Demand for skilled aerospace workers is outstripping supply, in some instances by a wide margin, as major programmes move forward and suppliers move into delivery phase. That shortfall is being met in some cases by short-term contract placements to keep important programmes such as the Airbus A380 on schedule.
Recruitment specialists say that although the sector's long-term future remains unsettled, permanent recruitment has shown steady if cautious growth. In the case of TAC Europe, the last quarter of 2004 is shaping up to be its best in 18 months although activity remains below pre-9/11 levels.
Jonathan Lee Recruitment reports sustained demand in engineering, manufacturing, programme management, supply chain and commercial areas. Consultant Jon Rance says this mirrors the progression of major programmes such as the A380 and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) through their life cycles.
He sees "keen interest" in graduate engineers and even those with HNC qualification, plus relevant aerospace experience. "Companies are looking for a stronger skill set and quality base among employees," he says. General graduate qualifications, not necessarily aerospace-specific, are often suitable as companies strengthen their depth of skills.
In this context, Rance has also noticed a trend for aerospace to take experienced personnel from other industries, notably automotive. As the two industries overlap in many places, it is logical that skills in areas such as project management and specialist engineering will be applicable to both.
"The automotive industry uses some leading-edge software packages, for example in high-performance transmissions and gears," he says. "Aerospace companies are happy to gain this kind of expertise - a different but complementary skill set."
He says the number of openings for contract design skills is declining as companies look to shed design and analysis functions.
Demand stretches across the board, according to Alan Maskell, TAC engineering business group manager, but is heaviest in engineering skills such as machining, fitting, airframe manufacture and avionics. The A380 programme has created "enormous" volumes of work everywhere, he says, and the A400M programme will create an even bigger demand.
Experienced workers such as those affected by Bombardier's recent announcement of job cuts at Shorts in Belfast would be prime recruits for Toulouse provided they are willing to relocate.
Source: Flight International
