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PPR: Staffing solutions for construction projects
Industry experience & technical excellence
PPR are construction industry specialists. We connect Principle Contractors and Sub-contractors with qualified and skilled industry operatives. We work across the construction industry with a key focus on rail, airports, and mechanical & electrical engineering. We have supplied skilled staff for major infrastructure projects in London and the South East, and provide both clients and candidates with a comprehensive compliance and vetting process to ensure that we always deliver on quality.
If you’re looking for construction workers, civil engineers, or skilled driving and warehouse operatives, PPR can help. Alternatively, if you’re a construction worker or engineer looking for employment, we can connect you with the best companies and largest projects in the industry. We work across London and the South East, helping to increase employment throughout the region. From Essex to Kent and throughout Greater London, we have an extensive network of industry professionals. From our head offices near Uxbridge, West London, we provide a personalised service with a focus on customer care. Give us a call on 01895 80 81 88 or contact us online to find out how we can help you today.
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Our Core Values
At PPR, we are proud of the service we provide. We believe that by promoting excellence and upholding industry standards, we can help to create a better working environment and deliver better results. As such, our core values include: Integrity, Passion, Collaboration, Ambition, and Customer Focus.
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Customer Focus
Work For Us
Working for PPR is an excellent way to progress your career. We offer both our clients and candidates temporary and fixed-term contract work, permanent positions, temporary to permanent placements, training opportunities, career advice, and a simple to use payroll facility. For employees working directly for PPR, you can expect: motivational incentives, career progression opportunities, a lively and positive working environment, a highly positive work place culture, and regular dress-down days. In 2018, we were included in the Recruiter Magazine ‘Fast 50’. This is a list of the fastest growing UK recruitment companies, across all disciplines, in the UK.
Industry Updates
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What technical jobs will be in high demand in 2022?
Sidney Taylor |
30-11-2021
It's been a challenging few years for many employment industries across the UK, with recruitment in travel, hospitality, retail, and leisure hit the hardest. Coupled with global shortages of materials, staff shortages, and transport delays, some job sectors in the UK are still experiencing persistent labour supply issues and difficulty filling vacancies. With this in mind, let's turn our attention to the top growing UK industries of 2021 and five technical jobs that will be in high demand in the coming year. What were the fastest growing industries in the UK in 2021? Based on expert analysis by Revenue Growth, the top 10 fastest growing industries in the UK this year were: Industry Revenue Growth Safety Equipment & Supplies Wholesaling 95.4% Telehealth Services 63.2% Online Food Ordering & Delivery Platforms 45.1% Bicycle Retailing 42.5% Online Alcohol Retailing 42% E-Commerce & Online Auctions 40.2% Precious Metals Production 37.7% Audiobook Publishing 36.9% Online Stock Brokerages 36.6% Online Greetings Card Retailers 36.5% So, what technical jobs will be in high demand in 2022? HGV driver jobs According to the latest Road Haulage Association (RHA) survey, estimates reveal there is now a shortage of over 100,000 qualified drivers in the UK. So, with HGV wages currently ranging between £35,000 and £50,000, there has never been a better time to retain and enter the logistics sector. The 8 main steps to becoming a qualified commercial driver in the UK Warehouse operative jobs In 2020, 87% of UK households made online purchases; Britain’s highest online purchase rate in 11 years! So, just like delivery drivers, increasing online purchases inevitably requires more warehouse operatives to keep the supply chain fit and healthy. What are the top skills a warehouse operative could have? Computer programmer jobs Although the technology market is booming, it may surprise you to learn that 70% of the tech industry is experiencing skills shortages - with the greatest deficits felt in Yorkshire (73%), London (62%), and the North (55%). Largely due to increasing investment in UK tech companies, Cyber Security, BI & Data Management, and Software Development are the most sought-after skills of the moment, so demand for developers is set to continue into 2022 and beyond. Skilled engineer jobs 186,000 engineers are needed annually until 2024 just to plug the skills gap, with almost 20% of the current workforce expected to retire by 2026. What type of jobs are in engineering? Tradespeople jobs The latest research by the ONS reveals the employment rate in the UK construction sector fell from 2.3 million in 2017 to 2.1 million at the end of 2020. Before the pandemic, there was already a shortage of skilled trade workers, which has only been exacerbated further with the UK's thriving home improvement market which took hold through the various periods of lockdown. The highest paid construction jobs include Site Managers, Electricians, Plasterers, Plumbers, and Carpenters. What qualifications do you need to be a tradesman? Find contract & permanent staffing solutions with PPR Recruitment From mechanical and electrical careers to industrial operatives and professional vacancies to careers in construction, get in touch with our recruitment experts on 01895 80 81 88 or contact us online to get the ball rolling towards a fresh start in the new year.
