Engineering professionals continue to report high confidence levels

ATLANTA – The Randstad Engineering Employee Confidence Index, a measure of overall confidence among U.S. engineers, rebounded slightly to 61.7 in the third quarter of 2014, an increase of 1.9 points from 59.8 last quarter. The online survey, conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Randstad Engineering among 116 employed U.S. engineers (ages 18 and older), continues to indicate high confidence levels for engineers, relative to all other professions tracked, including finance and accounting, office and administrative, engineering and healthcare.

The index also showed more engineers believe there are more jobs available this quarter, with nearly four-in-10 (38%) reporting a positive job outlook, a 17 percentage point increase from Q2. In addition, more than half (56%) of engineers are confident in their ability to find a new job this quarter compared to 51 percent in the second quarter of 2014. Despite this, the index found only 32 percent of engineers say it is likely they will seek new employment in the next 12 months, representing no change over last quarter.

"Our Engineering Confidence Index continues to illustrate why it's good to be working in the engineering profession right now and for the foreseeable future," said Richard Zambacca, President of Randstad Engineering. "The fact is, skilled engineers, particularly those in mid-career, are clearly in the driver's seat when it comes to the employment market and the number of available jobs is steadily increasing. According to TechServe Alliance, on a year-over-year basis, engineering employment has grown by 1.5% since September 2013, adding 37,500 engineering workers.

"In this environment, the onus is on employers to bring something to the table in order to lure away the best engineering talent," continues Zambacca. "It's no surprise that compensation is becoming highly competitive for these workers, with six of the top 10 highest paid college degrees falling within the engineering field, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. An employers' employment brand reputation is playing an increasing role in whether or not engineers will work for an organization. When presented with similar offers, a company's culture, reputation and workplace practices will make the difference."

Q3 2014 Survey Highlights:

• Engineers' Confidence in Strength of Economy Improves
• More than one-third (36%) of engineers believe the economy is getting stronger this quarter, an increase of five percentage points from 31 percent last quarter.
• Slight Increase in Confidence in Ability to Find a New Job
• More than half (56%) of engineers feel confident in their ability to find a new job, a five percentage point improvement from the second quarter of 2014.

No Change in the Number of Engineers Planning on Searching for New Jobs, Despite Significant Increase in Job Availability

• Nearly one-third (32%) of engineers reported they are likely to look for a new job within the next 12 months, representing no change from the second quarter 2014. However, nearly four-in-10 (38%) of engineers believe there are more jobs available versus 21 percent last quarter.