(Semta ) – AACS LMI (Version 2.5) March 2010
Engineering Manufacture, Science and Mathematics
Semta is the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and
Manufacturing technologies.
Contents
UK, England and English Regions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Engineering manufacture and Bioscience
Automotive manufacture
Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
Mechanical equipment manufacture
Metals
Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace
Science Industries (Bioscience)
Page
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1. Engineering manufacture and Science industries (Bioscience)
Sector information - a brief description of what the sector covers at UK level
Semta is the Sector skills council that represents employers in engineering manufacture and
the science industries (Bioscience) and science and mathematics within engineering
manufacture.
Engineering
The engineering manufacturing industry across the UK is very broad, covering areas such as
the manufacture of aircraft, ships and leisure boats, satellites, cars and other vehicles,
electronics and electrical products, mechanical components such as engines and bearings, all
the metal manufactured and precision machined items that hold these products together as
well as companies that are involved in the processing and casting of metals. UK Engineering
exports are valued at around £137 billion (37% of total UK exports of goods and services).
The majority of engineering employers are small and medium sized companies with small
firms employing fewer than 50 employees, and medium firms employing between 50-249
people. The larger employers, whilst being fewer in number, employ large numbers of people
and are often crucial as key customers for the small and medium manufacturers (known as
the supply chain).
1
England overview of employment in all engineering sectors.
Number of Engineering employees in England by local authority district
Number of Engineering Employees
10,000 +
(17)
5,000 to 9,999 (48)
2,000 to 4,999 (118)
1,000 to 1,999 (99)
0 to 999 (44)
Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2007, ONS
Note: The figures in brackets relate to the number of local authorities in each Engineering sector
employment range
2
Scotland overview of employment in all engineering sectors.
Number of employees in the Scottish Engineering Industry
Number of Engineering Employees
5,000 +
(8)
2,000 to 4,999 (6)
1,000 to 1,999 (6)
0 to 999 (12)
Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2007, ONS
Note: The figures in brackets relate to the number of local authorities in each Engineering sector
employment range
Scotland overview of establishments in all engineering
Number of establishments in the Scottish Engineering Industry
Engineering Establishments
250 +
(6)
200 to 249 (2)
100 to 199 (8)
0 to 99 (16)
Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2007, ONS
Note: The figures in brackets relate to the number of local authorities in each Engineering sector
establishment range
3
Wales overview of employment in all engineering sectors.
Number of Engineering employees in engineering in Wales
Number of Employees in Engineering Sector
5,000 +
2,000 to 4,999
1,000 to 1,999
0 to 999
(6)
(9)
(4)
(3)
Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2007, ONS
Note: The figures in brackets relate to the number of local authorities in each Engineering sector
employment range
Number of Engineering establishments in Wales
Engineering Establishments
200+
150 to 199
100 to 149
0 to 99
(2)
(9)
(6)
(5)
Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2007, ONS
Note: The figures in brackets relate to the number of local authorities in each Engineering sector
establishment range
4
Science industries (Bioscience)
Semta estimates that based on the best available data from both industry and official
statistics, that there are in the region of 191,000 employees working in the science industries,
across the UK this figure includes pharmaceutical manufacturing employees who are
represented by the Sector Skills Council Cogent.
The Bioscience areas of employment and employers that Semta represents can be described
by the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Research based pharmaceutical companies that discover, develop, market and
distribute medication and drugs;
Research and development in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies;
Bioscience companies that are a spin-off from university research departments;
The application of bioscience to produce innovative medicines, therapeutics and
medical devices;
The application of bioscience for the processing and production of materials i.e. the
use of bioscience in engineering industries. (Excluding agricultural bio-technology
and bioscience that is for the processing and production of chemicals and energy)
Research and experimental development.
5
Overview of employment in the Science industries across GB
Distribution of employment in the Science Industries
Science Industries Employment
5,000+
(4)
1,000 to 4,999 (54)
500 to 999 (51)
250 to 499 (54)
100 to 249 (84)
0 to
99 (133)
Source: ABI 2007. Data are not available for Northern Ireland.