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The skills you must have as a mechanical engineer
Susanna Smithe |
24-11-2021
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing, manufacturing, building, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems, tools, and components. Mechanical engineering encompasses a variety of sub-sectors requiring specialist skills and knowledge. At PPR, we work with clients seeking mechanical engineers in areas as diverse as the construction sector, industrial manufacturing, and the rail industry. Each individual industry requires specialist skills and knowledge when it comes to mechanical engineering, although there are many transferable skills for all mechanical operations. As a mechanical engineer, the following abilities will usually be required, whichever sector you choose. Essential skills for a mechanical engineer Confident using CAD software to create designs, specifications, and models Experience using EPDM software to effectively manage product data & engineering processes Research and laboratory experience Analysing data to solve faults with mechanical components Testing prototypes, tools, and components Comprehension of the latest industry regulations regarding mechanical engineering in your specific sector Technical ability and a solid grasp of maths including algebra, physics, and critical thinking As a mechanical engineer, you will also need a range of soft skills to complete your work to a high level. These may include: Attributes of a successful mechanical engineer High levels of creativity and foresight Independent problem-solving skills Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills Time management and attention to detail Self-motivation As well as these skills and attributes, mechanical engineers will need to be qualified to various levels of expertise depending on the mechanical work being carried out. With 186,000 engineers needed annually in the UK until 2024 just to plug the skills gap, mechanical engineering is a popular career choice with endless opportunities. Training as a mechanical engineer typically involves a degree or a master's degree in engineering, although many employers will accept similar qualifications combined with suitable work experience. What qualifications do you need to be a mechanical engineer? Some qualifications required as a mechanical engineer include: Level 3 Diploma in mechanical engineering 2.1 degree in mechanical engineering (BEng) or a master’s degree (MEng) A postgraduate qualification Level 4/5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in engineering (mechanical engineering) It's also possible to enter the industry via an apprenticeship scheme, allowing you to learn valuable real-life skills while you study. Find your next mechanical engineering role or candidate with PPR Recruitment Whether you're looking for a new start, or require skilled, experienced, and reliable mechanical engineers, we can help. Give our recruitment experts a call on 01895 80 81 88 or get in touch online to find out more. Related reads: What are the 7 sectors of engineering? 4 elements you need on your CV when entering the engineering market Why we can find the top operatives and engineers for you
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The true impact of the volatile job market on the supply chain
Mary Williams |
23-11-2021
In May 2020, around 7.6 million jobs (24% of the UK workforce) were at risk due to COVID-19-related lockdowns. Plunging Britain into its deepest recession on record, the worst-hit sector for job cuts was (unsurprisingly) the retail sector, closely followed by the aviation industry, the hospitality industry, the manufacturing industry, and the energy industry. Thankfully, the most recent data shows the UK's labour market is continuing to recover, with the number of payroll employees showing another monthly increase; up 207,000 to a record 29.2 million in September 2021, with unemployment rates decreasing by 0.4% to 4.5%. Encouragingly returning to pre-covid pandemic levels (Feb 2020), the unprecedented global supply chain crisis continues to rage on, pushing prices higher and putting economic recoveries across the world in real jeopardy. So, what is the true impact of the UK’s volatile job market on the supply chain and what does the future hold? PPR Recruitment investigates. What is causing the supply chain issues UK? According to the latest UK Parliament research briefing: “Broadly, the UK’s current supply chain issues stem from global shortages of materials, staff shortages and transport delays occurring at the same time as sharp spikes in demand, particularly for consumer goods and construction materials. Supply chain disruptions have been exacerbated in the last few months as major shipping ports and manufacturing facilities in Asia have been affected by outbreaks of the Delta coronavirus variant, either closing or reducing capacity. The disruption to global supply chains has led to longer supplier delivery times for some businesses, particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors. As the labour market recovers from the