News / aviation
‘UFO’-led campaign to tackle aerospace skills shortage
The mystery of an “UFO” that landed near Cabot Circus has been solved as part of a campaign to drive aerospace recruitment.
The installation, created from an upcycled Airbus A318 fuselage, was the centrepiece of the There’s Aerospace For You campaign, led by trade body ADS and major aerospace employers.
The initiative aims to address an estimated 10,000 unfilled technical vacancies around the UK, where Bristol plays a pivotal role in the industry.
It was reported that 66 per cent of aerospace employers say skills shortages are restricting growth.
The campaign also highlights the sector’s salaries, with aerospace jobs paying an average of £52,600 a year – around 33 per cent above the UK average.
Industry minister Chris McDonald said the campaign shows there are opportunities across the aerospace sector for people from all backgrounds.
These include manufacturing, construction, sustainability and digital technologies.
He said: “To keep our world-class aerospace sector at the forefront of innovation we need to secure its next generation of talent, and There’s Aerospace For You sends a strong message that there’s a career for everyone in this exciting industry.
“Through our Modern Industrial Strategy we’re backing high-growth industries like aerospace with the investment in skills they need for the future, and whether your background is in manufacturing, construction, sustainability or digital technologies, this sector has a position ready for you in locations right across the UK.”
“To keep our world-class aerospace sector at the forefront of innovation we need to secure its next generation of talent,” said the industry minister Chris McDonald – photo: House of Commons/Laurie Noble
Kevin Craven, chief executive of ADS, said the industry employs 113,000 people in high-skilled roles but is holding back its own growth by leaving thousands of vacancies unfilled each year. He said attracting the next generation of talent requires a coordinated effort across the industry.
The recruitment pod remained in Bristol city centre until Thursday, giving visitors the chance to explore aerospace careers, engineering case studies, training routes and higher apprenticeships.
Bristol, with its rich aerospace heritage and role in helping build Concorde, is home to some leading aerospace companies including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems and Boeing.
Bristol is particularly renowned for aircraft wing design, propulsion systems, advanced manufacturing and aerospace research.
Bristol, with its rich aerospace heritage and role in helping build Concorde, is home to some leading aerospace companies including Airbus (pictured), Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems and Boeing – photo: Karen Johnson
Main photo:ADS
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