The Experience We Can’t Afford to Lose…
There has been a lot of talk lately about the growing skills gap in our industry. Across design consultancies, teams are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit experienced Civil and Structural Engineers. People who can deliver great work, support others, and make smart, practical decisions on complex projects.
The truth is that some of the most valuable talent we have is right here, still. Many are simply preparing to retire.
This generation of engineers holds an incredible depth of knowledge. They have seen countless project cycles, solved problems on site, and know how to get a design right in practice, not just on paper. That level of understanding only comes from decades of building, testing, and refining.
Technology has transformed the way we work. Today’s engineers are experts in digital tools, including advanced analysis, BIM, and computational design. But when innovation meets experience, that is when real progress happens. It is the difference between something that looks clever and something that truly works.
When generations collaborate, everyone benefits. A quick insight from an experienced engineer can save days of redesign or prevent a major issue. Younger professionals often introduce new ideas that challenge convention. That exchange is where genuine progress begins.
Many recently retired engineers still want to stay involved, just with more flexibility. They may not want full-time roles, but part-time consultancy, mentoring, or design reviews often appeal. It is a win for everyone. Consultancies gain decades of expertise, and professionals stay connected to the work they have spent their lives shaping.
We often talk about innovation, but real innovation comes from connection. Combining experience with new ideas is what strengthens our industry. Bringing experienced engineers back into the conversation is not about holding on to the past. It is about building a stronger future through shared knowledge.
It would be great to see more consultancies making that happen through mentoring, design reviews and flexible roles that link generations. Experience might not always be the headline of a job advert, but it is exactly what our industry needs right now.