pandemic, several sectors are seeing temporary and persistent staff shortages. On a temporary level, some businesses are affected by staff having to isolate due to COVID-19 infection. Some sectors are having persistent labour supply issues and difficulty filling vacancies. A shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers is an acute issue significantly affecting goods shortages. While the UK is not unique in experiencing shortages of materials and workers, commentators have noted that new immigration rules post-Brexit may have exacerbated the situation. There are different views on the extent to which Brexit-related factors are contributing to supply chain issues in the UK.” What jobs have a shortage of workers UK? With fears quashed about increases in redundancies caused by the end of the furlough support scheme, the UK is now in the midst of a vacancy crisis. According to The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and industry data, the top 10 occupations experiencing the highest worker shortages in the UK are: HGV drivers Nurses Programmers and software development professionals Care workers and home carers Primary and nursery education teaching professionals Chefs Sales and retail assistants Cleaners & domestics Metalworking production and maintenance fitters Carpenters and joiners What are the fastest growing employment sectors in the UK? Staff shortages inevitably mean businesses are unable to meet increased demand for their services. So, which industries have come out relatively unscathed? According to employment-oriented social media platform LinkedIn, these are the top 10 fastest-growing job sectors in the UK of 2021: E-commerce personnel Health care supporting staff Digital content freelancers Construction Creative freelancers Finance Specialized medical professionals Professional coaching Social media and digital marketing Customer service How have reductions in specific job markets impacted the UK supply chain? COVID-19 disruptions, Brexit and a boom in demand are all influencing the supply chain crisis, but how does the skills shortage factor in? Well, according to the ONS, the UK lost over 200,000 skilled EU citizens in 2020. Coupled with over 75 million ‘Baby Boomers’ about to retire, there are simply not enough ‘Generation X’ workers to fill their place, while ‘Millennials’ and ‘Generation Z’ lack the essential skills and work experience to fill the widening recruitment gap. So, with almost two-thirds of UK firms deeply worried about a shortage of skilled applicants, and the shortfall costing organisations a staggering £6.33 billion extra a year in recruitment fees, inflated salaries, temporary staff and training for workers hired at a lower level than intended, the skills shortage is another significant aspect that cannot be ignored either. Which skills are in demand in UK? Struggling with the worst labour shortage since 1997, the biggest skills shortages are being felt in these crucial UK job sectors: Construction (over 20% of UK tradespeople are over 50 and 15% are over 60) Manufacturing & Engineering (186,000 engineers are needed annually until 2024 just to plug the skills gap, with almost 20% of the current workforce expected to retire by 2026) Programming (70% of the tech industry are experiencing skills shortages) With this in mind, forward-thinking workers and those looking for a new start would do well to look into these sectors to see how their existing skills can transfer, along with any future training required. What can be done to overcome the shortage of workers in the UK? Although the pandemic and Brexit play their part, the single biggest cause of supply chain disruption is staff shortage. It's no coincidence that the longest supply chain delays are mostly taking place in job sectors experiencing the largest number of hard-to-fill vacancies. So, with the supply chain crisis predicted to continue into 2023 and beyond, what can be done to solve the skill shortage, improve productivity, and prevent the UK's economic recovery from slowing down even further?... Here are ten crucial points for employers, employees, and the government to consider: A concerted focus on training, reskilling and recruitment More apprenticeships and work-based learning initiatives Invest more time and resources into upskilling existing workers Rethink your workforce e.g., flexible working opportunities Make jobs more attractive to future generations by creating sectors young people are excited to work in Change perceptions of the industry by encouraging diversity in the workplace Challenge gender inequality Focus on sustainability Invest in new technologies, such as AI and robotics Broaden recruitment potential Find your next role or candidate with PPR Recruitment Whether you're looking for a new job or require skilled, experienced, and reliable operatives and engineers, we can help. Give our recruitment experts a call on 01895 80 81 88 or contact us online for further support. Related reads: What type of jobs are in engineering? The 8 main steps to becoming a qualified commercial driver in the UK What qualifications do you need to be a tradesman?
