In a competitive hiring landscape, engineering talent is in high demand across the UK. Yet while employers are scrambling to secure top-tier candidates, many are overlooking one of the most valuable assets a candidate can bring to the table: transferable skills. These often-underestimated abilities can be the key to unlocking hidden talent, improving retention, and building more agile, innovative teams.
At Platform Recruitment, we help companies identify and assess engineering professionals with high potential, not just by job title, but by skillset. If you’re looking to strengthen your team or attract talent with broader value, check out our live roles or speak to our team about bespoke hiring support.
What Are Transferable Skills in Engineering?
Transferable skills are abilities and competencies that can be applied across multiple roles, industries, or environments. Unlike job-specific technical skills, transferable skills remain relevant no matter where someone works.
In engineering, transferable skills often include:
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Problem-solving
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Critical thinking
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Communication
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Project management
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Team collaboration
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Adaptability
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Attention to detail
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Time management
While an electrical engineer and a mechanical engineer might work in different domains, their transferable skills could make either a strong candidate for cross-functional roles.
Why Employers Are Missing Transferable Skills
Despite their value, transferable skills are often undervalued during the hiring process. Here’s why:
1. Overemphasis on Technical Qualifications
Job specs frequently focus on niche technical capabilities (e.g., a specific programming language or design software) rather than the problem-solving or project management skills needed to use those tools effectively. While these technical skills matter, they don’t tell the full story.
2. Rigid Job Descriptions
Employers often write job specs that cater to the “perfect” candidate on paper, someone with exact experience in a similar role or sector. This narrows the candidate pool and discourages those with transferable skills from applying, even though they may be fully capable of excelling in the role.
3. Bias in the Screening Process
When hiring managers filter candidates by past job titles alone, they risk overlooking individuals who have the right capabilities, even if their job history looks different. This is particularly true for engineers moving between sectors (e.g., from automotive to aerospace or medical devices).
4. Lack of Internal Alignment
Hiring teams may not be aligned on what "good" looks like. One stakeholder may prioritise communication, another may focus on years of experience in a specific domain, and the result is that candidates with high potential but unconventional paths get missed.
The Most Valuable Transferable Skills in 2025
With the engineering landscape evolving rapidly, these transferable skills will be especially valuable to employers over the coming years:
1. Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking
With the rise of automation, engineers who can think critically, troubleshoot complex systems, and innovate in real-time are irreplaceable. These abilities support everything from lean manufacturing to embedded software development.
2. Project Management
As engineering teams take on complex, multi-disciplinary projects, strong planning and coordination skills are crucial. Engineers who can scope, schedule, and manage risks are vital across industries.
3. Cross-Disciplinary Communication
Engineers often work alongside stakeholders in marketing, operations, or finance. Those who can explain technical ideas to non-technical colleagues are incredibly valuable.
4. Adaptability to New Tools & Environments
With rapid digital transformation and emerging technologies like AI and robotics, the ability to learn and adapt is arguably more valuable than deep experience in a single legacy system.
5. Collaboration & Teamwork
Whether in Agile development teams or large-scale R&D projects, collaboration is key. Engineers who bring positivity and cooperation into their workflow boost productivity and innovation.
6. Leadership & Mentorship
Even in junior roles, leadership potential matters. Engineers who can guide peers, make decisions, and take initiative are often the ones who rise quickly and make long-term impact.
Real-World Examples of Transferable Skills in Action
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Mechanical to Software: A mechanical engineer transitioned into embedded systems through self-taught Python and project experience. Their systems thinking and CAD knowledge added immense value to a medical device team.
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Aerospace to Renewable Energy: An aerospace engineer applied analytical modelling and project planning skills to a renewable energy firm. Despite zero industry experience, they became a team lead within 18 months.
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Graduate to Specialist: A graduate electronics engineer with strong communication and adaptability was hired for a niche RF role. With mentoring and upskilling, they quickly became a key player in the team.
These stories show how transferable skills can drive growth, bridge skill gaps and enrich engineering teams.
Tips for Employers: How to Spot and Value Transferable Skills
1. Rethink Job Descriptions
Avoid being too narrow. Focus on outcomes and skills over credentials alone.
2. Use Structured Interviews
Ask behavioural questions that reveal how candidates approach problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
3. Train Hiring Managers
Educate internal teams about recognising transferable skills, especially when screening CVs or conducting interviews.
4. Create Pathways for Development
Offer upskilling and mentoring programs to help engineers with potential transition into technical gaps.
5. Partner with Specialist Recruiters
Work with recruiters who understand technical and behavioural competencies. At Platform Recruitment, we help employers uncover hidden talent who may not tick every box, but bring significant value.
Tips for Engineers: How to Highlight Transferable Skills
1. Tailor Your CV
Focus on achievements and the skills used, not just job titles. Show how your abilities led to measurable results.
2. Use Cover Letters to Your Advantage
Explain your motivations and the skills you bring. A short, well-written cover letter can bridge any gaps.
3. Prepare for Situational Interviews
Have stories ready that showcase your problem-solving, communication, or adaptability.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot
If your core skills are strong, you can transition across industries with the right support and mindset.
5. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
The more versatile your skillset, the more doors you can open. Online courses, certifications, or side projects all count.
Don’t Let Transferable Talent Slip Away
In 2025 and beyond, engineering is less about ticking boxes and more about adaptability, mindset, and soft skills. Employers that can recognise and harness transferable skills will not only widen their talent pool but also future-proof their teams in an evolving industry.
At Platform Recruitment, we champion technical professionals with high potential and help businesses connect with top talent across software, embedded, mechanical, electronics, and manufacturing sectors.
Explore our live roles or contact our team to discuss how we can support your next hire.
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