Key facts
- The UK aerospace and defence sector requires approximately 10,000 specialized engineers annually.
- More than half of licensed aerospace engineers in Britain are over 50 years old.
- Less than 10% of licensed aerospace engineers in Britain are under 30.
- The UK aerospace sector has seen 31% growth over the past decade.
- Technology sectors, especially AI, are attracting engineering talent with higher pay and easier entry.
- The UK government is leveraging defense investment to enhance the sector's appeal.
The UK aerospace and defence industry is facing a significant shortage of specialized engineers, with an estimated annual deficit of 10,000 professionals. This challenge is compounded by the increasing demand for talent in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, which are drawing potential recruits with competitive salaries and lower entry barriers. Data from the Royal Aeronautical Society indicates that over 50% of licensed aerospace engineers in Britain are older than 50, while fewer than 10% are under 30. Despite the sector's 31% growth over the last decade, the pipeline of new talent has not kept pace, according to trade group ADS.
Aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus are grappling with the impending retirement of experienced engineers while trying to meet record order backlogs. Many companies have previously reduced or eliminated feeder apprenticeship programs, replacing them with entry-level jobs and graduate schemes, often promoted at industry events like the Farnborough airshow. These events feature displays and exercises, including Top Gun-style flying demonstrations, aimed at capturing the enthusiasm of younger generations like Gen Z and Alpha.
Experts note that other sectors requiring similar engineering skills, particularly in technology and AI, present a more attractive proposition for graduates from top universities. Jerrold Lundquist, a consultant, highlighted that engineers from institutions like Purdue or MIT might opt for companies such as Anthropic or OpenAI over traditional aerospace firms. The UK government is attempting to bolster the sector's appeal by increasing defense investment, partly in response to the war in Ukraine, and by developing advanced technologies like unmanned drones, such as BAE Systems' Brontanax.
Industry bodies emphasize the need for broader outreach to attract a more diverse workforce. Molly Haydon, a 17-year-old attendee, suggested that more education and awareness campaigns are needed outside of airshows to inform young people about the available job opportunities in the sector for everyone.