before.
<h3>2. Myth: You Need a University Degree</h3>
&nbsp;
Fact: You can join the sector at any stage of your career path.
A popular belief surrounding the industry is that unless you choose and commit to a specific career path at a very young age, you will be locked out of many professional avenues forever. With the Aerospace industry, this is surprisingly not the case. Despite a focus on science, mathematics, technology and engineering, the sector is increasingly welcoming individuals without these skills and training them up themselves instead.
Apprenticeships in the industry are fast becoming a new industry standard &ndash; even pilot apprenticeships are available for people of any age and background. Major international airlines like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, easyJet and TUI are already offering accessible training programmes for those at any age, either at entry level or requiring A Levels or equivalent. Large carrier Qantas is investing $15million into a pilot school, and Emirates has already opened a $135million flight academy, with many other airlines starting to develop their own training programmes that do not require degrees, A Levels, GCSEs or technical qualifications.
Some jobs require specific qualifications and course attainment for safety, which must be regularly updated. These are usually at a low cost which are sponsored by individual employers and take a very small investment of time. Courses such as Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems (EWIS), Human Factors, Airside Safety and Fuel Tank Safety can all be&nbsp;<a href="https://vhr.learnupon.com/store?page=1">completed online</a>&nbsp;at a time to suit you.
<h3>3. Myth: Your Career Choices are Limited</h3>
Fact: There are a wealth of careers in the industry.
Working in Aerospace isn&rsquo;t a binary choice between pilots and airport staff. The sector is one of the most diverse in terms of the options available to individuals based on their knowledge, skill set, experience and personality. From flying planes to fixing them, from designing new aircraft and crafting airport architecture, to managing global projects and creating websites and social media campaigns, to training and leading large teams of people, the field truly offers something for everyone.
The vast array of jobs in the sector includes, but is not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Production &amp; Manufacturing</li>
<li>Project Management</li>
<li>Avionics &amp; Engineering</li>
<li>Mechanics &amp; Maintenance</li>
<li>Architecture &amp; Design</li>
<li>Safety &amp; Damage Tolerance</li>
<li>Operations</li>
<li>Sales &amp; Marketing</li>
<li>Ground Support</li>
<li>Procurement</li>
<li>Captains &amp; First Officers</li>
<li>Instructors</li>
<li>Professional &amp; Management</li>
<li>Chief Executives.</li>
</ul>
Like many other industries, successful Aviation careers are often built from softer skills rather than technical abilities. Business leaders and recruiters are always on the lookout for potential talent with skills in communication, negotiation, relationship-building and leadership. The ability to work effectively under high-pressure situations and collaborate with people from all ages and backgrounds will ensure a wide range of career choices of anyone in the industry.
<h3>4. Myth: It&rsquo;s Less Exciting than Other Engineering Sectors</h3>
&nbsp;
Fact: There has never been a more exciting time to join the industry.
With a technological revolution happening all around us, individuals could be forgiven for thinking that well-known tech and engineering companies like Google and Apple are the most interesting places to work. However, whereas major players on the world&rsquo;s tech stage have already enjoyed their own rapid evolution in the past decade, the Aviation industry is just starting out on its own journey.
The sector is fast investing in the following areas:
<ul>
<li>Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) &ndash; Smart planes, autonomous and pilot-less airlines, robotics replacing human interactions and increasing safety at airports and onboard</li>
<li>Fighting Climate Change &ndash; Developing innovative biofuels, green planes, sustainable materials and introducing efficiencies in air traffic control to dramatically reduce carbon footprints and reverse the industry&rsquo;s environmental impact</li>
<li>Working Collaboratively &ndash; Forming close partnerships with organisations and industry bodies around the world to create new solutions to decades-old challenges</li>
<li>Modernising Flying Experiences &ndash; Updating architecture and airport design to improve health and wellbeing, placing mindfulness and psychology at the heart of Aviation whilst facilitating social distancing to protect passengers in pandemics</li>
<li>Changing Flight Forever &ndash; Creating faster, more efficient airplanes that can fly around the world in only a few hours, connecting people around the world like never before.</li>
</ul>
Those joining the industry can get straight to work on innovating completely new ideas that will rapidly advance technology and ways of living and working in the next decade, meaning that an Aerospace career will not only provide an exciting day-to-day job and lifelong career but also cement your place in history.
<h3>5. Myth: It Only Suits a Specific Type of Person</h3>
&nbsp;
Fact: The industry is increasingly looking to recruit more diverse people than ever before.
The International Society of Women Airline Pilots reports that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bishopjordan/2018/09/12/female-pilots-india/#55772c23469d">only 5% of pilots</a>&nbsp;worldwide are female, and women are significantly underrepresented in the sector. Diversity is also incredibly low in the sector&rsquo;s engineering and technical workforce: just 9% of the UK&rsquo;s engineers are women, and despite encompassing over 14% of the UK&rsquo;s population, only 6% of UK engineers are from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds.
However, many Aviation leaders are passionately committed to improving diversity and inclusion. Most Airlines and MROs are actively looking to hire and recruit female, ethnic minority and other diverse individuals as an answer to the skills shortage, and have set their own ambitious targets to make their companies and the entire industry more diverse and representative of society.
The sector&rsquo;s unique ways of working are also beneficial for working parents or those with carer responsibilities, and can benefit those with loved ones located in other countries. With different shift patterns across the sector, you can choose your own working pattern, and change the days and hours of your work schedule from one week to the next. Many employers offer a one-week on, one-week off rota to allow plenty of time to travel, visit family and pursue other interests throughout their contract. Contract work can vary from a few weeks to many months or even a couple of years, and permanent or longer-term work is also readily available. A career in this industry can fit around your life and what matters most to you.
Decided that a dynamic career path is for you? Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-aerospace-companies-to-work-for-in-2019">Best Aerospace &amp; Aviation Companies to Work For</a>.
Apply for our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering jobs in Aviation</a>.