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What Do You Need to Work on The Railway?
Mary Williams |
05-10-2021
The rail sector is a long-standing field of expertise for PPR recruitment, and we are the chosen partners for many rail networks such as Crossrail, Network Rail, and HS2. The rail network is the heart of UK infrastructure, and we know the industry in more detail than most. What do you need to work on the railway? The first thing to do when wanting to secure a position in the railway is to register with a 5*RISQS recruitment company such as PPR. You will require a Sentinel identity card which we can arrange for you. We set up a profile and membership number on the Rail Sentinel System. Without this you will not be able to work in the rail industry. What training do you need for a job on the railway? To work on the railway there are minimum standards you will need to meet. For example, you need to me a minimum of 16 years old and hold a National Insurance Number. You will also need to meet the medical standards set by Network Rail Standard NR/ L2/ OHS/ 00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements, as well as the requirement of Network Rail Standard NR/ L1/ OHS/ 051 (Drugs and Alcohol testing). You will also need accreditation for a variety of competencies. Such as, Personal Track Safety if you want to work on the National Rail infrastructure or if you want to work on London Underground Sites you would need to complete an Industry Common Induction. If you want to expand your skills, further training courses are available, such as Overhead Lines Electrification Course – OLEC 1, 2 and 3 or Dockland Light Railway Course. What type of jobs are available in the railway industry? The rail industry has many positions to offer with continuous potential for development in your career. Common jobs within the rail industry would include: Telecoms Operative Tractions and Rolling Stock Operative Overhead Line Operative Signalling Operative Electrical Operative Track Maintenance Operative The key focus of your job will be to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and freight. To do this your daily work will involve assisting with construction, installation, renewal, or enhancement of the Railway. If you want to work in rail or you are looking for your next career move within the railway industry, PPR can help. For more information about our rail vacancies or speak with one of our friendly expert team members, contact us today. Call us on 01895 80 81 88 or send us a message online.
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Will UK air travel bounce back and how are careers in airports affected?
Mary Williams |
29-09-2021
Over the last twenty years, the world of aviation has been faced with extreme weather, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks. Every time the industry has arisen stronger, making global technology advances to support the aviation industry. Now they have a global pandemic to overcome. With reported industry job losses of 62K, this is no mean feat but with a nation held back from travel for over 18 months surely this is more than possible. Technology will be a key player in how the industry moves forward. Efficiencies that can respond to unpredictable fluxes in passenger numbers, as well as contactless experiences through airports, will become the determining factor for a sustainable future. But what about people? A larger number of elements need more than technology, they need a physical presence and a career in aviation is a rich and rewarding choice. As we see air travel open little by little, an increase in aviation roles will become necessary and fast - but with so many people having lost their jobs, will experience be enough? There are key elements to ensuring your application stands out above the crowd, including: 1. Know the company you are applying to It’s not enough these days to just apply for a role – you need to have an understanding of the company, its ethos and values. Doing your research early means you can tailor your CV not only to the role but outline common values with the company as well. It will also help in preparation for your interview, where a common question is nearly always – ‘What do you know about us and why would you be a great fit?’. 2. Don’t be shy When writing a CV, you need to find the right balance between selling yourself and not coming over as self-important. The main focus areas for any CV are the top and middle area of the first page. You should outline your strengths and key areas of expertise so they will grab the potential interviewer on the first read. Make sure your attributes are proven with examples like qualifications, achievements, and work experience, and use evidence to support your claims. Remember, with aviation there is a high level of background and criminal record checks, so it is important to be honest. 3. Simple and clear CV To ensure your CV is selected above the competition, keep it clear and concise with lots of white space. Use a simple font like Calibri or Arial. Two sides of A4 is the standard recommendation with a cover letter that is kept to one page. Bullet points are a great way to keep a clean look that also highlights your achievements, aligning them to the job description you are applying for. 4. A Cover Letter is vital A cover letter is an essential document to accompany your CV. It is here you can detail the value you would bring to the role and the elements from your CV you really want to bring focus too. It should be positive, engaging and authentic. 5. Check, check and check again Attention to detail is key. You can become blind to spelling mistakes and grammar errors when you have spent time preparing your CV, so it is strongly recommended that you ask someone you trust to read through for errors and typos. Don’t leave it there though. Make sure both the cover letter and CV are reviewed again, with an eye to make sure everything matches the requirements of the position you are applying for. 6. The Interview This is as much a time for you to be interviewing the company as they are interviewing you. Ensure you have questions ready to ask that will help you understand if this is a company that you want to work for and at the same time you will then come across as engaged – Just make sure the questions you are asking aren’t clearly detailed on the company website … only ever ask what you can’t find out for yourself. 7. Amend your CV for every application Each job will be looking for different elements from your career history and your abilities. Taking the time to amend your CV to highlight those achievements most relevant for each application will be time well spent to help make sure your CV is selected for the next stage of the recruitment process. It is a sure-fire way of helping the recruiter see what they need to, to know you have what it takes to succeed in the position. How do I get a job in aviation? If you long for a career in the aviation industry, contact PPR today for further information on current aviation roles near you. Related topics of interest: What careers are available in the aviation industry? What does a welding fabricator do?
