ENGINEERING
Bright spark – Climatec Engineering is recruiting on the back of rapid growth .
The search is on
Climatec faces recruitment challenges amidst growth spurt
WORDS : PAUL FRASER
Climatec Engineering ’ s period of rapid growth has led to an increased demand for skilled workers , but the company is not alone in facing challenges to find the right people to join the team .
The workload of the commercial gas heating and air conditioning installation and maintenance specialists has risen further , having secured major works with a nationwide veterinary brand and a UK gas heater manufacturer .
Co-owner Neil Gilsenan believes the success has been a result of a consistent delivery of high-quality work since it was formed in 2017 , leading to a steady stream of new customers .
“ We are growing , with new clients coming on board all the time ,” says Neil , who founded the Redcar-based business with close friend Paul Greensmith .
“ Things are continuing to grow and it is exciting . Obviously , the growth brings different challenges as a business too . In the early days , we worried about securing enough work to keep staff in work and complete the contracts . The stresses are different now .”
This growth has meant an expansion of their existing workforce is required . There is a particular need for air conditioning installers , gas mechanical fitters , plumbers and skilled labourers .
Ideally , Climatec wants experienced individuals who seamlessly integrate into operations and immediately contribute to projects . The search is a lot harder than it should be .
Finding individuals possessing the necessary skills and the right attitude has proven to be a significant hurdle for Climatec at its Kirkleatham Business Park headquarters .
“ Whoever comes in has to fit into an already successful team and has to be of the correct mindset and attitude ,” says Neil . “ That is harder to find , especially since Covid . Everyone seems to want to sit on their backsides and work from home .” Neil feels there is a decline in the availability of skilled tradespeople .
Perplexed , he asks : “ Where have all the tradespeople gone ? When me and Paul were employed we were part of an engineering team , with good people around . There were older guys you could learn from and younger guys you could pass experience on to .
“ We have tried all sorts and there is no pattern to who is successful . It is the luck of the draw . We feel there is a genuine shortage of skilled people in our industry , and that ’ s not just the company , I ’ d say it is across trade in general .”
Neil ’ s own experiences highlight the importance of hands-on learning and a strong work ethic . Coming from a naval background with no formal qualifications in the industry , he learned his trade by working alongside experienced engineers and demonstrating a willingness to learn and progress .
He said : “ I wanted to learn and progress . I would work alongside older engineers and follow them . Simple really . You can have all the college qualifications in the world but the experience counts .”
Despite the recruitment challenges Climatec has faced , Neil remains optimistic about finding the right people to join the team and wonders if young people don ’ t realise just how much money can be earned through a trade , while possessing a lifelong skill .
He added : “ I wouldn ’ t rule out the younger people coming to work with us provided they have the right attitude . We want to give people a chance and help them shine .
“ I don ’ t think many school leavers realise how much you can earn in a trade , without being graduates . I know a skilled tradesperson can earn more than highly-educated roles such as headteachers and sales managers , for example . There is a huge skills gap in our sector for highly skilled engineers .”
Climatec ’ s story reflects a broader trend in the UK , where a shortage of skilled tradespeople is creating challenges for businesses across various sectors .
But the company wants to attract the right people to take Climatec forward and retain talented individuals with competitive salaries and training opportunities to progress .
Top team – Climatec co-owners Neil Gilsenan and Paul Greensmith .
To learn more get in touch through climatecengineering . co . uk
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