ATLANTA, Nov. 27, 2012
/PRNewswire/ -- The Randstad Engineering Employee Confidence
Index, a measure of overall confidence among U.S. engineers, was
54.4 in the third quarter of 2012—a decrease of 4.6 points from
last quarter and the second consecutive decline this year. The
quarterly report, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of
Randstad Engineering, surveyed 146 workers employed in the
engineering industry. This quarter's findings reflect further
skepticism among engineering workers about the overall economy and
in the availability of jobs. At the same time, feelings towards
their own job security remained strong.
"Despite the relative positive outlook for the engineering
field, it appears professionals in this industry may have been
impacted by negative news surrounding the employment situation and
economic conditions abroad, especially in Europe," said Richard
Zambacca, president of Randstad Engineering. "This
diminished optimism is reflected in this quarter's findings,
specifically the fact that half of the engineers' surveyed feel
there are fewer jobs available and indicate they are not likely to
look for a new job in the next 12 months. However, it is important
to note that more workers feel secure in their positions than in
the second quarter. Despite this drop in confidence, the sector is
poised for growth and projected to hire at rates faster than many
other industries. Contributing to the high demand for these skills
is a lack of experienced, licensed engineers in the market. In
fact, the National Society of Professional Engineers states that
only about 20 percent of those who graduate with a B.S. in
engineering in the U.S. go on to become licensed professional
engineers. As more funding becomes available, and construction
budgets open up, the job market for highly-skilled engineers will
become even more competitive."
Q3, 2012 Survey Highlights:
Engineering Workers Growing More Concerned About the Strength
of Economy
- Only 29 percent of engineering professionals believe the
economy is getting stronger, a decline from 38 percent in Q2 2012.
At the same time, 48 percent believe the economy is getting weaker
(versus 38 percent in the second quarter).
Engineers Believe Less Jobs Available
- Although more than one-quarter (27 percent) of engineering
workers believe that more jobs are available, the number of workers
who believe fewer jobs are available continues to increase. Half of
engineering workers believe fewer jobs are available this quarter,
compared to 44 percent in the second quarter.
Majority of Engineers Remain Confident in Ability to Find a
New Job
- Fifty-three percent of engineers feel confident in their
ability to find a new job—a small decline from 58 percent in the
second quarter of 2012.
Worker Sentiment about Job Security Remains Strong
- Seventy-four percent of engineers report that they are not
likely to lose their jobs over the next 12 months. This is an
increase from the 68 percent indicating so in the second
quarter.
Significantly Fewer Engineers Likely to Search for New
Employment
- Less than one-third (32 percent) of engineers say they are
likely to look for a new job within the next 12 months, a decline
of 13 percentage points from second quarter 2012.
To view the latest quarterly trends report, click here.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online
within the United States by Harris
Interactive on behalf of Randstad Engineering from July 10-12, August
14-16 and September 11-13,
2012, among 3,960 adults ages 18 and older of which 146 are
employed in engineering. This online survey is not based on a
probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical
sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology,
including weighting variables, please contact
Lesly.cardec@randstadusa.com.
About Randstad Engineering
Randstad Engineering has
been matching clients with the expert engineering and technical
staff needed to help their companies succeed since 1988. With
degreed engineers and expert technical recruiters on staff who
understand the unique challenges of your industry, Randstad
Engineering partners with companies on their specific business
goals by quickly connecting them with the expert professionals to
help achieve them. With an extensive network of three million
engineers and other technical experts—Randstad Engineering has the
right talent to get the job done.
About Randstad
Randstad is a $22.5 billion global provider of HR services and
the second largest staffing organization in the world. From
temporary staffing to permanent placement to inhouse,
professionals, search & selection, and HR Solutions, Randstad
holds top positions around the world and has approximately 28,700
corporate employees working from its nearly 4,700 branches and
inhouse locations in 40 countries. Founded in 1960 and
headquartered in Diemen, the
Netherlands, Randstad Holding nv is listed on the NYSE
Euronext Amsterdam. Learn more at
http://www.randstad.com.
SOURCE Randstad