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The main types of jobs in rail
John Smith |
15-09-2021
The UK rail industry continues to attract thousands of new employees every year. It is estimated that the UK rail sector directly employs around 115,000 people. When you take into account the rail network supply chain, the rail industry supports in the region of another 250,000 people. As the UK rail network continues to expand and modernise, more opportunities are created within the sector. If you’re interested in a career in rail or you already work in the railway sector and are looking for a new position, here are the main types of jobs in rail for you to consider. Engineering roles The UK rail industry employs thousands of engineers. These range from civil engineers to mechanical and electrical engineers. Civil engineers in the railway industry will be involved in the planning and construction of new railway lines. They will work both on site and in an office environment and will require an excellent understanding of large-scale logistic projects. Mechanical and electrical railway engineers will often be responsible for maintaining the country’s fleet of railway engines. They will build new engines and carriages. They will carry out inspections on existing carriages and undertake any maintenance and repair work. They will also conduct regular testing on all mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems, writing reports and keeping records of any maintenance work completed. Station workers Railway station workers work either on the platform or in the railway station office. There will often be a good mix of indoor and outdoor work and wearing a uniform will usually be required. Some railway station responsibilities include: Checking and selling tickets Ensuring that passengers get on and off the train safely Loading and unloading luggage or cargo Updating software systems for electronic message displays Making passenger announcements Operating CCTV cameras Providing information for customers on train times, delays, routes, and services Many station worker roles are customer facing so you will need to be calm and reassuring when faced with customers who may be frustrated because of delays to their journey. You will, however, enjoy the benefits of a strong team environment and the opportunity to interact with lots of different people. Railway operations Railway operators ensure the smooth and safe running of the UK railway engines. Railway operator roles include: Train dispatcher Signal operator Freight conductor Railway operators will regularly review train schedules and carefully plan train timetables to avoid delays and ensure safe transportation of both passengers and freight. Railway operators must have excellent communications skills. An important part of a railway operators’ role is relaying information to other railway operators at locations across the country. Railway operators work within a geographically large area and will require a good understanding of UK geography and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Railway maintenance The railway maintenance sector is perhaps the largest sub-sector within the rail industry. Railway maintenance workers are responsible for the continual maintenance and upkeep of all railway engines, tracks, systems, stations, and communications software. Railway maintenance roles range from unskilled labouring work and semi-skilled engineering to experienced and qualified railway specialists within the mechanical and electrical sector. Working in railway maintenance is an excellent career choice with many opportunities for career development. Some railway maintenance roles include: Track inspectors Railway lubricators Signal maintainers Structural engineers Lighting engineers Electronic equipment engineers Station engineers (turnstiles, escalators, lifts, lighting, telephone systems) Platelayers As you can see, the railway industry is a large and diverse sector. With the UK’s HS2 project once again up and running and a drive for electrification of much of the UK’s rail network, now looks like the perfect time to pursue a career within the rail industry. If you’d like to find out more about working within the railway industry contact PPR today. You can call us on 01895 80 81 88 or fill in your details using our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Related content: Ways your labouring skills could be used in the rail industry Is it easy to get a job in railway? How to kickstart your career in rail with PPR
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