Aerospace jobs are cleared for take-off
DEMAND for staff in the aerospace sector is soaring. The UK needs 70,000 more aeronautical engineers alone, according to Roger Tweedy of the Association Of Professional Staffing Companies.
And says Terry Murphy, the associate director of specialist aeronautical recruiter Morgan Ryder: ‘Demand for skills at all levels outstrips supply as aerospace supply chain organisations grow.
‘Aerospace companies are seeking trainees and experienced staff, but also people with transferable skills.’
Tom Keenan- Shaw, a conformance engineer at Mettis Aerospace, which designs and manufactures components for the aerospace sector, says: ‘ My grandad and uncle, both aerospace engineers, first got me interested. I started with an advanced modern apprenticeship at Mettis.
‘I’m now taking a degree in professional engineering while I’m working.
‘As a conformance engineer, my job combines manufacturing and quality engineering and putting controls in place to enhance performance.
‘I resolve operational issues and drive improvements and it’s great when customers give positive feedback about my work.’
Tom advises people wanting to get into the sector to find a route that includes an internship, as the experience you gain could make you stand out against others. ‘Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get what you want at first,’ he adds. ‘There are many other great opportunities available.’
Gordon Fraser, the chief executive of Mettis Aerospace, based in Redditch in Worcestershire, says: ‘ We look for candidates who take pride in everything they do. We make highly engineered, safety-critical parts for aircraft, so product quality and passenger safety are our top priorities.
‘Entering the industry as a graduate is not the only option that’s open to you. Consider entry-level positions and working your way up.’
You can also transfer in. Roles and disciplines that are generally transferable include many types of engineering, finance, HR, IT and supply chain-related skills.
Entry- level roles can pay minimum wage, but they do give you a foot on the ladder, while the average engineering graduate role pays £27,029.
Plant maintenance engineers in the aeronautical sector can earn up to £30,000-£35,000 once they have completed their apprenticeship, and up to £45,000 with experience. Rates are also increasing.
mettis-aerospace.com; morgan ryder.co.uk