Note: The numbers in brackets refer to the total number of local authorities in this employment band.
6
Distribution of establishments in the Science Industries
Science Industries Establishments
100+
(2)
50 to 99 (10)
25 to 49 (47)
0 to 24 (321)
Source: ABI 2007. Data are not available for Northern Ireland.
Note: The numbers in brackets refer to the total number of local authorities in this establishment band.
7
2. Automotive Manufacture
2.1 A brief description of what the automotive manufacturing sector covers at UK and
GB level
The automotive manufacturing sector in the UK covers a range of companies involved in
manufacturing whole vehicles as well as the bodies (coachwork), engines, components such
as exhausts, wheels, gear boxes, safety belts and airbags. The sector that Semta represents
also includes companies involved in the manufacture of trailers, motor sport related vehicles,
fire engines, buses, coaches, vans and lorries. The UK is a source of manufacturing sites for
a number of well known international car manufacturers.
The automotive industry is traditionally made up of many Small and Medium Sized
Employers, each one employing less than 250 people, supplying a small group of large
Vehicle Manufacturers and Automotive Equipment Manufacturers who may sometimes
employ more than 1,000 people.
Workplaces and employment
There were nearly 3,220 automotive workplaces in Great Britain in 2006/2007.
These
companies employed in the region of 154,400 people with 90% of the workforce in England,
8% in Wales and 2% in Scotland. (See separate data for Northern Ireland)
The greatest concentrations of employment in the automotive industry within the UK are in the
West Midlands and the North West of England.
Number employed in the Automotive industry in GB
Nation or Region
Number
employed
England
Scotland
Wales
Total GB
England regions
East of England
East Midlands
London
North East
North West
South East
South West
West Midlands
Yorkshire and The Humber
138,700
3,600
12,100
154,400
Percentage
of
GB automotive
workforce
90%
2%
8%
100%
13,300
13,300
5,800
12,100
18,100
12,500
11,300
39,500
12,900
8%
8%
4%
8%
12%
8%
7%
26%
8%
Source ABI 2007
Automotive industry in Northern Ireland
Automotive employment in Northern Ireland was around 3,400 people in 2007 1 .
See section 2.15.13 Automotive manufacture Northern Ireland
1
Source: Northern Ireland Census of Employment 2007, NISRA
8
Main technical and engineering skills gaps in the Automotive industry.
The main skills gaps for the automotive industry reported by engineering employers in the UK
during the 2007 labour market survey (base of 700 engineering employers) are:
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Welding skills
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Further details for each Nation and English region are provided in each section.
Demographics.
Gender
Only 19% of the UK Engineering workforce is female and this proportion has not varied much
in the last 10 years. The percentage of 19% is for women employed in all occupations in the
engineering manufacturing sectors including assembly type occupations, office staff and sales
and marketing. For employment in technical, professional and management roles, women
are particularly under represented with women making up only 17% of all engineering
management roles and 7% of professional roles.
Age
The ageing of the current workforce is an issue for many employers with skilled and
experienced workers reaching retirement age and a need to replace them with other skilled
craft, technical and professional workers.
Further demographic details are included in the following sections
2.14.10 Automotive manufacture England
2.14.11 Automotive manufacture Scotland
2.14.12 Automotive manufacture Wales
2.14.13 Automotive manufacture Northern Ireland
2.2 Automotive Information on careers available and new emerging jobs, transferability
of skills career paths and opportunities for progression
a) Careers currently available
There are a wide range of career options within the automotive manufacturing sector these
include labouring and machine operator jobs as well as job roles on the production line fitting
components as a car or large component for a car or other vehicle is assembled.
The sector employs many people working in skilled craft jobs such as welding, toolmaking
and maintenance who have background, knowledge and experience in problem solving,
practical skills and expertise in using a range of tools, equipment and machinery as well as
being able to interpret drawings and diagrams.
Roles for science and engineering technicians are often difficult to fill for employers since
often they require people not only with practical expertise and training but with a thorough
understanding of mathematics and science having studied at HNC/HND level.
