The study examines previous literature on engineering skills shortages, with the specific aim of identifying the factors that play the dominant role in the engineering skills shortages. The concept of skills shortages have been attracting much attention in recent years and that researcher and research bodies, be it private, or government try to develop measures to minimise the crisis with an understanding of factors responsible for the engineering skills shortages. The study is conducted concerning existing theoretical literature, published and unpublished research. The study is mainly a literature review/survey on factors responsible for the engineering skills shortages. One of the primary findings emanating from the study reveals that empirical studies have identified some causes of the engineering skills shortages such as lack of government support for tertiary education, negative perception to the industry, poor career guidance in subject choice, the pass rate in science and mathematics amongst others. The study explores the factors responsible for the engineering skills shortages and presents a robust background on the skills shortages and the impact in has. Further, findings from the study could be used for ways in which we can be able to eliminate or minimise the crises of the engineering skills shortages that we faced with.