Concern that the UK aerospace sector is slowly bleeding skills and experience has led the UK’s Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) to develop a model for collaboration. MAA hopes this attracts the next generation of skilled workers into the sector.
Research by the regional UK group shows an alarming mismatch between expectations and reality throughout education, recruitment and employment. In industry, the worst affected are SMEs. An MAA study revealed little planning is done for evolving engineering skills requirements, including replacements for the 5-10% of the workforce expected to retire in the next five years. Companies instead rely on finding the skills they require, when they need them, in the general jobs market – more knee-jerk reaction than strategy.
Although recruitment of young people is seen as one of the solutions to this pending problem, the industry struggles with a poor image among students, which is compounded by gaps in the education system.
However, a spokesman for a Midlands recruitment agency says plenty of young people want to work in aerospace but are not given the chance. “Aerospace companies have a blinkered view. They ask for people with three to four years experience. There is no room for bringing in young graduates or people with limited experience.”
MAA chairman Ged Leahy of Rolls-Royce said the industry needs to be proactive in attracting younger people with basic engineering skills. “The industry suffers from the consequences of people who perceive engineering and manufacturing is all about dirty factories. It’s an image we must change.”
The MAA Skills Group which Leahy also chairs is working with the East Midlands development agency (EMDA) to encourage more young people to consider aerospace and to study relevant subjects and disciplines at school and college. This project is developing a model for collaborative working between aerospace companies, young people, schools and colleges with coordinated support from various development and educational agencies.
Catalyst
As the catalyst, the MAA is looking to help create and promote a strong aerospace brand image which is recognised by schools, students and careers advisors. It is also studying ways it can help smaller companies develop an effective system for career progression, as well as supporting establishment of a clearing house for apprentices.
MAA chief executive Andrew Mair views the plan as especially important for the supply chain and smaller companies: “When the industry is growing as it is at present, supply chain companies can find it hard to recruit and compete for skills with large firms. This project will help us work together to access the skills base of the future.”
Tim Wilkins, the skills consultant who carried out MAA research, says “clear and robust information” from the aerospace industry about current and future needs would enable training providers to develop skills and competencies fit for purpose.
Source: Flight Daily News