9
Professional occupations such as mechanical engineer, and design engineer will be people
whose studies have usually involved a university degree although graduates in other
disciplines such as aeronautical engineering or physics may also be recruited into
professional occupations in the automotive industry.
Other roles within the automotive sector will involve all the people needed to manage and run
the business including sales and marketing, departmental and team managers, product
development, accounts, stores people, people that package or prepare the vehicles for
delivery and those that ensure that everything operates efficiently with the minimum amount
of waste and cost.
Self employment and part time working in the UK
96% of the automotive workforce work full time.
4% of the automotive workforce work part time
2
Self employment in engineering is quite a low percentage, around 6% for all engineering
occupations as shown in the table below. Managers and senior officials and people working
in skilled trades have slightly higher percentages of people being self employed. Due to the
number of micro companies, there may be more self employment for managers who actually
own those companies.
Table showing percentage employment status for all engineering
Major occupation group
(main job)
1 Managers and Senior
Officials
2 Professional occupations
3 Associate Professional and
Technical
4
Administrative
and
Secretarial
5 Skilled Trades Occupations
6
Personal
Service
Occupations
7 Sales and Customer Service
Occupations
8 Process, Plant and Machine
Operatives
9 Elementary Occupations
Total
Source LFS 2008 data
2
91%
Employment status main job (reported)
Self
Government
Unpaid family
employed
scheme
worker
9%
0%
0%
94%
97%
6%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
96%
4%
0%
0%
100%
91%
100%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
96%
2%
1%
1%
100%
99%
1%
0%
0%
100%
96%
94%
4%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
Employee
Total
100%
2008 LFS data
10
Major Job roles in the automotive industry include the following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Associate professional and technical occupations
Electrical Engineering Technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Toolmaker
Welder
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Operative
Quality Control Inspector
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
b) New and emerging jobs
The saving of energy and production of vehicles that use less fuel and produce less pollution
in the atmosphere have already become the focus of Government, EU and world legislation.
In support of Government commitment to a low Carbon Economy, an investment of £25
million was announced to enable over 340 low carbon vehicles to be road-tested across the
UK over the next eighteen months coinciding with news that the Energy Technologies
Institute (ETI) is launching a new plan designed to make it easier for drivers to charge plug-in
vehicles in a number of major UK cities. The Joined-Cities Plan aims to help cities across the
UK to deploy a cost effective and compatible network of recharging points.
11
Such legislation and commitment to investing in research into low carbon technologies will
certainly lead to developments and innovations in the automotive manufacturing sector in the
coming years. These innovations are likely to be related to the fuels and engine efficiency as
well as developments in the ways in which the power is transferred from the engine to the
wheels. Already there have been developments with cars being manufactured with hybrid
engines, electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles and improvements in the structures and
materials used in the vehicles manufacture.
As with most modern engineering manufacture, in addition to the development of the vehicles
and components themselves there will be developments in the design and manufacturing
processes to make material and energy use more efficient, minimise waste and reduce the
time taken to get a new product from the idea stage to manufacture and sales.
.
To meet such changes, there are likely to be roles in the near future for people who are
skilled at designing and running manufacturing departments with consideration for how a
vehicle will be recycled at the end of its life as well as being able to design products and
manufacturing processes that minimise wastage in the amounts of material used in making
the vehicle or its components. The use of new materials and the development of alternative
fuelling systems will also require people with an understanding of these new technologies
gained through study and practical experience.
Structural testing such as physical testing in wind tunnels of vehicle sized models is likely to
move towards modeling and testing using computer simulations at least in the early
development stages. Rapid prototyping will become more prevalent, where computer
drawings and designs are converted into 3D models using something similar to a photocopier
that works in three dimensions. There are likely to be roles for people who are involved in
developing and producing prototypes using software to virtually test and explore new vehicle
designs.
It is likely that graduates of the future will need some multidisciplinary understanding of both
mechanical and electronic systems and also roles will emerge for people with a background
and understanding of alternative sources of power generation such as battery and low carbon
fuels.