Working in Aviation: 5 Myths and Facts

Created in 2003 by technical engineers and experienced recruiters, VHR delivers a partner-orientated approach. We are passionate about the industries where we operate, the career-enhancing support we provide and the people with whom we work.Whether one permanent vacancy or a team of contract specialists, VHR strives to deliver the best possible global staffing solutions.

21 Years Experience Recruiting In The Engineering Sectors

VHR is an international technical recruitment company providing solutions to the Aerospace &amp; Aviation, F1 &amp; Automotive, Engineering &amp; Manufacturing, Civils &amp; Infrastructure, Defence &amp; Security, Renewables &amp; Energy and Marine industries in 57 countries around the world.
Created in 2003 by technical engineers and experienced recruiters, VHR was created to deliver a partnership approach with ethics and collaboration at the heart of business.

To be a recruitment company that finds the best solution for you.

Danny Brooks MBE VHR's CEO

Interested in recruiting the best talent?

Get in touch and one of our team will be get back to you shortly.

VHR finds talent needed around the world when unavailable domestically. We source, recruit and onboard high quality contract and permanent workers to short time scales, high volumes and specific requirements. We are passionate about the industries where we operate, the career-enhancing support we provide and the people with whom we work.

Some Of The Aerospace &amp; Aviation Roles We Recruit For Include:&nbsp;

VHR provides contract and permanent recruitment, with staffing solutions tailored to suit requirements, to the Aerospace &amp; Aviation industry internationally.

We work with global Airlines and world-leading Maintenance Repair Organisations (MROs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other Aviation-related organisations to source and deliver engineering and technical staff across the world.
Led by qualified aerospace engineers together with recruitment industry professionals, VHR&rsquo;s Aerospace &amp; Aviation expertise guarantees the technical understanding, service excellence and on-time delivery required for business growth and success.

Want to know more about our award-winning recruitment services?

Request our Aerospace &amp; Aviation brochure

Specialisms

VHR have won global awards. Take a look at some of our highlights.

Leave us your details and we will call you back to discuss your needs.

Get the Lastest Industry Insights and Updates Across our Sectors and More.

Get the latest industry insights and updates across our sectors and more.

VHR is an international technical recruitment organisation providing solutions to the Aerospace &amp; Aviation, F1 &amp; Automotive, Engineering &amp; Manufacturing, Science &amp; Technology, Defence &amp; Security, Renewables &amp; Energy, Civils &amp; Infrastructure and Marine Industries around the world.To protect our candidates, VHR works within the countries where we recruit. Our employees personally visit each country to perform welfare checks, assess candidates and ensure a positive experience for our contractors.

VHR is a global technical recruitment organisation offering tailored solutions to the Aerospace &amp; Aviation, F1 &amp; Automotive, Engineering &amp; Manufacturing, Defence &amp; Security, Renewables &amp; Energy, Civils &amp; Infrastructure, and Marine industries worldwide.
&nbsp;
To safeguard our candidates, VHR operates within the countries where we recruit. Our team personally conducts welfare checks, evaluates candidates, and ensures a positive experience for our contractors in each country. Additionally, in certain instances, VHR deploys dedicated Onsite Coordinators at client sites to provide ongoing support throughout the job.

