• • • TRADE SKILLS • • •
UNLOCKING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS
The engineering sector is at a pivotal crossroads. With 35 per cent of its workforce now aged over 50 and up to 20 per cent expected to retire within the next decade, the pressure is mounting to find and train the next generation of skilled professionals
By Sim Sharphouse, Operations Manager, Salko UK
his looming skills gap isn’t just a future concern, it’s a present-day challenge that demands urgent, strategic action. Sim Sharphouse, Operations Manager at mechanical and electrical engineering firm Salko UK, discusses the importance of upskilling talent, investing in workers and developing the next generation of skilled workers.
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Apprenticeships have long been the go-to solution for industries looking to future-proof their workforce, offering essential on-the-job training alongside seasoned employees who bring vast understanding to their roles. However, apprenticeships alone are often insufficient, completion rates vary and not all trained individuals remain within the sector or focus their attention on areas of the industry that require tangible change in order to future-proof the workforce.
Upskilling is increasingly recognised as a critical solution and structured training initiatives referred to as ‘improverships’ can assess current employee capabilities, identify gaps and deliver targeted development. This approach ensures existing teams maintain versatility while creating pathways for emerging talent to build expertise in areas of high demand.
The demand for a skilled specialist workforce
Strategic allocation of resources is essential to future proofing the industry. As the energy sector accelerates decarbonisation and invests in renewable technologies, the demand for skilled specialists in areas such as solar and wind power, energy storage, smart grids and electric vehicle infrastructure continues to grow.
This requires not only recruiting new talent but also retraining existing employees to fill critical skills gaps. Upskilling initiatives can focus on equipping staff with knowledge of emerging technologies, compliance with evolving regulations and the integration of digital tools and automation in engineering processes. Salko UK recently ramped up its operations across the UK’s nuclear sector as it expanded its team of security-cleared professionals active on high-priority sites. These specialists, including controls and Instrument technicians, electricians, riggers, mechanical fitters and support staff, are deployed on vital contracts across the country as the UK scales up its nuclear capacity in support of national Net Zero targets.
By directing training budgets and development programmes towards these priority areas, organisations can ensure that workforce development aligns closely with industry needs, supports national Net Zero targets and strengthens the resilience of the sector. In doing so, companies can transform workforce planning from a reactive measure into a proactive strategy, creating a pipeline of talent ready to meet both immediate demands and future innovations.
Calling on industry leaders Investment in training must be deliberate and ongoing with time, resources and mentorship dedicated to upskilling existing teams while creating structured pathways for the next generation of professionals.
Collaboration across sectors is also critical to meeting this challenge. Partnerships between educational institutions, training providers and employers can create cohesive programmes responsive to market needs. Employers offer
14 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026
practical experience, while institutions provide foundational knowledge, ensuring candidates emerge career-ready and capable of meeting real-world demands. Salko UK has actively supported workforce development through the delivery of specialist electrical engineering teams and participation in initiatives that promote professional growth. Yet, industry-wide action is required to ensure apprenticeships, improverships and ongoing development programmes keep pace with evolving demand.
Addressing the skills gap requires a multi- faceted approach; recruiting strategically, upskilling consistently and investing in the next generation of trade talent. With coordinated effort and cross-sector collaboration, the electrical engineering industry can build a resilient workforce prepared for future challenges.
https://www.salko.co.uk electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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