There are also likely to be roles for managers and experts with knowledge of
manufacturing process improvement and business improvement to increase efficiency and
save on time and costs in the workplace.
c) Transferability of skills within the Automotive manufacturing sector
Elementary occupations
Those employed in these roles may have skills in using specialist lifting and transport/storage
equipment, knowledge of different types of materials that are moved around the company.
Some may have experience of completing stock sheets or component lists or completing
forms to sign in or take out specialist equipment. Some may have undergone health and
safety training for lifting and transporting materials and safe working practices in a
manufacturing production area. Most if not all of these skills would be relevant to all sectors
within engineering manufacture.
Process, plant and machine operatives
People in these types of roles would be familiar with completing forms and documents relating
to the number and types of product assembled or completed by them in their work, some of
this recording is likely to be carried out on a computer database.
12
Health and safety training is likely to have been undertaken and understanding of safe
working practices would be transferable across all sectors. Attention to detail when
assembling or machining products and visual checking to ensure that faulty items from the
machine are not sent to the next stage of assembly or manufacture will be part of most roles
within this category and would be transferable across all sectors. Some people employed
within these roles may have received specialist training using particular machines or
processes such as soldering for example.
Skilled trades occupations
Most people employed in these roles will have undertaken an apprenticeship and a period of
practical experience combined with further studies in some cases. They may be skilled in a
particular area such as maintenance or toolmaking but they will all have skills related to
understanding and interpreting drawings and diagrams, communicating and working as part
of a larger team and often health and safety in the workplace knowledge and experience.
Some employees in this group may have skills in setting, programming or using modern
numerically controlled machine tools or specialist diagnostic equipment all very desirable and
transferable skills to other engineering sectors.
Associate professional and technical occupations
People in these job roles will have similar practical transferable skills to those in skilled trades
occupations but they may have greater responsibility for identifying, organising and using
resources effectively, completing tasks whilst considering the cost, quality, safety and
environmental impact. They will have the ability to apply their mathematical and scientific
knowledge when undertaking their work and may often need to work without close
supervision accepting responsibility for the work of themselves and others. These skills are
transferable across all engineering sectors.
Professional occupations
Professional engineers will usually have a background and degree in a particular engineering
discipline and many of these engineering disciplines are transferable across all engineering
sectors.
Transferable skills would include the ability to organise ideas, produce
comprehensive reports, work in teams as part of the day to day operating of the organisation,
problem solving, costing solutions, responsibility, involvement in decision making, planning,
project and time management skills and the use of specialist computer and software
packages to carry out various activities.
Managers and senior officials
A level of experience is expected from these roles and transferable skills to other engineering
sectors would be those of team and department leadership, decision making, understanding
of production and manufacturing costs, planning and funding.
d) Career paths and opportunities for progression.
There are many opportunities to develop and progress in an engineering career. The
‘Engineering Planner’
was devised by Semta to provide useful information about
qualifications and levels of responsibility for particular job roles and act as guidance for
people wanting to progress to different roles through training and further study.
See the engineering planner:
See separate progression section in each job title description
13
2.3 Information on pay scales in the automotive sector
Pay scales for all of these roles will vary depending on the amount of experience the
employee has, the level of responsibility and where the work is based geographically, so pay
scales given are based on estimates from a number of sources. Also bear in mind that many
large engineering manufacturing companies may offer incentives for those working shifts or
nights.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
The starting salary for new graduates or those new to the role is around £19,000 to £23,000.
An experienced production manager may earn on average around £38,500.
Some managers with high levels of responsibility earn more than £56,000 a year.
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced design engineers can earn on average around £35,000 or more, depending on
their professional status.
Senior design engineers may earn around £45,000 or more.
Electronics Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced electronics engineers may earn around £42,000.
Chartered professional electronics engineers in senior roles may earn more than £50,000.
Mechanical Engineer
Starting salaries for graduate engineers may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced mechanical engineers can earn around £38,000 or more, depending on their
professional status and experience. Chartered mechanical engineers in senior roles may
earn around £45,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
Production Engineer
Salaries for production engineers new to the role can start at around £23,000 a year.