Created in 2003 by former technical engineers and experienced recruitment consultants, VHR delivers a partner-orientated and consultative approach to technical recruitment.Our team is led by former industry practitioners, including a world champion sailor and British Airways Engineer. VHR's industry experts truly understand the markets we work within and the needs of businesses and candidates.

Created in 2003 by former technical engineers and experienced recruitment consultants, VHR delivers a partner-orientated and consultative approach to technical recruitment.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Our team is led by former industry practitioners, including America's Cup sailors, British Airways engineers, and construction managers, our team ensures comprehensive knowledge across all levels, from the board to junior management. VHR's industry experts truly understand the markets we work within and the needs of businesses and candidates.

VHR is a specialist international organisation providing recruitment and training solutions to the Aerospace &amp; Aviation markets. We provide online training in collaboration with our EASA Part 147 Training Partner. We provide training in the following:

VHR is a specialist international organisation providing recruitment and training solutions to the Aerospace &amp; Aviation markets. We provide online training in collaboration with our EASA Part 147 Training Partner. We provide training in the following:
<ul>
<li>Airside Safety</li>
<li>EWIS</li>
<li>Fuel Tank Safety</li>
<li>Human Factors</li>
</ul>

VHR's specialist technical divisions use industry experts to provide international technical recruitment across the following industries.

At VHR, we connect job seekers with contract and permanent positions across 57 countries globally. Our team of specialised technical recruitment consultants are fluent in up to 22 languages, ensuring we match you with the ideal job opportunity.

Is your business experiencing a shortage of engineers or technicians?

Get in touch to see how we can help.

Read about our strategic recruitment solutions and the measurable impact on our clients' businesses.

Case Study

Some Of The Civils &amp; Infrastructure Roles We Recruit For Include:&nbsp;

VHR provides skilled technical staff in permanent, contract and temporary positions from entry to Executive level.

Named the Best Construction &amp; Engineering Staffing Agency of 2020 &amp; 2021 (Talint International Recruitment Awards), VHR provides business-critical workforces for leading Civil and Infrastructure companies around the world.
Our teams of former engineering professionals recruit specialists to support the entire engineering process. Our 21 years&rsquo; industry experience enables us to closely partner global companies working across Utilities, Civil Engineering, Rail, Construction &amp; Built Environment.
&nbsp;

Request our Civils &amp; Infrastructure brochure

Specialties

VHR tailors each recruitment service to the individual client. Some of our popular services include:

Experts in technical recruitment, with specialised industry knowledge spanning our sectors, to deliver tailored solutions that meet your unique requirements.

<h2>Request Call Back</h2>Leave us your details and we will call you back to discuss your needs.

<h2>Upload Vacancy</h2>Leave us your details and we will call you back to discuss your needs.

At VHR we don’t just source talent, but we create it through a combination of recruitment, training and relocation. We work in partnership with our clients to understand their business problems and provide innovative talent solutions that truly makes a difference to our clients' success.

At VHR, we're a multi-award-winning recruitment agency honoured with approval by the late Her Majesty The Queen. Our team comprises industry professionals, not just recruiters, ensuring a genuine technical understanding of our sectors.

Supporting Every Aspect Of Aerospace Operations

Some Of The Energy &amp; Renewables Roles We Recruit For Include:&nbsp;

VHR delivers bespoke recruitment solutions for the Renewables and Energy industries across the world.

As a fast-growing staffing agency with ethics and compliance at the heart of everything we do, we are proud to partner businesses around the world that are creating a more sustainable future.
Our team of recruitment consultants include former technical specialists with first-hand experience across our sectors. We utilise our 21 years&rsquo; experience and in-depth technical knowledge to deliver the highest quality staff for every stage of new project implementation and renovations.

Request our Energy &amp; Renewables brochure

Some Of The Engineering &amp; Manufacturing Roles We Recruit For Include:&nbsp;

VHR provides tailored contract and permanent staffing solutions to the Engineering and Manufacturing industry internationally. 

Named the Best Engineering Recruitment Agency of 2019 (Recruiter Awards 2019) &amp;&nbsp;Best Technical, Construction &amp; Engineering Recruitment Company 2021 (Talint International Recruitment Awards 2021), VHR provides business-critical staff for large blue-chip organisations to start-up and SME businesses around the world.
Our teams of former engineering professionals recruit specialists to support the entire engineering and manufacturing process, from design, procurement, quality, and R&amp;D through the supply chain to manufacturing and production. VHR&rsquo;s direct industry experience and in-depth knowledge spans 21 years enabling us to deliver niche skills to short timescales and exacting requirements.

