Top 8 Civil Engineering Staffing Trends For 2024

2024 has arrived, and in the realm of Civil Engineering Staffing, staying ahead of the curve demands careful navigation of various challenges. Hiring managers and recruiters will need to proactively prepare for the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies and the ever-evolving candidate landscape.

Employment patterns will affect the civil engineering industry’s future expansion and success. An estimated 21,200 jobs for civil engineers are expected to become available annually during the next 10 years. By 2027, the civil engineering market is expected to have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.25%, to reach a value of USD 12.75 trillion.

So continue reading if you’re eager to learn more about the upcoming developments in hiring civil engineers!

1. The Rise of Extended Reality Technologies

The AR/VR technology is predicted to reach $250 billion in market share by 2028, which has the potential to transform the industry radically. By avoiding errors brought on by incomplete or erroneous data, the most recent AR/VR technologies can reduce building costs by up to 90% and save the civil engineering sector up to $15.8 billion. Civil Engineering companies can now take advantage of far-reaching prospects as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) enables architects to take their designs to new levels. Candidates who have previously worked with AR/VR technologies will benefit during the talent development and hiring process.

2. The Growing Need for BIM Skills

According to the Building Information Modeling industry prediction, the size of the global market is expected to reach $34.2 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 16% between 2023 and 2032. The pandemic increased the importance of the health and safety of built environments and forced the development of digital technology. Growing BIM regulations and the adoption of supportive government policies that promote BIM use are two other significant drivers. By harnessing the power of BIM for predictive simulation, designers can create exceptional designs that not only meet but surpass performance standards..

3. Data-Oriented Hiring Techniques

Employers, candidates, and recruiters are increasingly finding better matches in the recruitment process through data science. This trend is expected to continue growing in the coming years as organizations recognize the value of leveraging data to gain insights into successful hiring practices. Organizations can customize their hiring practices by analyzing candidate feedback, past recruiting successes, and other relevant data to ensure they consistently locate the most qualified applicants. The rise of this data-driven approach is not only enhancing the efficiency of the recruitment process but also increasing the likelihood of finding the best fit for the job.

4. Putting Sustainability Foremost

Civil engineering firms are prioritizing sustainability more and more. Hiring managers are increasingly looking for candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to plan and implement sustainable solutions for their projects. Because of this, companies need to be ready to evaluate a far wider range of abilities than in years past when hiring, such as the ability to innovate with renewable energy sources and materials, comprehend green building certifications, and have experience with zero-waste projects.

5. Adaptable Work Schedules

More flexible work arrangements will likely be a part of the recruitment process for civil engineers in 2024. Candidates may discover they have more options in locating a job that fits their needs and lifestyle thanks to the growth of remote working. As a result, companies should consider a variety of demands of the modern workforce and be willing to investigate various contract and benefit package options for hiring new employees.

6. The Need for Succession Planning

50% of executive leaders in the engineering and construction sectors are expected to retire in the next ten years, which means succession planning is essential for these businesses. The engineering and construction sectors are experiencing an unusually high rate of CEO departures. A few tactics to help new leaders get to experience where it is most needed are training programs, internships, and mentoring. From project managers or construction managers to senior-level roles like chief engineer or president of a company, civil engineers have endless options to grow in their careers.

7. Extended Salary Discussions

While average market rates for non-regulated engineering professions are commonly recognized, there is a noticeable surge in the assertiveness of salary negotiations for both regulated and non-regulated engineering fields. Because of the instability of the market and the moderate probability of a recession in 2024, firms are now offering pay that is significantly below cost. As a result, the candidates request compensation exceeding the market rate. Consequently, protracted wage talks cost money and time for companies.

8. Opening up to Inclusion and Diversity

Attempts to close gaps in gender, race, and other demographics are always on, despite the civil engineering sector being one of the most diverse. It’s crucial to develop a more inclusive hiring process that considers contemporary cultural norms as hiring managers and talent acquisition specialists look ahead. This entails seeking people who not only have the technical abilities required for the position but also make an effort to assemble diverse teams with a range of experiences and viewpoints.