A/E/C+E Sectors Experience Billings Surge in Q2 2023 Amidst Shifting Talent Dynamics

The second quarter of 2023 brought a wave of optimism for firms in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Energy (A/E/C+E) sectors. Commercial, industrial, transportation, institutional, and renewable energy projects saw a significant uptick in billings, painting a promising picture for the industry's future. However, this growth has not been without its challenges. Talent shortages, industry-wide "right-sizing" efforts, and evolving job seeker dynamics have created an intricate hiring landscape.

Billings Soar Across Sectors:

The second quarter of 2023 witnessed robust growth in billings across multiple A/E/C+E sectors. Commercial and industrial projects, driven by economic recovery and increased construction activity, saw substantial gains. Transportation infrastructure projects, backed by government investments, continued to drive demand for engineering and construction services. Institutional projects, including healthcare and education facilities, contributed to the industry's prosperity. Furthermore, the surge in renewable energy initiatives bolstered the already thriving renewable sector.

Robust Hiring Across the Board:

This surge in billings translated into a surge in hiring. Firms across all sectors reported robust recruitment efforts. Architects, civil engineers, HVAC specialists, plumbing experts, fire engineers, construction managers, superintendents, and energy project managers were in high demand. The race for top talent was on.

"Right-Sizing" Leads to Layoffs:

While many firms were eager to expand their teams, others found themselves embarking on "right-sizing" efforts. These initiatives, often driven by strategic considerations or changing market dynamics, led to layoffs in firms of all sizes. This underscores the importance of agility and adaptability in the ever-evolving A/E/C+E landscape.

Scarce Talent in the 5-10 Year Experience Bracket:

One common theme across the industry was the scarcity of talent in the 5-10 year experience bracket. Professionals with this level of experience in architecture, civil engineering, HVAC, plumbing, fire engineering, construction management,  and energy project management were highly sought after. Firms faced fierce competition for these mid-level experts who play pivotal roles in project execution.

Changing Dynamics Among Passive Job Seekers:

An interesting trend emerged during Q2 2023. Passive job seekers, traditionally less inclined to explore new opportunities, began to reevaluate their career trajectories. The combination of a flourishing job market and the promise of exciting projects prompted many to consider new job opportunities. This shift signifies the importance of a strong employer value proposition in attracting top talent.

As we navigate the complexities of Q2 2023, it's evident that the A/E/C+E sectors are on an upward trajectory. With billings soaring across various project types and hiring efforts at their peak, the industry remains dynamic. However, firms must remain agile in their approach, as "right-sizing" and talent shortages challenge the status quo. As we move forward, the focus should be on nurturing talent, retaining industry experts, and adapting to the evolving landscape of the A/E/C+E sectors.