Spotlight: The Most In-Demand Contract Roles for Q2 2025
The first quarter of the year has provided valuable insights into the hiring landscape across engineering and manufacturing. With demand for specialist contract talent increasing, businesses must adapt their recruitment strategies, and candidates must position themselves to take advantage of new opportunities in these high-growth sectors.
At Employment Solutions, we’ve analysed the latest hiring trends, salary expectations, and in-demand skills, providing insights for employers looking to attract top-tier contract talent and professionals seeking their next role.
Positive Growth Amid Economic Challenges
Despite economic pressures, the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors continue to show resilience. According to The Engineer’s Business Confidence Survey 2025, 64% of engineers feel optimistic about their business prospects for the year ahead, thanks to:
Full order books – ongoing investment in infrastructure and production.
Growth in defence and renewable energy – driven by increased defence spending and net-zero commitments.
A stabilised political environment – creating greater market confidence.
For contract professionals, this means opportunities are on the rise, particularly in specialist technical roles where demand outweighs supply.
The Most In-Demand Contract Roles in 2025
Manufacturing
The UK manufacturing sector is forecast to grow by 12% by 2033, with transport equipment, electronics, and optical engineering seeing the strongest demand. Key contract roles include:
Electronics Engineers – Leading demand due to the rapid expansion of electronic systems in defence, infrastructure, and automation.
Mechanical Engineers – Highly sought after for digital transformation projects, AI, and robotics.
Production Managers – Critical for streamlining workflows, improving efficiency, and driving competitive advantage.
Green Manufacturing Specialists – The rise in sustainability initiatives is increasing demand for sustainability managers and environmental engineers.
Engineering
The UK engineering sector is seeing increased investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and digital transformation, with over 548,800 engineers currently employed and growing demand across automotive, life sciences, and green energy. Key roles include:
Project Managers – Those with expertise in sustainability and infrastructure projects are in particularly high demand.
Maintenance Engineers – Essential across transport, clean energy, and nuclear sectors to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
Production Engineers – Critical for manufacturing efficiency in aerospace, food & drink, and chemical industries.
What Are Contractors Earning?
Salaries in engineering and manufacturing contract roles vary based on industry, experience, and qualifications. However, high demand for niche skills is driving salary increases in some areas.
For contractors, understanding key skills and salary expectations can enhance career prospects in these high-growth roles.
How Candidates Can Position Themselves for Success
With a persistent skills gap in engineering and manufacturing, companies are competing for top contract talent. Professionals can gain a competitive edge by:
Developing technical expertise – Staying up to date with the latest engineering technologies, AI, and automation tools.
Gaining certifications in high-demand areas – Specialising in fabrication, welding, quality control, and health & safety.
Strengthening soft skills – Leadership, teamwork, and project management are now just as valuable as technical abilities.
How Employers Can Attract the Best Contract Talent
With a small talent pool and rising recruitment costs, businesses need to be strategic about how they attract, retain, and develop skilled contractors.
Adopt flexible hiring strategies – Short-term contracts, project-based hiring, and retained contractor networks can reduce recruitment costs.
Expand benefits beyond salary – Flexible working arrangements, training opportunities, and career progression incentives can attract top-tier talent.
Improve employer branding – A positive candidate experience and diversity & inclusion initiatives can widen the talent pool and boost retention rates.
How Employment Solutions Can Help
At Employment Solutions, we’ve been matching contract talent with employers in engineering and manufacturing for over 24 years.
Expertise in hard-to-fill roles: Access to 80,000 pre-vetted candidates.
Bespoke contract recruitment solutions: Helping businesses scale hiring needs with agility.
Industry-specific market insights: Keeping clients ahead of hiring trends and salary expectations.
Looking for top-tier contract professionals? Or are you a candidate seeking your next career move?
Email us: info@emp-sol.com
Call us today: +44 (0)161 839 53 53
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