If you’re running a composites business right now, you already know how hard it is to find good people. Whether you need laminators, engineers, or project managers, the market feels tighter than ever.
I’ve been recruiting in this space for years, and I’ve seen the same issues play out time and again. The demand is there, but the people aren’t. So what’s going on — and what can you actually do about it?
Composites have exploded across sectors like aerospace, wind energy, and automotive. But the training pipeline hasn’t caught up. There simply aren’t enough qualified technicians or engineers coming through.
The fix? Invest in training and upskilling. Internal development programs or apprenticeships might not give you an instant return, but they’ll futureproof your team. At Green Chilli Recruitment, we work with traditional “Red Chilli” skillsets to transition them in to the new greener space!
This is a big one. I’ve seen so many great candidates rejected because they didn’t tick every single box on a job description. In such a niche industry, that’s a luxury most companies can’t afford.
Focus on what’s essential, and be open to transferable skills — whether that’s from aerospace, automotive, or even marine composites. A strong recruiter can help you rewrite a stronger job specification and help spot potential rather than just paper qualifications.
The best candidates want more than just money at the end of the month. They want to work for companies that innovate, invest in their people, and care about sustainability.
Does your company’s online presence tell that story? Your LinkedIn, website, and social media are your shop window. If you’re not visible, you’re invisible.
In a tight market, speed matters. I’ve seen excellent candidates accept other offers simply because a company took too long to give feedback.
If your hiring process takes weeks, consider streamlining it — or work with a recruiter who can pre-qualify candidates and keep momentum going.
Composites is a niche sector. Working with a recruiter who truly understands the materials, processes, and roles involved can save you months of frustration.
We already know where to look, who’s available, and what motivates them to move. That insider knowledge is what closes hard-to-fill roles.
The composites industry doesn’t have a people problem — it has a process problem. The companies that rethink how they attract, assess, and develop talent will be the ones that win.
If you’re struggling to hire for composite roles, let’s talk.
I connect manufacturers with top composite professionals across the globe — and I’d be happy to help you do the same.