Production engineers with experience earn around £33,000 on average. Some production
engineers with high levels of responsibility can earn over £44,000 per year.
Associate professional and technical occupations
Electrical Engineering Technician
The starting salary for an electrical engineering technician undergoing training may be around
£15,000 a year. An experienced electrical engineering technician may earn around £30,000 a
year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility can earn over
£38,000.
Engineering Maintenance Technician
The starting salary for an engineering maintenance technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced engineering maintenance technician may earn
around £30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility
can earn over £38,000.
Laboratory Technician
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500.
Experienced laboratory technicians earn around £20,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £30,000 per year.
14
Mechanical Engineering Technician
The starting salary for a mechanical engineering technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced mechanical engineering technician may earn around
£30,000 a year.
The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility can earn over £38,000.
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Starting salaries for stores assistants are from £10,000 to £14,000 a year.
An experienced person could earn £17,500 a year on average.
Stores managers can earn over £25,000.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Newly-qualified craft machinists
may earn around £18,000 a year and the average for an experienced machinist is around
£26,000.
Senior machinists with higher levels of responsibility or those working shifts and overtime may
earn over £30,000 a year.
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. The average pay for an
engineering maintenance fitter is around £27,000. Highly-skilled and experienced
maintenance fitters may earn over £40,000.
Sheet Metal Worker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified sheet metal workers
are likely to earn up to £23,000 a year although this could be higher for those working shifts
and overtime. Highly skilled sheet metal workers can earn up to £28,000 a year.
Welder
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified welders are likely to
earn on average £24,000 a year although this can be higher with overtime and shift work.
Highly skilled welders with specialist qualifications or those carrying out specialist work
overseas or underwater work, can earn over £31,500 a year.
Toolmaker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Average salaries for an
experienced toolmaker may be around £25,000 a year although this can be higher for those
involved in shift work or overtime. Highly skilled toolmakers with management responsibilities
may earn over £38,000 a year.
15
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Salaries start at around £11,500 a year. Experienced assemblers earn an average of £17,00
although this can be higher with shiftwork and overtime. Some assemblers with additional
responsibilities may earn over £25,000.
Electronics Assembler
New electronics assemblers may earn around £10,500 a year.
Experienced assemblers may earn between £13,500 and £17,000.
The highest salaries may be around £20,000 a year with overtime and shift work.
Engineering Operative
Starting salaries may be around £12,500 a year. Starting salaries for Apprentices may range
from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Experienced engineering operatives may earn up to
£21,000 a year on average although this could be more for those working shifts and overtime.
The most skilled and experienced operatives with management responsibilities may earn
£28,000 or more with overtime and piecework.
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Operative
Starting salaries are in the region of £13,500 to £14,000, first year Apprentices may earn
around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Operatives with experience earn around £25,000 on
average.
Experienced manufacturing operatives may earn up to around £30,000 although this can be
higher with shift work and overtime..
Quality Control Inspector
Salaries for quality control inspectors may start at around £13,000 a year.
With some experience, an inspector may earn around £20,000.
Inspectors with wider responsibilities may earn over £28,000 and, in certain industries (such
as the aerospace sector), as much as £35,000.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Labourers and General assistants can earn in the range of £17,000 to £18,000 a year, but
can earn more if working nights or shifts.
2.4 Information on entry requirements and application processes for Automotive
manufacture.
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about application processes and further sources of assistance are provided under
each of these headings.
16
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
Recruitment of an Honours Degree graduate or equivalent.
•
Internal promotion of Senior Team Leader.
•
External recruitment of an experienced Manager.
•
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
•
It may be possible to start in other areas of manufacturing and progress to supervisor
and then manager.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines such
as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as local and national
newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are often used to secure
staff for roles at this level and internal promotion and recruitment is also a method of
recruitment and development.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Automotive Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and job seeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.smmt.co.uk/home.cfm Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd.
