How Engineer a Career is Solving the Engineering Talent Gap

Engineering is the backbone of modern industry — but the path into it can be anything but clear.

That’s the paradox Josh Robertson set out to solve when he founded Engineer a Career: on one side, talented young engineers struggling to find opportunities; on the other, companies frustrated by empty pipelines and skills shortages. As part of the Interceltic Startup Challenge 2025, Josh will represent Scotland at the Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient this August, joining five other Celtic founders reshaping industries through innovation.

We spoke with Josh about why he started Engineer a Career, who it’s for, and how building a stronger talent ecosystem could reshape engineering across the Celtic world.

‍

What inspired you to start your company?

‍

Having navigated my own engineering career journey, from choosing a university course to achieving chartership, mentoring, and building an engineering team, I witnessed a fundamental disconnect.

On one side, I saw incredibly talented individuals struggling to break into industry. On the other, companies constantly complained about skills gaps. This paradox became my driving force.

I realised it wasn’t about missing skills or ambition — it was about missing engagement and visibility. Having seen the challenge from both sides, I knew there had to be a better way. That’s why I created Engineer a Career.

‍

Tell us what your startup does. What problem are you solving?

‍

Engineer a Career bridges the gap between engineering talent and the companies looking to hire them. Thousands of brilliant individuals — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds — are being overlooked, while companies claim they can’t find talent.

We’re solving that with a network built specifically for early-career engineers. Through live events, university ambassadors, a podcast, and our growing digital community, we connect companies directly to the engineers they need — long before graduation.

‍

Who benefits most from your solution?

‍

Engineering students and recent grads benefit directly — especially those who don’t fit the 'traditional' mould. That includes women, career changers, and underrepresented groups who are often left out of legacy recruitment systems.

Companies benefit by gaining access to motivated, skilled talent while saving time and resources.

And the broader industry benefits too. By closing the engagement gap, we’re strengthening the entire engineering ecosystem and building a more diverse and resilient workforce.

‍

What does it mean to you to represent your region at the Interceltic Business Forum?

‍

Scotland has a rich heritage of engineering and innovation — and I’m proud to carry that forward.

Being part of the Interceltic Startup Challenge means more than just recognition. It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and build real collaborations across the Celtic regions. I hope to share what we’ve learned, hear from other founders, and bring back new ideas that benefit engineering talent across all our nations.

‍

What’s Next?

‍

Josh and the other five winners of the Interceltic Startup Challenge will be pitching their startups live at the Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient, France on August 4th.

They’ll connect with investors, explore international opportunities, and collaborate with other Celtic innovators — all while representing the future of their region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

🎟️ Want to be there? Get your ticket for the Interceltic Business Forum and support the next wave of Celtic innovation.

‍

‍