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.

View 10 key recommendations

Career Pathways: Apprenticeships

Our sectors employ 23,000 apprentices throughout the UK. Our members provide high quality apprenticeship programmes that attract talented, curious minds to enhance the UK’s competitive edge and secure UK advantage. 

Our Apprenticeship Directory offers an A – Z guide of apprenticeships in our sector. Find out more here.

Future Skills: Aerospace Engineering

Future aerospace engineering roles will require a combination of traditional engineering knowledge, expertise in emerging technologies and development of non-technical skills.

To ensure our workforce can meet these needs we require:
✅ Investment in education and training
✅ Promotion of productive and well-paid careers
✅ Reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy
✅ Immigration system that supports attracting international talent for hard to fill roles

Apprenticeships, skills and our sectors
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The importance of apprenticeships
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