The looming skills gap and the accelerating rate of retirement among experienced engineers present a significant challenge to the future of the UK’s manufacturing sector, particularly within the highly specialised aerospace industry. New research indicates a potential shortfall of one million engineers by 2030, a figure that casts a long shadow over ambitious infrastructure projects and the continued success of established firms. For businesses like Atherstone-based ANT Industries, a leading manufacturer of precision-engineered aerospace engine parts, attracting and retaining young, emerging talent is a strategic imperative for maintaining their competitive edge and upholding the stringent quality standards demanded by the sector.
“The future of ANT Industries, and indeed the broader aerospace manufacturing landscape, hinges on our ability to cultivate the next generation of engineering expertise,” states Shaun Rowley, Managing Director of ANT Industries. “With a record order book and our commitment to investment and quality, it is crucial that we bring in fresh perspectives and nurture the skills required to maintain the quality, integrity, and precision that define our operations.”
The research highlights a concerning trend: while engineering is a highly admired profession, a significant portion of the younger generation has never considered it as a career path. Furthermore, negative perceptions, such as the sector being too male-dominated or overly focused on maths and science, act as deterrents for Gen-Z and Millennials. This disconnect between admiration and aspiration underscores an “urgent need” for the sector to rethink its approach to recruitment and promotion.
“We recognise the need to actively engage with young people and showcase the diverse and rewarding opportunities within aerospace manufacturing,” states Rowley. “The sector opportunity is about innovation, problem-solving, and contributing to a vital global industry.”
The impending retirement of a fifth of the existing engineering workforce in the UK within the next five years further exacerbates the skills shortage. For a company like ANT Industries, which has built its reputation over nearly five decades by adhering to demanding quality management processes, the loss of experienced engineers could impact knowledge transfer and the maintenance of critical skills related to standards such as AS9100. This international standard for aerospace management systems defines continual improvement, defect prevention, and the reduction of variation and waste, principles that are deeply embedded in ANT Industries’ operational ethos.
Rowley notes, “Our experienced manufacturing and quality teams have been instrumental in achieving the heights we have reached. However, to ensure the continued effectiveness of our systems and to drive future innovation, it is essential to attract and retain bright, young engineers who can learn from this experience and contribute their own expertise.”
Attracting young talent requires addressing negative perceptions by highlighting the positive aspects of a career in engineering, such as the opportunity to improve local communities and contribute to meaningful projects. Retaining this talent necessitates creating a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and offers clear career progression pathways. As ANT Industries navigates a period of significant growth fuelled by its record order book, its ability to successfully integrate and nurture young engineers will be a crucial determinant of its future success and its continued contribution to the aerospace sector.