Engineering Vacancies Forecast to Rise 11.2% in 2026 Despite a Cautious Jobs Market
While much of the UK jobs market is cautious, engineering vacancies are forecast to keep growing. Here is what the latest Vacancysoft and APSCo report says and why.
Engineering forums can be a gloomy place to read. Plenty of people say they are struggling to find the right role or frustrated with their current one. So it is worth looking at the bigger picture. A report from Vacancysoft, published through APSCo in July 2026, forecasts that engineering vacancies will rise by 11.2% this year, even as the wider jobs market stays careful.
What the Report Says About Engineering Vacancies
The Vacancysoft and APSCo engineering sector trends report, published on 29 July 2026, forecasts an 11.2% rise in engineering vacancies in 2026, despite a more cautious wider labour market (APSCo).
The report describes this growth as driven by long-term capital investment rather than a short-term hiring burst. That is an important point. Projects such as grid upgrades and new power stations run for years, so the demand they create is steadier than a typical hiring cycle.
Where the Engineering Jobs Are Coming From
The report names five main drivers of demand:
Why Engineering Jobs Can Still Feel Hard to Find
If vacancies are rising, why do so many engineers say the market feels tough? There are a few reasons. Growth is concentrated in particular sectors and skills, so an engineer in a quieter field may not feel it. Employers are also being choosy, often looking for specific experience such as high voltage, protection, nuclear or defence work. And many graduate and junior roles are fiercely competitive.
In other words, the demand is real, but it is not evenly spread.
Engineers in the Strongest Position
Based on the sectors named in the report, engineers with the following skills are likely to be most in demand:
What This Means for You
If you are in one of the growth areas, it is a good time to look at your options and your pay. If you are not, think about which of your skills transfer. A mechanical engineer from automotive, for example, may find strong demand in energy or defence.
You can browse current roles on our vacancies page or on our engineering recruitment hub. Our Job Matcher can also check a wide UK job feed against your CV.
Engineering Vacancies: Frequently Asked Questions
Are engineering vacancies increasing in 2026?
A Vacancysoft and APSCo report published in July 2026 forecasts engineering vacancies to rise by 11.2% in 2026.
Which engineering sectors are growing?
The report names electricity networks, clean energy, defence, transport and advanced manufacturing as the main drivers.
Why is it still hard to find an engineering job?
Growth is concentrated in certain sectors and skills, employers are choosy about experience, and junior roles are very competitive.
Which engineers are most in demand?
Engineers with power systems, HV, control and instrumentation, automation, defence and major project experience are well placed.
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