Engineering Europe n° 5 - 2024

How can we address the skills shortage in Europe?

In February, EFCA Board member Roberto Carpaneto?featured in an article from Construction Europe?highlighting the chronic skills shortage, which continues?to threaten?growth across our continent. In the article, Roberto highlights the negative impact that widespread labour shortages are having?on engineering firms, pressuring them to increase salaries and accelerate training programmes, just to keep up with?existing demand. With so many challenges already straining the industry - war, high energy costs and inflation included - the construction and engineering sector must also re-think how to make the industry attractive to potential employees. Discover the full interview.

Join us in Madrid for the EFCA International Conference

Coming up on 23 May in Madrid is the EFCA international conference, the title of which is?Blue Deal - harnessing nature to solve climate emergencies and produce clean energy. Explore the pressing issue of water scarcity and the corresponding innovative strategies for effective water management. Engage with experts from policy, industry and academia in three enlightening sessions covering the intersection of an eventual Blue Deal with energy infrastructure, its climate impact, and best practice?in procurement. Register today to be sure to have your place and the opportunity to discuss?the benefits?of an EU Blue Deal and the crucial role of consulting engineers in shaping a water resilient future. More information.

EFCA spotlights European engineering services on World Engineering Day

4 March?marked the celebration of World Engineering Day, shining a spotlight on the vital role of engineering services in European construction. EFCA seized the opportunity to unveil the EFCA Sector Review 2023, a comprehensive survey showcasing key players in Europe whose engineering services significantly contribute to their global turnover in construction and the built environment. After months of meticulous preparation, the report presents two tables ranking top international firms in Europe and leading Europe-headquartered companies based on their global turnover. More information.

Inspire inclusion on International Women's Day

As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, here at EFCA we are taking this opportunity to re-emphasise the importance of championing engineering as the career of choice for all, whilst fostering diversity. This year's global campaign theme is Inspire Inclusion?and what better way to promote this than to highlight the importance of diversity in the engineering sector. Against the backdrop of a multitude of global issues such as climate change and resource scarcity, it is more important than ever to ensure we have the broadest possible range?of skills, backgrounds and mindsets?in order to approach, withstand and solve these issues with creativity and innovation. Whilst significant progress has been made, today still only 1 in 3 engineers is a woman, despite the fact that 50% of young women study science. From education and training to closing gender pay gaps and encouraging flexible work arrangements, we can overcome the last-remaining barriers in the?sector, to deliver a truly?inclusive industry.?We also encourage you to support the social media campaign created by our colleagues Syntec-Ingénierie, by sharing what your company is doing to help promote gender equality in engineering, using the hashtags #IngéEgalité / #Equality in engineering. More information.