Advanced engineering and software disciplines are skills that will be in demand by the UK aerospace industry for the foreseeable future, says a detailed UK government report on the industry, released this week.
In the report, the House of Commons Trade & Industry Select Committee notes that an aerospace sector skills agreement is being developed by government agencies and industry organisations, including the Aerospace Innovation & Growth Team (AeIGT).
Skills identified as necessary to the future success of the UK industry and likely to be promoted and developed under the agreement include:
* software systems, modelling and simulation;
* systems design and modelling, advanced manufacturing design and advanced electrical systems design;
* advanced materials engineering;
* diagnostic and prognostic techniques;
* skills to support emerging technologies, particularly in relation to environmental impact.
The report also says the industry is preparing a costed action plan to deliver additional training and development in the necessary skills, which will be presented to the Department for Education and Skills.
Set up in 2003 to ensure the continued competitiveness of the industry, the AeIGT comprises representatives from government, academia and aerospace companies.
Source: Flight International
