Tag: Industry

For companies managing large-scale, ongoing projects in sectors like rail and construction, recruitment can be a time-consuming challenge. Our Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) service provides a full-scale talent solution, covering the entire hiring process from workforce planning to onboarding.

What Is RPO?

Advance TRS offers a dynamic and customisable RPO service designed to meet the specific needs of our clients. Whether you require end-to-end recruitment management or support in specific areas, we work as an extension of your team to streamline and enhance hiring processes.

More than just recruitment, our RPO service includes employer brand representation in the labour market. We act as ambassadors for your business, presenting your values and culture to attract top-tier talent. By continuously refining recruitment strategies, we help you build a positive candidate experience and a strong employer reputation.

How Our RPO Works

We tailor our RPO solutions to your project requirements. Here’s how we support your recruitment needs:

1. Workforce Planning & Strategy

  • Assess project pipeline and workforce needs.
  • Develop a structured hiring strategy aligned with business goals.
  • Identify skills gaps and create a plan to attract top talent.

2. Talent Sourcing & Attraction

  • Use data-driven sourcing techniques to find skilled professionals.
  • Leverage industry networks and databases to access top candidates.
  • Implement targeted employer branding to enhance candidate engagement.

3. Screening & Selection

  • Conduct pre-screening and competency-based interviews.
  • Manage testing, compliance checks, and reference verifications.
  • Provide shortlists of high-quality candidates ready for hire.

4. Offer Management & Onboarding

  • Handle salary negotiations and contract management.
  • Ensure smooth onboarding with pre-employment support.
  • Track employee retention and performance for continuous improvement.

Why Choose Our RPO?

Our RPO service is built to scale, making it ideal for complex infrastructure projects that require high-volume hiring.

  • End-to-End Recruitment Support: Covers the full hiring lifecycle, from sourcing to onboarding.
  • Scalable & Flexible: Adapts to changing project needs and workforce demands.
  • Industry Expertise: Specialised knowledge in rail, construction, and infrastructure.
  • Compliance & Risk Management: Ensures all hires meet regulatory and safety requirements.
  • Brand Representation: Enhances employer brand perception and candidate experience.
  • Technology-Driven Solutions: Uses industry best practices and recruitment tech to streamline hiring.

Get Started

If you need a full-scale recruitment solution for your next project, our RPO service can help. Contact us to discuss how we can tailor our approach to your hiring needs, here.

Building a strong professional network can open doors to new job opportunities, industry insights, and career growth. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or just starting out, making the right connections is key. Here’s how to do it effectively.

How to Build a Strong Personal Brand in Your Industry – Advance TRS

Attend Industry Events

Industry events are a great way to meet professionals, learn about trends, and showcase your expertise. Conferences and trade shows, such as Railtex, UK Construction Week, or Renewable Energy Conferences, attract key players in the industry. Attending talks, asking questions, and introducing yourself to speakers and attendees can help you stand out. Networking meetups and professional body gatherings, like those hosted by ICE, IET, or IMechE, offer a more personal setting to engage with peers. Workshops and training sessions also provide opportunities to expand your technical skills while meeting like-minded professionals.

Engage on Social Media

A strong online presence helps you connect with the right people and stay visible in your industry. Keeping your LinkedIn profile updated, sharing industry news, and engaging with posts from professionals and companies can help establish your presence. Engineering forums, such as The Engineer or Engineering.com, are great spaces for technical discussions and networking with others in your field.

Using social media and job boards to find your next role – Advance TRS

Make Meaningful Connections

Networking is about building relationships, not just collecting contacts. When reaching out to someone, start with common ground, such as a shared interest, mutual connection, or industry event. Being active in professional groups and contributing to discussions can strengthen your credibility. After meeting someone, following up with a short LinkedIn message or email can keep the conversation going and build long-term connections.

Leveraging Online Platforms for Digital Networking – Advance TRS

Offer Value to Others

Networking works best when it’s a two-way street. Sharing useful insights, job leads, or project updates can make you a valuable connection. Introducing contacts who might benefit from knowing each other also strengthens your network. Supporting others by engaging with their posts or attending their events helps form and maintain strong professional relationships.

Building a professional network takes time, but consistent engagement will help you get noticed and stay connected in your field.

At Advance TRS, we connect engineering professionals with top employers across the built environment. If you’re looking for new opportunities or industry connections, get in touch with our team today.

Recruitment is an ever-evolving field, shaped by shifts in technology, market demands, and candidate expectations. At Advance TRS, we’ve adapted to these changes to remain at the forefront of the recruitment industry. Here’s how we’re navigating these trends and preparing for the future.