Request our Engineering &amp; Manufacturing brochure

Some Of The F1 &amp; Automotive Roles We Recruit For Include:&nbsp;

VHR provides contract and permanent recruitment, with staffing solutions tailored to suit requirements, to the F1, Motorsport &amp; Automotive industries internationally.

VHR work with global Formula One and Motorsport teams, world-leading OEMs, Tier 1 and 2 suppliers and other Automotive-related organisations to source and deliver engineering and technical staff across the world. With an industry-leading fill rate, VHR&rsquo;s F1 &amp; Automotive division is growing as rapidly as the amazing vehicles we help design and build. Led by specialist Automotive recruitment consultants with over 30 years&rsquo; experience, VHR&rsquo;s F1 &amp; Automotive recruitment team supply expertise from prototype to final build.

Request our F1 &amp; Automotive brochure

Email Us

Quick Access

Call us

This is a 404 error, which means you've clicked on a bad link or entered an invalid URL.

Delivering a partner-orientated and consultative approach to your executive searches for talent.

Created in 2003 by technical engineers and experienced recruiters, VHR delivers a partner-orientated approach. We are passionate about the industries where we operate, the career-enhancing support we provide and the people with whom we work.
Whether one permanent vacancy or a team of contract specialists, VHR strives to deliver the best possible global staffing solutions.

<div class="me-5" data-sourceflow-type="text" data-sourceflow-path="aerospace-aviation.specialties.page.column_tabs.content_1">Some Of The Aerospace &amp; Aviation Roles We Recruit For Include:&nbsp;</div>
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Engineers: Design, Systems, Avionics</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Technicians: MRO Specialists, QA Inspectors</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Project Managers: Aerospace Programs, Supply Chain</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Specialists: Procurement, Regulatory Compliance</li>
</ul>

We source, recruit and onboard high quality contract and permanent workers to short time scales, high volumes and specific requirements.

Discover our latest job opportunities from across the world.

Find exceptional talent across the global market.

<h2>Looking to kickstart your career?</h2> VHR is always on the hunt for the best talent.

<h2>Upload Vacancy</h2>Leave us your details and we will call you back to discuss your needs.

<h2>Looking to kickstart your career?</h2>VHR is always on the hunt for the best talent.

Please note – The concept of IR35 status for tax and national insurance is not changing, but how the IR35 status determination decision is made and how the rules applicable to that status are then applied is changing. IR35 was due to come into practice last year in April 2020 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic this was extended until April 2021. Video's may mention older dates but information remains the same.

Contact VHR's Award-Winning Recruitment Team

We're ready to help your business find a unique solution to your staffing and recruitment challenges.Simply fill in the form and we'll give you a call as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Discover the key changes brought about by IR35 in 2020 for Employers and Contractors alike.

Email our IR35 specialists Michael Lawanson for more information.

View this job

Looking to kickstart your career? VHR is continually seeking out top talent to work with us.

Discover diverse opportunities across various skill levels within the technical and engineering sectors. Ready to advance your career? Explore our latest job listings now.

Some Of The Marine Roles We Recruit For Include:&nbsp;

VHR’s Marine Recruitment division provides a range of recruitment and logistic services across the race boat, performance yacht and superyacht industries. 

VHR work with luxury superyacht and performance yacht manufacturers, mainstream motor and sail craft providers and other Marine-related organisations to source and deliver engineering and technical staff across the world. Led by former Marine engineers together with recruitment industry professionals, VHR&rsquo;s global superyacht shipyard network combined with our 30 years of international experience firmly positions us a leader in bespoke Marine recruitment and service management.

Is your business&nbsp;experiencing a shortage of engineers or technicians?

At VHR, our teams are spearheaded by industry specialists, including an MBE &amp; IoD Award-Winning CEO and COO. Our leaders feature a World Champion Sailor, a British Airways Engineer, and seasoned Technical Recruiters.

Discover VHR's Global News and Updates

Your Technical Staffing Partner: Expertize That Soars Above the Rest

With over 20 years of proven success, VHR specializes in delivering top-tier talent across the aerospace and technical industries. Our US team backed by our global network ensures customized recruitment solutions tailored to your needs.
Our team comprises industry professionals, not just recruiters, ensuring a genuine technical understanding of our sectors.
Whether it's a key staffing hire or a short notice project need, VHR strives to deliver the best possible global staffing solutions.

