2024 U.S. Election: Predicted Recruitment Shifts in Engineering, Energy, and More

With Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, industries across the United States are anticipating shifts in regulatory landscapes, investment priorities, and policy directions. For sectors like engineering, energy, technology, and construction, potential changes may reshape recruitment needs and talent strategies. While these are our current predictions, the policy landscape is still evolving, and outcomes remain uncertain. Here’s a look at how companies in these sectors might prepare for hiring in this shifting environment.

Engineering

Based on past policy trends, the new administration may prioritize large-scale infrastructure projects, such as bridge and road improvements, airport upgrades, and pipeline expansions. Should this emphasis hold, engineering firms could see increased demand for civil, structural, and environmental engineers to support both public and private sector initiatives.

Recruitment Outlook: To meet this potential demand, companies may want to begin identifying and engaging with engineers who have experience in large-scale infrastructure and regulatory compliance. However, since policy shifts can happen quickly, firms should also remain flexible and ready to adjust their hiring strategies based on new developments in funding and project priorities.

Energy

The energy sector is poised for adjustments, especially if traditional fossil fuels regain federal support, which could drive demand for talent in oil, gas, and coal. However, renewable energy continues to grow due to both state initiatives and global momentum, ensuring that demand for professionals skilled in solar, wind, and battery technologies remains strong.

Recruitment Outlook: Companies in the energy sector should consider a balanced hiring strategy that supports both conventional and renewable energy roles. By attracting candidates with skills in both areas, businesses can remain adaptable to shifts in energy policy and market needs at both federal and state levels.

Technology

National security and domestic tech innovation may become a focal point, potentially spurring growth in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and secure tech production. Technology companies may see increased demand for professionals skilled in these areas, particularly as data security and privacy take on greater importance.

Recruitment Outlook: Businesses should prepare for heightened demand in roles related to cybersecurity, AI, and data privacy. To stay ahead, companies may want to strengthen their pipelines for tech talent with expertise in these critical areas. However, recruitment teams will need to adapt quickly, as technology policy is subject to evolving national and international factors.

Construction

An increase in federal investment for public infrastructure could drive demand within the construction sector, especially for large-scale public works projects. This may translate to higher recruitment needs for project managers, architects, and skilled tradespeople as firms scale up to meet project demands.

Recruitment Outlook: Construction companies should prepare for competitive hiring by focusing on a robust pipeline for skilled trades and project management talent. However, with potential fluctuations in federal funding, flexibility will be key in adjusting hiring efforts based on emerging policy directions.

Preparing Recruitment Strategies for an Evolving Landscape

These insights reflect our current predictions, but we recognize the inherent unpredictability following an election. Companies in these sectors should prioritize flexibility in their recruitment strategies, staying agile as policies develop.

At Rise Technical, we’re committed to supporting clients with adaptable recruitment solutions. Our expertise across engineering, energy, technology, and construction allows us to respond proactively to industry shifts, helping companies attract and retain top talent, no matter the changes ahead.