This article addresses the key challenges facing the UK Defence Sector, the opportunities available to close the defence skills gap, and the skills most in demand in UK Defence roles.
"With technology evolving faster than ever, the demand for skilled professionals in the Defence Market is critical to national security and technological competitiveness.
There are many factors at play that not only impact the skills gap but also make finding a solution much harder. This is a multi-faceted challenge and and one that will require a collaborative effort to work towards an industry wide national mobilisation.
With government campaigns such as “Levelling Up” addressing inequality based on where people live and Women in Defence addressing gender disparity, there is a huge amount of work happening to create a more diverse workforce. All of which will have an impact on reducing the skills gap.
However, even with these combined efforts, I don’t feel there is quite enough happening to avoid the inevitable problem we will see in the near future with many skills gaps growing rapidly.
The challenges are constantly evolving and becoming more complex with technological advancements, budgets becoming tighter, more competition from other, and often more appealing, industries and not to mention the challenges Brexit has posed on so many candidates’ eligibility for security clearance."
Emma Homann, Lead Consultant
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said (2 Dec 2024):
“Our defence sector should be an engine for jobs and growth, strengthening our security and economy. That requires a defence industry that is better and more integrated - one that can keep our Armed Forces equipped, innovating at a wartime pace, and ahead of our adversaries.”
A House of Lords inquiry found that government initiatives to close the gap, like T-Levels and apprenticeship schemes, are fragmented and insufficient to address the magnitude of the problem.
Offer targeted skills development, cross-disciplinary training, and hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships. Candidates should build proficiency in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital engineering.
Collaborate with universities and colleges to align curriculums with industry needs to prepare graduates for immediate contributions. By funding research that ties directly to defence challenges, organisations can foster innovation while giving students opportunities to tackle real-world issues and potentially secure career pathways post-graduation.
Promote a culture of continuous learning by offering a variety of training options, including online courses, workshops, and conferences. Employers could also introduce incentives to reward employees for learning new skills.
Employers could facilitate and support the clearance process as part of career development plans, making this a standard part of upskilling initiatives to streamline hiring. They could also offer financial assistance to cover the costs associated with security clearances.
For defence-specific skills, virtual labs allow candidates to practice in controlled environments that mimic real-world conditions. Simulations of cyber threats, aircraft maintenance, or radar systems can give candidates critical hands-on experience safely and cost-effectively. AI-powered tools could also be used to track progress.
Partner with schools and community programmes to introduce students to STEM and defence-related career options early. Showcasing potential career paths in defence through outreach programs, virtual job shadowing, and competitions can spark interest and awareness among young people.
Government grants or subsidies for reskilling in defence technology fields can encourage more professionals to transition into this sector. These could include tax incentives for companies that provide upskilling and retraining programs. They could also streamline security clearances & red tape to facilitate growth.
Are you looking for contract or permanent talent for your Defence Engineering or Technical vacancies?
We can support your recruitment journey. Get in touch with Lead Consultant, Emma Homann, for support finding qualified and security cleared candidates.
Lead Consultant Defence Engineering & Tech