Air Transport

A specialist recruiter for the UK aerospace industry believes that the country's aerospace companies and government have to do more to raise the sector's profile so it impinges on the minds of potential young recruits.

Unlike consumer products, most people do not come into contact with the aerospace industry or its products regularly and thus it does not spring to mind when they consider employment options, says Ian Bryson, managing consultant with West Midlands-based Jonathan Lee Recruitment.

"How does someone such as an aircraft or parts manufacturer demonstrate their product to people who don't come into contact with it, who maybe jump on an aircraft once a year to go on holiday? You have to entice people. Industry has always had to do that to a degree, but I think it's become more important they can sell what's attractive about it, as it is a fascinating industry."

Aerospace offers fulfilment for those seeking a career in engineering within it, he says. There are chances of international travel as well as stimulating mental challenges, but, he adds: "I don't think we portray that very well." The government, he says, does not do much to raise the sector's profile.

There is, he feels, insufficient respect given to engineers in the UK. "As an engineer, I could be quite offended if you say the man who comes round to service your washing machine is an engineer. In France, he would be classed as a technician. I think in the UK we've allowed the term to become diluted."

Is there a case for instituting a formal title for engineers, similar to the German Dipl-Ing nomenclature, to give engineers increased prestige? "Possibly," he says. "I don't think it would do any harm."