1. Embracing Technology

The role of technology in recruitment has grown significantly. Key changes include:

  • Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Streamlining candidate management and ensuring no talent is overlooked.
  • AI and automation: Helping us screen CVs, schedule interviews, and identify top candidates faster.
  • Digital tools for remote hiring: Platforms like video conferencing enable seamless recruitment processes for global talent.

2. Adapting to Candidate Expectations

Today’s candidates expect more from employers and recruiters. We’ve seen:

  • A shift towards flexible working arrangements.
  • Increased demand for diversity and inclusion in workplaces.
  • Greater emphasis on career growth and development opportunities.

3. Industry-Specific Challenges

Recruitment within infrastructure markets such as rail, water, and construction faces unique challenges, including:

  • Skills shortages in critical areas.
  • Increasing demand for sustainable practices and green skills.
  • The impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on workforce needs.

Our team’s specialised knowledge ensures we can navigate these complexities and deliver high-quality recruitment solutions.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

Data plays a vital role in modern recruitment. At Advance TRS, we use insights to:

  • Monitor market trends and salary benchmarks.
  • Understand client and candidate behaviours.
  • Refine our strategies for better outcomes.

These data-driven decisions help us provide tailored services that meet evolving needs.

5. Prioritising Relationships

Despite technological advancements, recruitment remains a people-focused industry. We prioritise:

  • Building lasting relationships with clients and candidates.
  • Providing ongoing support after placements.
  • Maintaining open communication throughout the recruitment process.

This commitment to personalised service sets us apart in an increasingly automated landscape.

Preparing for the Future

As the recruitment industry continues to evolve, we’re focused on staying ahead by:

  • Investing in the latest tools and training.
  • Expanding our expertise in key infrastructure markets.
  • Championing diversity and sustainability in recruitment practices.

Interested in working with us? Check out our available opportunities, here.

Staying on top of industry trends is essential, especially in fast-paced fields like construction, rail, energy, and environmental engineering. Knowing what’s coming next can give you a competitive edge, keep your skills relevant, and help you adapt to new opportunities. Here are five practical ways to keep up to date with the latest developments in your sector. 

1. Engage with Professional Networks and Organisations 

Networking is not just for job-hunting; it’s a powerful way to stay informed. Joining professional organisations and attending industry events can provide direct access to the latest trends and developments. Organisations like the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) frequently share insights, host webinars, and hold events where experts discuss emerging practices. Engaging with these networks keeps you connected and informed. 

Leveraging Online Platforms for Digital Networking – Advance TRS

2. Keep Up with Industry News and Publications 

Reading industry publications and subscribing to newsletters is one of the simplest ways to stay informed. Whether it’s Construction News, Rail Technology Magazine, or The Engineer, many publications focus on the latest news and trends in specific sectors. Many also offer newsletters, which bring curated updates directly to your inbox, making it easy to stay in the know, even if you have a busy schedule – us included, you can sign up, here!

3. Leverage Online Learning and Certifications 

New skills and certifications can set you apart in a competitive field, and online platforms make it easier than ever to stay updated. Websites like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy offer courses on everything from project management to sustainable building practices. Not only do these courses keep your skills sharp, but they also allow you to explore new areas that might be gaining traction and keep up to date with any industry regulations. 

4. Follow Industry Leaders and Influencers on Social Media 

Social media platforms – particularly LinkedIn – are excellent for real-time updates on industry trends. Following influential figures and leading companies can give you insights into emerging developments and best practices. Additionally, LinkedIn groups and discussions around hashtags like #RailIndustry allow you to participate in conversations with other professionals and stay aware of current trends without searching for individual news articles. 

5. Listen to Podcasts and Attend Webinars 

Podcasts and webinars provide a flexible way to stay informed and learn from experts, especially if you’re short on time. Industry podcasts often cover the latest topics and allow you to hear directly from thought leaders. Webinars, often hosted by professional organisations or leading companies, offer insights into specific areas of interest and give you a chance to ask questions in real time. 

Staying Ahead 

Staying in the loop with industry trends is a proactive effort that can significantly impact your career. Whether it’s through networking, online learning, or keeping up with industry news, making these activities part of your routine will keep your skills relevant and your knowledge current. 

Exploring new roles in the industry? Check out our available positions, here. 

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Advance TRS are exploring male mental health and raising awareness of the importance of talking about your mental wellbeing.

In England, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s hard to ignore the statistics, with suicide being a leading cause of death for men up to the age of forty. Three times as many men as women die by suicide.

So why do men struggle to open up about their mental health? Society’s expectations and gender roles may play a part in the difficulty to discuss or seek help for their troubles. Men were often encouraged to appear “manly” or not show their emotions, in control and a provider for the home. This stigma can cause men to suppress their emotions for fear of how they will be received.

It is also thought that men may be less able to recognise symptoms of mental health problems in themselves and unable to process the way they are feeling. Many might find themselves engaging in risky activities, picking fights and substance misuse to cope.

