The global industrial landscape is undergoing a profound transformation.
Manufacturing and engineering services remain central to global economic growth. Clean energy employment has now overtaken fossil fuels, reflecting a decisive shift towards a more sustainable future. Defense spending continues to accelerate, while the automotive sector is experiencing its fastest evolution in decades as electric vehicles reshape global markets.

This report examines key challenges and opportunities facing the industry, including what candidates have, what they want and how this matches up with employer needs. We speak to industry experts to get a view of what’s happening in the industry and how companies can use this to tackle the revolution head on.

Inside the report:
• By the end of 2023, clean energy jobs outnumbered fossil fuel roles for the first time.
• Nearly half of engineering roles will change within the next five years due to AI, automation, and electrification.
• Apprenticeship applications have tripled since 2022, overtaking graduate programs for the first time in 2025.
• 63 % of manufacturing workers now list flexibility as a top factor in job choice.

Why it matters:
The Energy, Engineering and Industrial sectors are at the heart of global transformation. As automation, AI and clean energy reshape how we design, build and power the world, the demand for new skills is outpacing supply. Traditional talent pipelines can no longer keep up. Employers must rethink how they attract, train and retain talent by bridging digital, green and technical capabilities.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the industry in 2025 and offers employers actionable solutions for tackling industry challenges going into 2026 and beyond.