The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors contributed a combined £38.2bn in value add to the UK economy in 2022/23, representing 50% growth over 10 years. 

Our sectors are at the heart of UK advanced manufacturing and innovative services. Our true value extends beyond our economic footprint, underpinning UK society, families and our way of life.

427,500 direct employees are at the heart of our four sectors, reflecting 29% growth over 10 years. Productivity is 42% higher than the UK average and has grown 16% in the last 10 years, demonstrating the hard work and dedication that enables the UK to celebrate such international success.

Collectively our sectors support more than 23,000 apprenticeships, with two thirds provided outside London and the South East.

 

Unique workforce capability

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Generating UK advantage

The UK is home to a unique workforce capability that generates UK advantage.

Investment and collective action are needed to identify the future roles and skills required to grow our sectors capabilities and meet the demands of the future such as Net Zero.

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Skills to Secure UK Advantage

New Professionals Forum

The ADS NPF is a peer-to-peer networking and professional development special interest group for those new to our sectors. With in person events, webinars and outreach activity, this helpful community is perfect to support those in their early careers or new to our sectors.

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Skills and Workforce Shortages Working Group (SWSG)

With members highlighting the critical impact of skills shortages on their businesses, the SWSG supports ADS in identifying the issues and barriers and facilitates a cross sector view of skills activity including AGP and DSF initiatives, to gain awareness and share knowledge.

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UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC)

Organised by ADS, UKROC, is the UK’s largest youth rocketry competition and is designed to inspire young people to consider careers in our sectors. Aimed at 11 – 18 year olds, teams design, build and launch a model rocket to carry a fragile payload: a raw egg.

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Pioneers of Tomorrow

A dedicated STEM-focused event hosted on the final day (Friday) of Farnborough International Airshow, Pioneers of Tomorrow showcases the diversity of careers in our sectors to inspire and engage the next generation. In 2024, an incredible 27,000 visitors came through the gates.

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Apprenticeship Directory

Apprenticeships can contribute a vital source of talent. With larger members reporting an oversubscription of apprenticeship applications there is a need among SMEs and mid-tier organisations for a platform to better promote their apprenticeship openings.

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Partnerships

We collaborate with a number of organisations committed to enhancing skills and fostering growth. Through these partnerships we deliver impactful and highly valued activities on behalf of our sectors and the members we support.

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