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Those with a particular interest in laboratory technician work may find the following
sources useful
http://www.labnewsjobs.co.uk/ Laboratory news
http://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
17
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of a graduate or equivalent
External recruitment of Professional Engineer
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines such
as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as local and national
newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are often used to secure
staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the recruitment sections
of their websites are also recommended since initiative and communication skills are valued
in these roles. Craftspeople and technicians may have the opportunity to secure further
studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are
working.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Automotive Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and job seeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.smmt.co.uk/home.cfm Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd.
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
18
Associate professional and technical occupations
Electrical Engineering Technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an Engineering Technician
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Vacancies for experienced technicians are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines such as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as
local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies may be
used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are recommended since initiative and communication
skills are valued in these roles. Apprentices may have the opportunity to secure further
studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are
working and sometimes may be enrolled on a scheme that ensures their opportunity to
progress to this type of role.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Automotive Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and job seeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.smmt.co.uk/home.cfm Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd.
Those with a particular interest in laboratory technician work may find the following
sources useful
http://www.labnewsjobs.co.uk/ Laboratory news
http://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
19
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver to serve an Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an experienced stock controller/stores assistant
Vacancies advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes recruitment
via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Toolmaker
Welder
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or adult employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of skilled Craftspeople
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Adults seeking to progress from an operative role to an advanced apprenticeship leading to a
skilled craft role, should speak to someone in their company responsible for training or human
resources.
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies for experienced craftspeople are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines such as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as
local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies may be
used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are also recommended.
20
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Automotive Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and job seeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.smmt.co.uk/home.cfm Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Operative
Quality Control Inspector
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Apprenticeship.
External recruitment of a trained Operative or assembler
Advancement from the Young Apprenticeship
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
21
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
External recruitment of an experienced labourer.
External recruitment of a person who will undertake further training.
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
2.5 Qualifications in Automotive sector
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about qualifications is provided under each of these headings.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Often have a degree; this may be in an engineering discipline or in a subject specific
to management or production management.
May have a higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND) combined with extensive
working experience such as having completed an advanced apprenticeship.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
22
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Would usually have a degree in an engineering specific discipline but it may be in a
subject specific to a physical science such as physics or chemistry.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Particular levels of study would be required for professional engineers seeking to
become a chartered or incorporated engineer and details can be obtained from the
Engineering Council. (ECUK)
Associate professional and technical occupations
Electrical Engineering Technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Qualifications •
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Some technician apprentices first study full time for Level 3 qualifications, such as A
levels, BTEC National Diplomas or Certificates, or City & Guilds awards.
Particular levels of experience and study would be required by those seeking
professional registration as engineering technicians ( EngTech) and details can be
obtained from the Engineering Council Engineering Technician page. (ECUK)
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some stores assistants are required to have a driving licence and be qualified to drive
a fork-lift truck whereas others may have qualifications related to the use of lifting
equipment or health and safety certificates.
23
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Toolmaker
Welder
Qualifications
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Many will have work based competencies at level 3 in subjects such as Fabrication
and Welding Engineering, Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, Automotive
Engineering, Engineering Maintenance, Engineering Toolmaking etc.
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Operative
Quality Control Inspector
Qualifications
•
•
When entering this career through an apprenticeship, GCSE grades D to G or
equivalent are required although some employers will require levels of skills using IT
mean that higher grades at GCSE will become increasingly prevalent.
Some people working in specialised jobs may have work-based competence - N/SVQ
Levels 1and 2 in subjects such as Performing engineering operations, or
qualifications related to safe working or lifting practices.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some labourers may be qualified to drive a fork-lift truck whereas others may have
qualifications related to the use of lifting equipment or health and safety certificates.
24
2.6 Data on employment and labour market trends and forecasts for Automotive
manufacturing.
The current view
In the political and financial climate of early to late 2009 there were many news stories
regarding the particular impact of car sales on the automotive manufacturing industry both
globally and in the UK. The news in June and July has reflected a move by car buyers in the
UK towards small and economical cars which has been positive news to companies involved
in the manufacture and development of these types of cars and for their employees. Several
high profile government announcements have concentrated on the government's efforts to
raise the profile of research and development funding for companies involved in the
development and manufacture of low carbon vehicles and their associated technologies.
