Finding a good electrical engineer these days feels tougher than ever. Whether it’s for site work, maintenance, or project management, there just don’t seem to be enough skilled people to go around. From construction sites and factories to renewable energy projects and data centres, everyone’s looking for the same kind of talent. And when you do find someone, there’s a fair chance they’re already working somewhere else.
The real problem
The UK has been short of skilled tradespeople and engineers for years, and electrical roles are right at the top of that list.
Many experienced workers are retiring, while fewer young people are joining the trade. Add in new projects like EV charging networks and renewable power, and demand keeps climbing while supply stays thin.
That means jobs stay open for months, overtime piles up, and deadlines start slipping. It’s not just a headache, it costs real money.
Why hiring smart matters more than hiring fast
It’s tempting to grab whoever’s available just to fill a gap. But in electrical work, hiring the wrong person can cause more problems than having no one at all.
Poor workmanship, site shutdowns, safety risks — one bad hire can undo months of good work.
Smart hiring means thinking about skills, attitude, and reliability before you bring anyone on. A solid worker who shows up on time, knows the job, and respects safety rules is worth far more than someone with a long list of qualifications but no sense of teamwork.
What makes a good electrical engineer
You can teach skills, but you can’t teach carelessness out of someone.
Here’s what most employers actually need:
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Right qualifications – ECS/CSCS card, 18th Edition, inspection and testing where needed.
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Recent site experience – knowing how to work around other trades safely.
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Good communication – simple, clear, no nonsense.
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Reliability – turns up, keeps promises, and takes responsibility.
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Safety mindset – follows permits and lock-out procedures without being told twice.
If you find someone with these basics, treat them well — they’re the kind of worker who’ll keep your projects running for years.
How to attract the right people
You don’t need flashy job ads — just straightforward and honest ones.
Say exactly what the job is, what’s expected, and what you’re offering.
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Mention the pay range and any overtime rates.
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Be upfront about travel, shifts, and working conditions.
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Let candidates know there’s proper PPE, decent tools, and clear safety procedures.
People want to know they’ll be treated fairly and not messed around. When your ad sounds honest, good workers notice.
Checking skills without wasting time
You don’t need three rounds of interviews.
A quick chat, a look at their certificates, and a few simple questions can tell you a lot:
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“How do you test a ring main?”
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“What’s the first thing you do before starting live work?”
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“What’s the biggest site issue you’ve handled safely?”
If someone can answer confidently and calmly, they’re probably solid.
And always check references, especially about reliability and safety records.
Why temporary and contract workers help
Sometimes, you just need skilled hands quickly. That’s where temporary or contract electricians come in.
A trusted agency like National Temping Recruitment pre-screens workers, checks their cards and references, and makes sure they’re site-ready before they ever show up.
It saves you time, keeps the site running, and helps you meet deadlines without cutting corners.
Plus, if you like how someone works, you can often keep them on long-term.
Keeping good engineers once you’ve got them
Finding people is hard and keeping them is harder.
Here’s what actually makes good engineers stay:
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Fair pay and on-time wages – simple as that.
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Respect – no shouting, no blame games, just honesty.
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Good management – clear instructions, proper planning, and safe conditions.
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Recognition – a thank-you goes a long way.
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Progression – offer training or authorisation steps when they’re ready.
You don’t need fancy schemes — just consistency. When people feel valued and safe, they stick around.
Safety and training go hand in hand
Electrical work can’t be rushed.
Before anyone starts, they should know the rules — lock-out, isolation, testing, permits, and PPE.
Even experienced workers need refreshers now and then.
Regular toolbox talks keep everyone sharp, and it’s worth investing in extra training for those showing potential.
A little effort upfront saves you from costly mistakes later.
The real cost of ignoring the shortage
When you don’t plan for the shortage, the problems stack up:
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Missed deadlines
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Overworked staff
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More accidents and rework
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Rising agency costs
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Burnout and resignations
The smartest companies don’t panic — they plan. They build relationships with reliable recruiters, keep a few trusted temps on hand, and train from within.
How National Temping Recruitment helps
At National Temping Recruitment (NTR), we keep it simple:
We match businesses with qualified, safety-conscious electrical engineers who get the job done.
We handle all the checks — right to work, ECS/CSCS cards, references, and safety awareness — before they ever step on site.
Whether you need short-term help or long-term hires, we make sure you get reliable people who fit your way of working.
That means less downtime, fewer headaches, and more confidence that your site’s in safe hands.
FAQs – Solving the Electrical Engineer Shortage: Smart Hiring Solutions
1. Why is there a shortage of electrical engineers in the UK?
Many experienced engineers are retiring, while fewer young people are entering the trade. Growing demand from renewable energy, housing, and infrastructure projects adds pressure to the shortage.
2. How can I find reliable electrical engineers quickly?
Work with a trusted recruitment agency like National Temping Recruitment, which pre-screens candidates for qualifications, safety awareness, and experience so you can hire faster and safer.
3. What qualifications should I look for when hiring electricians or engineers?
Look for a valid ECS or CSCS card, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), and inspection and testing certifications when needed.
4. Do temporary electrical engineers need the same training as permanent staff?
Yes — every worker, regardless of contract type, must meet the same health and safety standards before stepping on site.
5. How do I keep good engineers once I hire them?
Pay fairly, offer consistent hours, treat them with respect, and give them opportunities to learn and progress — it really makes a difference.
6. Can temporary hires help with skill shortages?
Absolutely. Temps fill urgent gaps, keep projects on schedule, and often become long-term hires once you’ve seen how they perform.
7. What’s the risk of hiring unqualified engineers?
It’s not just poor workmanship — it can lead to safety incidents, delays, and even legal consequences. Always verify certificates and references.
8. How important is health and safety when recruiting electricians?
Crucial. Electrical work involves high risks, so ensuring every worker understands and follows safety procedures protects lives and projects.
9. How long does it take to hire through National Temping Recruitment?
In most cases, qualified candidates can be placed within a few days once the role details are confirmed and safety checks are complete.
10. Why should I choose National Temping Recruitment for electrical staffing?
We supply pre-checked, experienced engineers who take safety seriously and show up ready to work — saving you time, stress, and rework.
Summary
Plan ahead, hire carefully, treat people right, and don’t cut corners on safety. Good engineers aren’t just workers; they’re the backbone of every safe, successful job. And when you find them, keep them. Because in this trade, the best teams are built on trust, not luck.
