Talent from abroad: can it plug the gap? [overseas employment]

This paper discusses the problem of skills shortages in the UK and how overseas employment can be a good short-term solution. With skills in such short supply, the value of individual engineers increases significantly. Compounding this situation, massive investment in infrastructure and a corresponding demand for engineering talent has created an environment where employers fight for each candidate. While engineers from Eastern Europe and developing nations such as India can contribute in the short-term to reducing the skills gap, employers must be prepared for a slow start and significant expenses, especially as recruitment itself is not a significant industry and it takes a while to gain trust and understanding. For the long-term, it is important for the government to launch initiatives that would prioritize engineering as a career path.