It should be noted that although the automotive industry has received much negative press
attention throughout early 2009, many companies have been involved in discussion with the
government and whilst press stories often focus on redundancy numbers, these stories do not
always fully represent the situation for the way in which the employer is managing the
challenges. These challenges may be being met through improving production methods,
short production closures, adapting working times or upgrading skills. Following the budget in
April 2009, a scrappage incentive was introduced in an effort to encourage drivers of older
vehicles to trade them in for new models with a £2,000 allowance against their old car to
encourage more vehicle purchasing. Automotive manufacturers have been reluctant to make
redundancies since if they loose their skilled workforce, they will loose important expertise
and skills needed for business recovery in an extremely competitive area of manufacturing
and advanced technology.
At this time it is not possible to predict the long term figures for company requirements for
numbers of employees, but it is considered that the importance of the automotive industry and
the cautious approach taken by many of the lead manufacturers will lead to employment
opportunities for skilled and experienced workers as the economic climate improves.
2.7 Skill shortages
All sectors in the economy face major skill challenges as the nature of work alters and global
competition intensifies although the pace of change is likely to be particularly rapid within
most parts of the Engineering industry. Those in the workforce with no qualifications are likely
to face particular challenges
Detailed information for each region and nation are included in the following sections.
2.14.1 Automotive manufacture East Midlands.
2.14.2 Automotive manufacture East of England
2.14.3 Automotive manufacture London
2.14.4 Automotive manufacture North East
2.14.5 Automotive manufacture North West
2.14.6 Automotive manufacture South East
2.14.7 Automotive manufacture South West
2.14.8 Automotive manufacture West Midlands.
2.14.9 Automotive manufacture Yorkshire and the Humber
2.14.10 Automotive manufacture England
2.14.11 Automotive manufacture Scotland
2.14.12 Automotive manufacture Wales
2.14.13 Automotive manufacture Northern Ireland
25
2.8 Information on opportunities for adults changing career direction
At the craft, technician, professional and management occupational levels there are
opportunities for people who hold relevant degrees, Further Education qualifications or other
industry recognised certificates and who have working experience in an engineering
environment.
Occupations identified by employers as being crucial for the future were
Design engineers
Electronic engineers
Production engineers
Technicians – equipment, process and product
Maintenance
Toolmaking
Prototyping
It is expected that operator and assembly job roles are likely to decrease in the automotive
sector although as the business climate improves; there will still be employment opportunities
due to retirement of current employees. Whilst formal qualifications are not always required
for these roles, transferable skills such as team working, an ability to follow diagrams and
instructions, basic mathematical understanding and practical skills are all relevant to people
wishing to transfer to these occupations.
2.9 Entry or transfer into the Automotive manufacturing sector from another
area/sector.
The technical nature or practical experience required to work in the craft, technician,
professional and management occupations means that those without the relevant
qualifications or experience will need to consider courses and training relevant to the role they
wish to pursue.
Where formal qualifications or skills for operator or assembly job roles are required, the
careers services can assist in advising on courses and qualifications that may be available
locally. Where formal qualifications and experience are not required, application through
employment agencies and direct to the employer are recommended.
26
2.10 Job profiles
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Major Job roles in the automotive industry include the following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Associate professional and technical occupations
Electrical Engineering Technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Toolmaker
Welder
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Operative
Quality Control Inspector
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
27
2.11 Case studies Automotive occupations
Jobs4U Case studies
Assembly Operator Steven Pascall
CAD (Computer aided design) engineering draughtsperson Lee Warner
Engineering maintenance fitter Stephen Blake
Lead Mill Operator (CNC) Richard Moffitt
Mechanical engineering technician Kieran Jordan
Structures Engineer Shawn Orford
Welding technician Samuel Emm
2.12 FAQs
Q) I am currently working as a machine operator in an automotive company and would
be very interested in finding where I could get information and advice about improving
my skills and learning, where should I start?
