We Don’t Give Up Until You Find The Right Job For You

Finding the right job takes time, and that’s ok. When it comes to finding the right job fit, the truth is simple. Sometimes it happens quickly, and sometimes it doesn’t. At Oliver Rae, we never give up on finding the right role for you, not just any role. We know that behind every CV is […]

Why We Love Working With Businesses That Value Their People

At Oliver Rae, people are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s matching a skilled CNC setter with their next challenge or helping a manufacturer strengthen their production team, we know that success starts with the right people, and with businesses that truly value them. People-First Businesses We’re drawn to companies that see […]

Mind The Gap

The skills gap is growing, a crack in the ground that's growing and spreading

The skills gap in manufacturing & engineering isn’t coming. It’s already here. And it’s widening by the day. Across the West Midlands, experienced machinists, welders, toolmakers, press brake setter/operators, and maintenance engineers are reaching retirement age. Many of them have spent decades perfecting their craft, holding together production lines, and passing on their knowledge to […]

Five Years of Oliver Rae!

A collection of lime green birthday balloons to celebrate Oliver Rae's 5th Birthday, a recruitment agency in the West Midlands

It’s hard to believe that Oliver Rae has turned five this month. Half a decade, and what a half it’s been. Five years ago, we weren’t a team, we were just an idea. With a background in recruitment and a passion for doing things the right way, Lauren launched Oliver Rae, an independent recruitment agency […]

Why Loving Your Job Matters for Mental Health

I remember the day vividly – the day I turned 16 and my mum decided it was time I got a job. No ifs, no buts. Off I went to work at the local chip shop, and let me tell you, I hated it! But there I was, frying chips and wrapping orders for a […]

Finding A Fulfilling Career: My Journey To Work I Love

Finding a fulfilling career: My journey to work i love

Doing work you enjoy makes a world of difference. But let’s be honest, sometimes life doesn’t give us that luxury. You might take a job that is available that will pay the bills, put food on the table, and gives you a bit of breathing space. And there’s no shame in that, work ethic is […]

April’s Employer Changes Got You Worried? Here’s Your Hiring Fix

Good businesses deserve good people. How Oliver Rae can help with the new April Employer changes

April might bring sunshine, daffodils, and easter eggs…But in 2025, it’s also delivered another wave of financial pressure for employers across the UK. With the National Minimum Wage now at £12.21 and Employer National Insurance contributions increasing again, businesses are understandably asking: – Can we still afford to grow? – Do we need to restructure […]

Interview Tips: Candidate Edition

We all know interviews can feel daunting, we’ve all been there at one point or another. The thought of sitting across from a hiring manager while they fire questions at you can feel more like an interrogation than an opportunity. But here’s the truth, interviews should be a two-way conversation. It’s not a test. Your […]