Finding the right talent for MROs, FBOs, airlines, aviation supply chain and aviation operations isn&rsquo;t always easy&mdash;that&rsquo;s where VHR makes the difference. VHR Americas delivers specialized aviation recruitment solutions, providing the skilled professionals your operations need to succeed. Whether you are looking to fill staff positions or for project teams, our expert recruiters customize every hire to fit your unique requirements. From urgent AOG support to large-scale projects with tight deadlines, VHR ensures timely, cost-effective, and high-quality aviation expertise. Trust us to connect you with the right professionals, from entry-level roles to board-level positions, keeping your operations on track, on time, and within budget.

Want to know more about our award-winning staffing solutions ?

Request a call back from our specialist recruitment team

Find specialised premium talent through our global tailored search

VHR Workforce Solutions enables businesses to discover the best global talent whilst reducing administrative overhead and accessing best practice methodologies. Our industry experts manage resourcing and recruitment functions to deliver measurable and sustainable improvements to your business.Our team work in partnership with your HR and Procurement departments to develop bespoke services that match your exact requirements. VHR Workforce Solutions empowers your business with an end-to-end staffing solution that recruits and manages high volumes of quality staff, as and when you need them.

reduction in time to hire by using recruitment process outsourcing.

VHR's Global Technical Recruitment specialists operate across 57 countries around the globe. Wherever you are in the world, we're here to help.

Some Of The Defence &amp; Security Roles We Recruit For Include:&nbsp;

VHR provides tailored permanent, contract and temporary recruitment services to the Defence and Security industries internationally. 

VHR work with Governmental organisations including NATO in addition to advanced technology providers and world-leading Defence, arms, cyber security firms to source and deliver the best technical staff across the world.
Our Defence &amp; Engineering recruitment specialists are qualified former professionals with direct industry experience and first-hand understanding of emerging and established technologies. VHR&rsquo;s direct industry experience and in-depth knowledge spans 21 years and empowers us to deliver the niche skills to short timescales and exacting requirements.

Request our Defence &amp; Security brochure

Request our Formula One &amp; Automotive brochure

VHR provides contract and permanent recruitment, with staffing solutions tailored to suit requirements, to the F1, Motorsport &amp; Automotive industry internationally.

We work with global Formula One and Motorsport teams, world-leading OEMs, Tier 1 and 2 suppliers and other Automotive-related organisations to source and deliver engineering and technical staff across the world. With an industry-leading fill rate, VHR&rsquo;s F1 &amp; Automotive division is growing as rapidly as the amazing vehicles we help design and build. Led by specialist Automotive recruitment consultants with over 30 years&rsquo; experience, VHR&rsquo;s F1 &amp; Automotive recruitment team supply expertise from prototype to final build.

For two decades, VHR has been a leading provider of Executive Search solutions for the Aviation and MRO industries on a global scale. Our services span across 57 countries worldwide, and our specialist technical recruitment consultants can communicate in up to 22 different languages from our 11 global offices.At VHR Executive, we pride ourselves on delivering a partner-orientated and consultative approach to your executive searches for talent.

Want to know more about our award-winning Executive Search?

At VHR Executive, we pride ourselves on delivering a partner-orientated and consultative approach to your executive searches for talent.

Find specialised premium talent through our global tailored searchs

Build a Successful and Rewarding Career – Become a Trainee Recruitment Consultant with VHR's Academy.VHR recruit 8 individuals into our revolutionary 13-week Academy Training Programme. The VHR Academy will give you the skills and guidance to become highly successful in your recruitment career, with the ability to earn commission from Day One of your Training.

Unlock Your Potential in International Recruitment

Headquartered in London, UK, VHR boasts a network of nine additional offices spanning Manchester, Birmingham, Abu Dhabi, Greensboro, Nicosia, Prague, Dublin, Leipzig, and Bologna. Interested in working with us? Download our brochure to learn more.&nbsp;

VHR is an ambitious, fast-growing recruitment agency, and we are looking for dynamic, driven individuals to work at VHR and join our company. We keep our values at the heart of our business which is why we are looking for people that demonstrate these.
<ul>
<li>Doing recruitment right</li>
<li>Teamwork &amp; honesty</li>
<li>Industry specialists</li>
</ul>

VHR is continually seeking out top talent.

Investing in people: fostering talent, nurturing growth, and shaping fulfilling careers.

Tailored to your every need, our Managed Services Programme includes:

Bespoke Managed Service Programmes to seamlessly deliver your recruitment needs globally.