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 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 […]
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 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 […]
April’s Employer Changes Got You Worried? Here’s Your Hiring Fix
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 […]
Why Partnering with a Recruitment Agency That Cares About You Is The Best Move To Make This February!
It’s valentine’s season, which means love is in the air…but if your experience with recruitment agencies has been more swipe left than happily ever after, it’s time for a change. Some agencies might make big promises, but do they really see you? If you’re tired of quick-fix placements and lackluster service, a recruitment agency like […]
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 […]
The Skills Gap: How You Can Start Addressing Labour Shortages Now!
As industries, especially manufacturing, construction and engineering, continue to grow, one challenge remains at the forefront. Labour shortages due to an increasing skills gap. With an aging workforce, evolving technologies, and a lack of specialised training, many businesses are feeling the pinch. How do we address this growing issue while keeping up with the demands […]
Ghosting Prevention 101: Keeping Candidates Engaged
If you’ve ever had a great candidate disappear midway through hiring, you’re not alone. Ghosting – when candidates go silent and don’t show up for interviews, or even on the first day – is the hiring horror story no one wants to face. But don’t worry; there are ways to keep candidates hooked and eager […]