The role of a powered access engineer (technicians who maintain and repair MEWPs, boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.) is highly specialised, and that’s both part of the problem and part of the opportunity in powered access recruitment. Here at Kemp Recruitment, we’re seeing several structural challenges that make recruitment in this niche far harder than in more general engineering fields. But we’re also seeing clear pathways to fill that gap through cross-industry skills, apprenticeships, and smarter hiring practices.
The specialist catch and why the role is difficult to fill
- Niche skillset & licensing requirement
One root cause of the shortage is that many businesses insist on hiring engineers who already hold a CAP (Competent Assessed Person) licence. That makes sense as safety and compliance are non-negotiable. But it also creates a catch-22: if you only hire those who already have a CAP licence, you severely limit the pool of entrants. - Pay differential for CAP licence holders
Engineers without a CAP licence typically earn £5,000–£10,000 less per year compared to those who hold one. That wage gap disincentivises entry for capable engineers early in their careers. - Licence expiry risk
Even if a candidate has a CAP licence, if it’s close to expiration, some employers may view them as less attractive, even though that candidate might still be fully capable with just a licence refresh. - Mobile vs workshop roles and candidate preference
Many engineers prefer mobile powered access roles over workshop-based roles. On-call rotas and travel premiums often result in higher earnings for mobile work, making those roles more attractive. - Salary competitiveness
Despite the challenges, powered access engineering still offers better pay than many other engineering routes which makes it an attractive switch for technicians looking to specialise.
Cross-Industry skills hold the key to future success
One of the biggest opportunities in powered access recruitment lies in recognising how much overlap there is between powered access engineering and other technical roles. We have successfully placed a number of candidates from the following backgrounds in powered access engineer roles;
Skills and experience from these roles can often map well into powered access work. If someone already knows how to diagnose issues, manage safety protocols, or understands heavy mechanical systems, the transition may require training and certification but not starting from zero. By actively recruiting from those adjacent sectors, employers can significantly broaden their talent pool.
Apprenticeships & Industry Partnerships
Some companies are already taking proactive steps to address the powered access recruitment challenges:
- Apprenticeship schemes
Some Powered Access businesses are now offering apprenticeship programmes where candidates who may have already completed an engineering diploma or college course can be further trained in powered access specialisms. - Pathway programmes
Recruiting engineers from related sectors (hydraulics, plant maintenance, etc.) and providing CAP licence training as part of the package.
These programmes help lay the pipeline for the next generation of powered access engineers, rather than competing for the same limited group of qualified individuals.
What this means for employers and candidates
For employers:
- Be open to hiring engineers without a CAP licence and offering this training in order to upskill
- Promote mobile roles with attractive on-call pay to make positions more competitive.
- Seek out candidates from HGV, plant, or crane maintenance sectors. With over 15 years’ experience in commercial vehicle recruitment, Kemp Recruitment are perfectly placed to help you find candidates with transferable skills.
- Use apprenticeship and early-career schemes to cultivate future talent.
- Monitor and assist licence expiry and CPD (continuous professional development) to retain your best engineers.
For candidates:
- Even if you lack a CAP licence, your experience in lifting, vehicle diagnostics, or plant maintenance may still be relevant.
- Highlight transferable skills on your CV and show willingness to upskill.
- Mobile roles may offer higher earnings and faster progression.
- If you hold (or once held) a CAP licence, make sure employers know that, and ensure it remains valid.
- Use apprenticeship or upskilling routes to enter the powered access sector.
Conclusion
Our Lead Recruitment Consultant, Abi King, perfectly sums up the challenges and opportunities in this niche sector:
“Powered access engineering is a highly specialised sector, and we see first-hand how challenging it can be for employers to find qualified engineers. The shortage isn’t just about CAP licences; it’s about experience, transferable skills, and the willingness to grow. By considering candidates from related industries and investing in training, businesses can not only fill vacancies but also build a more resilient, skilled workforce.” — Abi King, Recruitment Consultant, Kemp Recruitment
At Kemp Recruitment, we specialise in working with powered access and industrial clients to match the right talent to the right roles. If you’re seeking skilled engineers or you’re a candidate looking to transition into a powered access role, check our latest powered access roles or give us a call on 0330 440 2323. We’d love to help with your next step.