It is clear that more needs to be done to improve the reality that men are facing. So what can we do to support and encourage change? Several campaigns have recently emerged, encouraging men to talk about their mental health. To help break the stigma, be sure to check in on your colleagues, employees, friends, and family. Regularly ask how they are to show they have your support. As a result, this will open up the conversation for you to both discuss worries if necessary.

What is the industry doing to support mental health?

More than 25,000 railway staff have now been trained to identify and help vulnerable people, inside and outside of the rail network, thanks to a Samaritans’ partnership with Network Rail and the wider rail industry.

The charity also runs a Small Talk Saves Lives campaign in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police. The campaign aims to encourage the public to use the skills they already have by simply starting a conversation if they see someone who needs help. A little small talk and simple question can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help start them on the journey to recovery.

More and more construction businesses are also starting to see their staff’s mental health as a priority. Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing poor mental health across industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors. They work in partnership with industry-leading organisations with the aim to break the silence surrounding mental ill-health.

Helpful resources

Charity Movember has a variety of great tools on how to have a conversation with someone you believe is struggling.

If you need someone to talk to then Samaritans are available on 116 123 (UK) for free, 24/7. They are there to talk to, listen and they won’t judge or tell you what to do.

C.A.L.M is a National helpline for men to talk about any troubles they are feeling. Call 0800 58 58 58 (UK). They are available from 5pm-midnight 365 days a year.

When you’re experiencing a mental health problem, supportive and reliable information can change your life. Mind mental health charity believes no one should have to face this alone. Infoline: 0300 123 3393.

For support when you’re struggling to cope, Text Shout to 85258. If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support.

The Construction Industry Helpline provides a 24/7 safety net for all construction workers and their families in the UK and Ireland. Call their helpline on 0345 605 1956 (UK) or text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK). They also offer a free Helpline App, offering advice on a variety of conditions or issues, self- assessment tools, coping strategies and referral pathways to access expert advice and support.

Advance TRS

Advance TRS is a niche recruitment consultancy specialising in the provision of highly-skilled technical professionals for the built environment. 

We have appointed qualified Mental Health First Aiders to provide a first point of contact for our staff if needed. We also offer our a Wellbeing Hub, where confidential support via an EAP helpline can be accessed at any time.

From the very beginning our Group Managing Director Andy has nurtured a close family feel office culture, where colleagues work together, socialise and look out for each other.

We are always looking for new talented and ambitious people to join our team, across our offices and in sales, management or business services.

The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

Planning permission for new homes in Newham gets green light

Mount Anvil and ExCeL London have secured a resolution to grant planning permission from Newham’s Strategic Development Committee for phases two and three of its development located in the London Borough of Newham. Read more…

VINCI starts work on new £100m Birmingham hospital

VINCI Construction UK has started work on a new £100m specialist hospital facility in Birmingham. Read more…

Cost of deposit return scheme “largely outweighs gains”, says IEA

The running costs of the government’s proposed deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks cans and bottles is a very expensive way of achieving very little, according to a new briefing from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). Read more…

Welsh Water selects CoMag system for phosphorus removal

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and its design and construction partner Mott Macdonald Bentley have selected Evoqua Water Technologies’ CoMag system for phosphorus removal at two of its wastewater treatment plants. Read more…

First of CAF’s new Nova fleet accepted by TPE ahead of rollout across north of England

The first of TransPennine Express’s (TPE) Nova 3 fleet has been officially accepted after completing testing with its manufacturer CAF. Read more…

Browse our latest jobs here.

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The latest news this week in the Built Environment:

 

BAM Farrans JV wins £120m Great Yarmouth bridge

Norfolk County Council has awarded the contract for Great Yarmouth’s Third River Crossing to a BAM Farrans joint venture. Read more…

New official wet wipe standard to bolster fatberg fight

The fight against fatbergs has received a boost with the publication of a new official standard identifying which wet wipes can be flushed down toilets safely. Read more…

Engineers able to predict and fix track faults before they develop using new Costain augmented reality tech

Engineers will be able to use augmented reality (AR) to predict failing components and faults on train tracks and in stations after engineering companies, in collaboration with a university, have developed a network of Internet of Things (IoT). Read more…

Abundance closes record £7m investment for Orbital Marine Power project

Green crowd-funding platform Abundance has this week celebrated its largest fund-raise to date, closing a record £7m investment round for Orbital Marine Power. Read more…

Solving the social housing conundrum

David Baybut, head of Real Estate at national law firm Stephensons, discusses the recent plunge in social housing figures and explores how ‘new thinking’ can grow the stock of homes for social rent. Read more…

 

Browse our latest jobs here.

Register for job alerts here.