Comment & Analysis
The UK aerospace industry and government are working together to ensure the sector retains its world class status – and skills are critical, says Paul Everitt, chief executive of aerospace, defence, security and space trade organisation, ADS Group.
The UK currently has the second largest aerospace industry in the world and the biggest in Europe. Given its size, it’s not surprising that its contribution to the economy is so significant – generating more than £24bn of UK revenue in 2011. And, as we look to secure economic growth, safeguarding the prospects of this vital, wealth-producing sector, set against a backdrop of increasing global competition, is critical.
That’s why, in 2010, government and industry teamed up to form the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP), a unique collaboration to identify the UK’s strengths and develop a strategy to maximise these qualities both at home and overseas. At the Farnborough International Airshow in July last year, the AGP released its first report which revealed the key capabilities where the UK has an advantage over its international competitors – advanced aerostructures, propulsion systems, and advanced aircraft systems.
The challenge now was to make sure that opportunities in these key areas were maximised, and delivering world class capabilities depends on ensuring there is a strong pipeline of world class skills. The UK aerospace industry is a direct employer of 100,000 people and employs many more indirectly through the supply chain. In this highly-skilled environment, it is important to continually recruit and develop talent to keep up with skills requirements created by industry growth and retirement.
One of the many significant commitments outlined through the AGP was a promise from industry and government to pay for around 500 ambitious employees and university graduates to undertake a Masters degree in aerospace manufacturing. This £6 million fund, which was formally opened last week, is sponsored by some key aerospace companies including BAE Systems, Bombardier Aerospace Belfast, EADS/Airbus, Finmeccanica, GKN, MBDA Missile Systems, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, Rolls-Royce and Spirit Aerosystems. The fund will be delivered during the next three years, going a long way in helping make sure that we have the right skills for the future – including throughout our valuable supply chain.
But that’s not all. With National Apprenticeship Week just around the corner, it seems apt to recognise some of the valuable work that is being done to encourage school leavers into a career in our sectors through apprenticeship schemes. I believe aerospace apprenticeships offer some of the most exciting opportunities out there, setting ambitious youngsters on the path to a long and successful career. There are a wealth of apprenticeship programmes on offer, and one innovative pilot initiative sees BAE Systems train an additional two apprentices for one of their suppliers – MSM Aerospace Fabricators.
- To find out more about the Aerospace Growth Partnership and all the latest developments to support industry, visit the ADS website: www.adsgroup.org.uk