Expanding the Talent Pool: Sourcing Construction and Infrastructure Talent from Other Engineering Disciplines

In today's competitive construction industry, the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. With ongoing projects in urban development, transportation, and sustainable infrastructure, companies face a critical challenge: finding and retaining top talent.

While the pool of construction-specific professionals is limited, an untapped reservoir of talent in other engineering disciplines can be leveraged to meet industry needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore how companies can broaden their talent search and enhance their project outcomes by identifying transferable skills and aligning roles from sectors like oil and gas, chemicals, manufacturing, and construction.

A Case for Cross-Industry Recruitment

The construction industry is dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a diverse skill set that spans technical expertise, project management, problem-solving, and communication. Traditionally, companies have focused on sourcing talent directly from construction backgrounds; however, engineers from other sectors often possess the essential skills and experience needed to thrive in construction and infrastructure roles. Industries like oil and gas, chemicals, and manufacturing are home to professionals who have sharpened their skills in similarly complex, regulated, and safety-conscious environments.

For instance, engineers in the oil and gas sector are accustomed to working under strict safety standards and managing large-scale, high-budget projects; these competencies are directly applicable to construction projects. By broadening the search to include these professionals, construction companies can access a wealth of experience and knowledge, enriching their workforce and fostering innovation.

Role Alignment: Cross-Industry Opportunities

Identifying which roles in other industries align with those in the construction and infrastructure sectors is the first step in effective cross-industry recruitment. Below are some examples of how specific roles in oil and gas, chemicals, and manufacturing can transition smoothly into construction:

Project Engineers

Project engineers in the oil and gas industry manage complex projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with stringent regulations. These professionals are well-versed in risk management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication—crucial skills in construction and infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, and high-rise buildings.

Process Engineers

Process engineers from the chemical sector bring expertise in optimising systems and processes for efficiency and safety. Their experience in process design, equipment selection, and process automation can be directly applied to the construction industry, particularly in developing sustainable buildings and energy-efficient infrastructure.

Health and Safety Managers

Manufacturing environments, much like construction sites, prioritise health and safety. Health and Safety Managers from manufacturing bring a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, hazard identification, and safety training programs. These skills are critical in ensuring that construction projects adhere to safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a culture of safety on-site.

Maintenance Engineers

Maintenance engineers in the oil and gas industry are responsible for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of critical equipment. Their expertise in predictive maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment lifecycle management is highly valuable in construction, where maintaining machinery and ensuring uninterrupted project timelines are essential.

Transferable Skills: Technical, Hard, and Soft Skills

While specific roles align well across industries, the transferable skills truly make cross-industry recruitment a viable strategy. These skills can be broadly categorised into technical, hard, and soft skills, all of which play a vital role in the success of construction projects.

Technical Skills

• Risk Management: Engineers from oil and gas and chemicals are trained in rigorous risk assessment and mitigation strategies. This expertise is crucial in construction, where projects are susceptible to various risks, including financial, environmental, and safety-related challenges.
• Process Optimisation: Process engineers and manufacturing professionals excel in streamlining operations to improve efficiency and reduce waste. In construction, this skill translates to optimising workflows, reducing project delays, and enhancing overall productivity.
• Regulatory Compliance: Professionals from regulated industries like chemicals and oil and gas are familiar with adhering to strict industry standards and regulations. Their experience ensures construction projects meet all necessary legal and safety requirements, avoiding costly delays and penalties.

Hard Skills

• Project Management: The ability to manage large-scale projects, coordinate resources, and meet deadlines is a critical skill that is highly transferable across industries. Engineers from sectors like oil and gas, who are experienced in managing multimillion-dollar projects, can bring this expertise to construction projects.
• Technical Documentation: Engineers in chemicals and manufacturing often deal with detailed technical documentation, including process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and safety procedures. These documentation skills are invaluable in construction, where accurate plans and specifications are crucial for project success.
• Data Analysis: The ability to analyse and interpret data is increasingly important in construction, especially with the rise of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other digital tools. Engineers from manufacturing and chemicals, who are adept at data analysis, can leverage these skills to improve decision-making in construction projects.

Soft Skills

• Communication: Effective communication is essential in construction, where professionals must coordinate with diverse stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Engineers from other sectors often bring strong communication skills, honed through their work in multidisciplinary teams and client interactions.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to solve problems quickly and effectively is a hallmark of successful engineers, regardless of industry. In construction, this skill is critical for addressing unforeseen challenges, such as design changes, material shortages, or safety issues.
• Leadership: Leadership is a key component of project success in any industry. Engineers who have led teams in high-pressure environments, such as oil and gas or manufacturing, can apply their leadership skills to guide construction teams, ensuring projects are completed on time and to a high standard.

A Strategic Approach to Recruitment

As the construction and infrastructure industry evolves, the need for skilled professionals will only grow. By adopting a strategic approach to recruitment companies can overcome the challenges of a limited talent pool and enhance their project outcomes. By recognising the value of transferable skills and aligning roles across industries, construction companies can build a more diverse, adaptable, and innovative workforce—one that is well-equipped to meet the demands of modern infrastructure development.

NES Fircroft’s expert recruitment teams source engineering and technical professionals for global roles with some of the biggest names in the Oil and Gas, Power and Renewables, Construction and Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining, Automotive, and Chemicals sectors worldwide. Our extensive talent pool enables us to source engineers from a wide range of disciplines, ensuring that you have the right professionals for your next project.

With offices in over 45 countries and decades of experience in staffing solutions, we can help you hire employees quickly, compliantly and with minimal risk.

Contact us to discuss how we can support your construction and infrastructure workforce.