Content area
Full Text
The slump during the 1990s had a knock-on effect on training and as the industry bounces back, many firms are struggling to fill vacancies for engineers. Julia Pierce reports
Within the past decade, the British aerospace industry has undergone a transformation.
During the early 1990s, government funding cutbacks and a recession in the commercial airline industry forced many aerospace corporations to cut their workforce. The lack of jobs also led to declining enrolments at aerospace engineering schools, with decreases outpacing workforce reductions.
However, a decade on, and despite the setback of the September 2001 terror attacks, the industry is in much better shape.
Among the reasons is the increase in the number of long-haul holiday travellers, the growth of low-cost airlines and the consequent need for aircraft that are safe, environmentally- friendly and economical - factors that recently led to the launch of the first double-deck passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380.
Airbus recruits
Although Airbus has a full team of engineers to work on this project it is still recruiting on others, including the A350 twin- engine airliner.
'Airbus is recruiting 140 engineers in the UK in 2006,' said Alan Camwell, human resources manager for Airbus UK. 'Some have already been found but around an extra 50 will be sought through the rest of the year, including for a number of high-capability, highly-skilled positions.'
Globalisation has also helped to create new jobs, with more goods being exported and transported worldwide. Meanwhile, the need to develop faster military aircraft and develop cutting-edge technology concepts such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), means advanced research and design remains at the forefront of the defence sector. All this requires a skilled workforce.
Defence and aerospace giant BAE Systems employs more than 100,000 people worldwide, providing a range of products and services for air, land and naval forces. It has vacancies...