What To Do After GCSEs? Have You Considered…
Firstly, congratulations! GCSE results day is a big deal. But it also seems to be the day where, at 16 years old, everyone suddenly expects you to know exactly what you’re going to do with the rest of your life. You might be one of the lucky ones that does know exactly what you want […]
How To Attract Skilled Workers in Manufacturing
Finding skilled workers in manufacturing isn’t exactly getting easier. Press brake setters, maintenance engineers, CNC machinists, welders, laser setters, and toolmakers. Business across manufacturing and engineering are competing for many of the same skills. However, there’s something we think gets overlooked in conversations about the skills shortage. You’re not just competing with other vacancies. Quite […]
6 Years in Recruitment, The Lessons We’ve Learnt
This month, Oliver Rae turns 6. Over the last six years, we’ve spoken to thousands of candidates, partnered with hundreds of businesses, filled vacancies across manufacturing, engineering, and logistics, and had more conversations about recruitment than we could ever count. Some of those conversations have been straightforward…others haven’t. After six years in the industry, there […]
Why Businesses Are Hesitating To Hire
Hiring feels different right now…more businesses are hesitating to hire. We’re hearing it every day.“Let’s hold off for now.” “We’ll see how things go.”“We’re not sure if it’s the right time.” And to be honest, it makes sense. With rising costs, changing demand, and uncertainty across manufacturing and engineering, many businesses are taking a step […]
Why We Don’t Promise ‘Anyone You Want’ (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
Honest recruitment for manufacturing businesses starts with truth, not promises. It means giving realistic expectations, clear communication, and prioritising retention over speed. It reduces rehiring, protects team morale, and delivers long-term hiring success. If you’ve worked with recruiters before, there’s a good chance you’ve heard something like this…“Yes, we can find that.”“Absolutely, no problem.”“Anyone you […]
How To Reduce Turnover in Production Roles
In the manufacturing and engineering sector, retention isn’t just a HR metric, it’s a production issue, a cost issue, and in many cases, a customer-impact issue. So if you’re looking to reduce your turnover, keep reading… We see it every day, businesses fighting constant turnover on the shop floor, losing great workers to better opportunities, […]
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 […]
Why Partnering with the Right Recruiter is a Game-Changer For Manufacturing & Engineering Businesses
Honestly? Recruitment in manufacturing and engineering isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days where you could stick an ad online and sit back while the CV’s rolled in. Those “300 applications from one post” days…History. Finding great people now takes graft. Consistent graft. The kind that involves picking up the phone, building […]
Mind The Gap
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 […]
How to Kick-Start Your Career in Manufacturing and Engineering
The manufacturing and engineering industries aren’t just vital to the UK’s economy, they’re the backbone of innovation, sustainability, and technological progress. Whether you’re a school leaver, fancy a career change, or someone eager to upskill yourself, these fields offer job security, excellent opportunities, and the chance to truly make a difference. Why Choose Manufacturing and […]