By Yara Matar, HR Representative at DC PRO Engineering
With the world now increasingly recognising the effects of global warming and the dangers that lie ahead, there is an increasing need to be green in the race to save the planet. World leaders have signed agreements to tackle CO2 emissions globally while industries, individuals and corporations are playing their part in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
In this regard, engineering as an industry is obviously key as a pioneer of sustainability. With the shift in market dynamics there are now greater demands placed on engineers to design and process projects and operating systems with limited energy use without compromising on quality.
The changing times and rising temperatures across the word have created a raft of opportunities for experienced engineering professionals and graduates seeking to make their way on their career path. However, organisations must adapt to the evolving landscape with their approach to the recruitment of engineers.
In line with the shift in market needs and trends, recruiters are adding a non-conventional approach to their search, identifying a candidate’s ‘softer skills’, which complement the more typically required qualifications and experience.
In order to put themselves ahead of the competition, it is a fiercely competitive market in the current economic climate, it is paramount that candidates are up to date and informed on the latest technologies and trends, while constantly seeking out innovation. They must have a drive and desire to enhance their knowledge while using their skills to create more efficient and productive ways of working.
With demand nowadays for projects to be completed in shorter timeframes, often within smaller budgets, engineers must possess the ability to cope with new technologies and be skilled at utilizing the latest tools. We continue to hear about the traditional jobs that will seize to exist and the sort of jobs that will be created which will require a completely new skill set. Therefore, ongoing training and adaptability will ensure that employees remain up to speed with developments and have the knowledge, skills and ability to cope with these changes while finding ways to save energy.
Companies should be looking at candidates who have already studied or are willing to register for sustainability-related certificates such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which is one of the most popular green building certification programmes worldwide
At DC PRO we place as much focus on personal attitudes and attributes as we do qualifications and job experience. We look for candidates who demonstrate different forms of leadership who bring a positive attitude and can fit into our diverse working environment. Perhaps more importantly we seek candidates who have a responsibility not only for the job they do, but for the environment in which they live.