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The UK manufacturing sector is at a tipping point.
With nearly 20% of the engineering workforce set to retire by 2026, and an annual shortfall of up to 59,000 engineers and technicians (IMechE, 2025), the battle for skilled talent is real—and intensifying. In this climate, relying on traditional recruitment methods alone won’t cut it. To attract and retain the expertise your business needs to thrive, you’ll need to start thinking more strategically—and that includes rethinking how your shifts are structured.
Why Shift Patterns Matter More Than You Think
Many manufacturers have long favoured 24/7 operations to maximise output. But while this approach has its operational benefits, it’s becoming a barrier to attracting experienced engineering talent.
The truth is:
Highly skilled engineers in the latter stages of their careers are no longer chasing the highest pay packet.
They’re seeking better work-life balance—and that usually means day shifts.
If your business isn’t offering this, your competitors likely are. And once these engineers walk out the door, they take decades of expertise and mentoring potential with them.
Restructure Smarter, Not Harder
Offering a day shift option can be a game-changing move:
Retain your most experienced engineers who might otherwise leave
Attract top talent looking for roles that align with their lifestyle
Support your junior team members and apprentices through better on-the-job learning and mentorship
Future-proof your workforce by embedding hard-to-find knowledge within your team
In short, it’s not just a shift change—it’s a strategic investment in your people and your productivity.
The Tiro Approach: Fast. Focused. Effective.
At Tiro, we specialise in connecting manufacturers with the experienced engineers they need—quickly and effectively.
Here’s how we do it:
Precision recruitment
We work on an exclusive basis with our clients, allowing us to dedicate real time and resource to a robust talent search. We handle first-stage interviews and deliver only the most aligned candidates for review.
Targeted headhunting
We identify the skills your business needs right now and confidentially approach engineers who match that profile—many of whom aren’t actively on the job market.
On-site immersion
We meet your team and visit your facility to understand the technical and cultural fit—because skills matter, but so does chemistry.
Let’s Plan for the Skills You’ll Need Tomorrow—Today
If you’re ready to stop firefighting and start building a sustainable engineering workforce, Tiro can help you take the first step.
We’ll tailor a solution to match your immediate needs and long-term goals.
