Career Advice Job Market Trend Report

Skilled labour in big demand

Based on a recent internal employment-trend survey conducted by Judd Farris Recruitment, the demand for skilled labour in the construction sector will continue to rise in the second quarter of this year.

The survey, conducted late last month, covered 15 developers listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Of these, 13 firms – representing 85 per cent – said they would employ more professional staff members this quarter to support the construction boom in Hong Kong and the mainland.

According to the respondents, for the mid- to senior-level positions – with a salary range of HK$600,000 per year – the total number of jobs will be increased from 225 in the first quarter to 307 in the second quarter. The survey covered residential, mixed-use and commercial projects.

Among the job functions enjoying high demand are architectural, civil engineering, structural engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, building services engineering, and quantity surveying.

Most of the surveyed companies are trying to recruit talent through executive search firms, targeting professionals not only in Hong Kong, but also those who were trained locally and working abroad, and willing to return to the city for work.

Andrew Chung, senior consultant, Judd Farris Recruitment – Asia