How the UK Job Market Is Reshaping Riveting
As the UK job market continues to evolve in 2025, engineering and manufacturing businesses are facing serious pressure, especially in critical processes like riveting.
From ongoing labour shortages to a shift in skills demand, companies across the automotive, aerospace, construction, and renewable energy sectors are being forced to adapt their operations. For engineers, floor managers, and procurement leaders, this means rethinking the way rivets and rivet tools are sourced, selected, and used on the factory floor.
UK Job Market Trends Affecting Engineering
According to EngineeringUK and Make UK, the UK continues to face a shortage of skilled engineers, with up to 59% of firms struggling to fill technical roles. This shortage is directly impacting:
- Assembly line consistency
- Tooling efficiency
- Product output, especially in high-precision tasks like riveting and fastener installation
And it’s not just about hiring, it’s about retaining talent while also upskilling existing staff. This shift is accelerating investment in:
- Battery-powered rivet tools
- Automated riveting systems
- Versatile tools that reduce dependency on highly specialised operators
Riveting in a Labour-Constrained Market
With fewer hands available on the shop floor, many manufacturers are turning to rivet solutions that:
- Reduce cycle time per installation
- Minimise physical strain on operators
- Enable semi-skilled staff to achieve consistent results
Tools like the Gesipa Accubird Pro and the Stanley PB2500 battery riveter are becoming essential not just for efficiency, but to futureproof assembly lines against further staffing challenges.
➡️ Need a quick breakdown of tool options? Compare pneumatic vs. battery-powered rivet tools
Employers Are Hiring Multi-Skilled Engineers
In response to the talent shortage, UK manufacturers are prioritising engineers who can:
- Operate various rivet tools (from handheld to pneumatic systems)
- Troubleshoot tooling issues
- Switch between blind rivets, rivet nuts, and specialised fasteners
That’s shifting the way teams think about tools. Companies are looking for modular or multi-functional tools like the Gesipa Firebird Pro, which can adapt to different fastener types across production lines.
This also means procurement managers are placing more value on:
- Training support
- Tool versatility
- Supplier expertise in both tooling and process optimisation
Slowdowns in Construction, But Growth in Renewables
While large-scale construction in the UK has slowed due to inflation and funding delays, sectors like solar, wind energy, and modular housing are still hiring and they’re heavily reliant on riveting technology.
In these industries, the demand is high for:
- Aluminium rivets for lightweight frames
- Monobolt rivets for panel security
- Auto-feed rivet tools for high-volume site installs
This creates an opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers who can provide efficient, labour-saving tools to help lean teams get more done.
➡️ See how we support renewable projects: Riveting Technology for UK Solar Farms
Automation Is a Response to a Shrinking Workforce
With hiring remaining difficult, more companies are exploring automated riveting systems and semi-automated tools to ensure output doesn't suffer. This trend is especially strong in:
- Aerospace assembly
- Automotive production lines
- Rail and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing
Procurement teams now treat tooling decisions like long-term strategic investments, weighing ROI, maintenance, and tool life as closely as hiring costs.
💡 If your team is feeling the pressure, investing in tools that boost output without adding headcount is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025.
The UK job market is forcing engineering teams to do more with less — and that’s driving a surge in demand for reliable, ergonomic, and fast rivet tools. Whether you're replacing outgoing staff or ramping up for growth, the right tools can bridge the labour gap and help you stay ahead of production targets.
At Rivetwise, we help teams across the UK choose, source, and implement the right rivet tools for real-world conditions — no matter what the labour market looks like.
👉 Ready to Upgrade Your Riveting Tools?
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