Putting together a good team will become more and more difficult

As industries like aerospace, marine technology, green energy, and advanced manufacturing rapidly evolve, assembling and retaining a strong technical team is becoming increasingly difficult. Companies across the globe are facing a convergence of pressures: massive demand for advanced skills, intense competition from other sectors, and a workforce that expects more from employers than ever before. For startups and even established companies, the talent challenge is becoming one of the biggest risks to long-term success.

Growing Competition for Talent

The surge in high-tech industries is creating record levels of competition for engineers, designers, and specialists. Aerospace companies, electric vehicle manufacturers, and tech giants are aggressively expanding their hiring programs, offering competitive salaries, attractive relocation packages, and clear career growth paths. Marine technology companies, energy startups, and traditional manufacturers must now compete with sectors that are seen as more glamorous, future-focused, and financially rewarding. This broader competition for talent is making it harder for smaller firms or niche industries to attract the best candidates.

Salaries and Benefits Lag Behind Expectations

While demand for technical skills is surging, salary levels in many traditional sectors—such as marine engineering or manufacturing—have not kept pace with those offered by tech or aerospace companies. Talented professionals with expertise in automation, AI integration, advanced materials, and sustainability are increasingly drawn to industries that not only offer higher compensation but also better benefits, flexible working conditions, and investment in professional development. In many cases, smaller companies cannot meet these financial expectations, making it difficult to secure or retain top-level employees.

Increasingly Advanced Skill Sets Required

The complexity of modern technology projects means that companies now need workers who possess highly specialized, multidisciplinary skills. Expertise in areas such as systems integration, data science, mechatronics, cybersecurity, and green propulsion is no longer optional—it is essential. However, educational institutions are struggling to produce enough graduates with these skill sets, and mid-career professionals often require significant retraining to stay relevant. The result is an enormous and growing shortage of qualified talent, particularly for roles that require both deep technical knowledge and the ability to innovate across disciplines.

Shift in Workforce Expectations

Today’s workforce is not just looking for a paycheck—they are seeking purpose, career progression, and a work environment that matches their values. Younger engineers and tech workers often prioritize companies that are committed to sustainability, diversity, and personal development. Employers who fail to create a compelling culture, or who rely solely on the prestige of their industry, will find it increasingly difficult to build loyal, motivated teams. Additionally, expectations around remote work, flexible hours, and work-life balance are reshaping traditional notions of employment, forcing companies to rethink how they structure their organizations.

The Growing Importance of Training and Talent Development

In a world where technical innovation moves faster than educational systems can adapt, companies will increasingly need to invest in their own training programs. Upskilling existing employees, creating partnerships with universities, and establishing clear career development pathways will become crucial strategies. Those who can successfully build internal talent pipelines will have a significant advantage over those relying solely on external hiring in an increasingly crowded market.

A New Era for Building Teams

Finding and keeping the right team is no longer a simple HR function—it is a core strategic challenge that directly impacts a company’s ability to innovate, compete, and grow. In a future marked by skills shortages, fierce competition, and shifting employee expectations, companies that are proactive, flexible, and genuinely invested in their people will be the ones best positioned to succeed. Those who ignore these changes risk falling behind, no matter how good their ideas or technologies might be.

For startups this is particularly important, as investors and funding providers want to see a great team.