With many major infrastructure projects slated, demand for engineers is rising as construction companies look to hire.

"There is a serious shortage of engineers in the market," says Wilfred Chau, human resources manager at Chun Wo Construction and Engineering. "As we didn't have many infrastructure projects in Hong Kong in recent years, fewer young people have been joining this sector and many seasoned professionals have found work overseas."

The company's priority is to find up to 20 civil and planning engineers. The former will mainly be responsible for the Central to Wan Chai bypass project, and other marine and tunnel works. The latter can expect to focus on tendering.

Candidates should have at least five years' experience and anyone with eight years or more may be considered for a position as senior engineer.

"Everything is very fast track in our company, which is why we need people who can pick things up quickly," Chau says.

To give younger recruits opportunities, Chun Wo has been co-operating with the Vocational Training Council to provide extra training for high-potential staff. "We are always willing to invest in staff development," Chau says. Besides offering an attractive salary package, the firm is also improving employee benefits. Staff who work on site get public holidays and alternate Saturdays off.

"We need to finish projects within tight deadlines, so it's not easy to arrange rosters that allow for more holidays," Chau says. "But we want colleagues to have a better work-life balance so that they can spend time with their families."

Fast track

• Outstanding employees will join the "core  staff programme" and receive additional training
• Applicants who are chartered engineers have an advantage