International Graduates to Bridge the UK Skills Gap

The UK has long been a popular destination for international students pursuing degrees in civil engineering. However, these graduates often face unique challenges when seeking employment in the UK job market. This post explores the specific hurdles international civil engineering graduates encounter and offers insights into potential solutions.

The Current Landscape

The UK construction industry is experiencing a significant skills shortage, with the UK Trade Skills Index 2023 indicating a need for 937,000 new recruits in the construction and trades industry over the next decade. This shortage presents both opportunities and challenges for international graduates in civil engineering.

Key Statistics

• In 2021, over 100,000 international students studied engineering in the UK, comprising around 15% of the total engineering student population.
• The construction sector has lost 300,000 workers in the past five years.
• Only 5% of students actively consider careers in construction.

Challenges Faced by International Graduates

Visa Regulations

One of the most significant challenges for international graduates is navigating the complex visa regulations. While the Graduate Route visa offers a two-year post-study work opportunity (three years for PhD graduates), this timeframe can be limiting for both graduates and potential employers.

Cultural and Language Barriers

International graduates may struggle with cultural nuances in the UK workplace and face language barriers, particularly in technical communication crucial for engineering roles.

Lack of UK-Specific Experience

Many employers in the civil engineering sector prefer candidates with UK-based work experience, which international graduates may lack.

Competition with Domestic Graduates

International graduates often find themselves competing with domestic graduates who may have more extensive local networks and a better understanding of the UK job market.

Opportunities and Solutions

Leveraging the Graduate Route

The Graduate Route visa provides an excellent opportunity for international graduates to gain valuable UK work experience. However, there is potential for extending this period to three years for all graduates, similar to programs in Canada and the US, which could enhance employability prospects.

Industry-Academia Collaboration

Universities can play a crucial role by:

• Organizing industry-specific career fairs and employer panels focused on civil and structural engineering.
• Facilitating connections with successful international alumni working in the UK construction sector.
• Providing tailored support for CV writing and interview skills, considering the unique backgrounds of international students.

Structup’s Commitment to International Graduates

At Structup, we recognize the unique value that international graduates bring to the UK construction industry. To help bridge the gap between academic achievement and professional success, we offer:

1. Tailored Mentorship Program: We pair international graduates with experienced chartered engineers who understand the challenges of transitioning into the UK job market. This mentorship provides guidance on industry expectations and practical knowledge to prepare graduates for employment in the UK.
2. Virtual Practical Courses: We have practical courses designed by chartered structural engineers focusing on linking the theoretical knowledge with the practical experiences to make sure the graduates have adequate knowledge and a fair chance of employment.
3. Networking Opportunities: Through our industry connections, we organize networking events that allow international graduates to build relationships with potential employers and industry leaders.

By offering these targeted support services, Structup aims to empower international civil and structural engineering graduates to overcome the challenges they face and successfully integrate into the UK construction industry.

Looking Ahead

As the UK construction industry continues to face skills shortages, international civil engineering graduates represent a valuable talent pool. By addressing the challenges these graduates face and implementing supportive measures, the UK can better leverage this skilled workforce to meet its construction and infrastructure needs.

The Construction Skills Network report projects that the UK construction workforce will need to grow to 2.75 million by 2028 to meet demand. International graduates can play a crucial role in meeting this demand, provided they receive the necessary support and opportunities to integrate into the UK job market.

By promoting a more inclusive environment for international graduates, the UK can not only address its skills shortage but also enhance its position as a global leader in civil and structural engineering innovation and expertise.