A) A good place to start is by speaking with your company union representative to see if they
will know of any schemes or opportunities that are promoted by your employer. Your
company
may
have
a
Union
Learn
representative
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/index.cfm If not, then make initial enquiries with your HR
department.
Q) Do you have a list of motorsport companies that I could write to about working for
them?
A) Unfortunately there is no available list of companies that you can approach. We
recommend finding out as much as you can about the teams in the UK through motorsport
websites and magazines then look at the recruitment sections on those team websites. Don't
forget that there are a broad range of formula other than formula 1 as well as rally, motorcycle
and kart racing. Many companies that produce components for road cars may also be
involved in research and development of components for the high performance market too.
Q) I would like to work as a vehicle mechanic / technician, how do I do this?
A) Semta covers information about automotive engineering research and development and
automotive manufacture, although some automotive technicians are employed in
manufacturing companies, the Institute of the motor industry IMI is the sector skills council for
the retail motor industry and will have more information on this job role.
http://www.motor.org.uk
Q) There has been lots of news about automotive company closures on the news, are
there still jobs in the sector?
A) There are still many major car companies involved in automotive manufacture across the
UK as well as many small and medium sized supply chain companies involved in
manufacturing specialist components or equipment for the large manufacturers. The
engineering skills and experience gained from working in such a competitive and
technologically advanced industry can provide a wide breadth of transferrable skills that are
applicable to many job roles. Jobs for graduates and those with technician level and craft
skills will still be available as these companies prepare for the advanced technologies that will
provide more fuel efficient and cleaner personal transport in the future.
28
2.13 Sources of additional information
Specific to Automotive
•
•
•
•
•
•
Action resources http://www.motor-sport.uk.com lots of information including a
section on women in motorsport careers.
Article about the future of automotive development
http://www.ae-plus.com/OEM%20News/PDF/AEjan09%2020-29.pdf
Auto industry http://www.autoindustry.co.uk/index.asp a directory of careers
information, geographical overviews of the Automotive manufacturing sector and links
to specialist component manufacturers as well as the car/motorcycle/van/lorry
manufacturers themselves.
Automotive engineer on the web http://www.ae-plus.com/
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Forbes House, Halkin Street,
London SW1X 7DS. 020 7235 7000. Website: www.smmt.co.uk
The Motorsport Industry Association http://www.the-mia.co.uk/
Covers all engineering, technology and science.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engineering Diploma Development Partnership, c/o Semta, the Sector Skills Council
for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Second Floor, Weston
House, 246 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EX. 020 7269 9840. Website:
www.engineeringdiploma.com
Engineering & technology careers & news from the Engineering and Technology
Board (ETB) website http://www.scenta.co.uk and http://www.enginuity.org.uk
Futuremorph, Science Council Careers Website http://www.futuremorph.org/
Inside Careers http://www.insidecareers.co.uk
New Outlooks in Science and engineering http://www.noisemakers.org.uk/index.cfm
Science, So What? So Everything DirectGov website
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/
Semta Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies http://www.semta.org.uk
UK resource centre for women in science, engineering and
technology.http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/
29
2.14 Automotive manufacture Regional and National Information
2.14.1 Automotive manufacture East Midlands.
East Midlands Automotive manufacture
There were around 13,300 people employed in the Automotive sector in the East Midlands in
2007 in about 340 companies. This represents 8% of the GB automotive workforce. Whilst
some occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing, before the recent
economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,400 employees would be
needed in the East Midlands between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers
reaching retirement.
Occupation
8125 Metal working machine operatives
Total
Male
Female
2,210
1,880
330
Automotive % of all
engineering
employees in this
occupation. in the
East Midlands region
Employment in the East
Midlands automotive sector
Total people in this
occupation in the
East Midlands region
(All engineering)
Top 10 occupations within the East Midlands within the automotive sector
24,370
9%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1,250
1,040
210
4,550
27%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,170
1,110
60
27,370
4%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
1,150
1,050
100
40,810
3%
850
690
160
18,490
5%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
5215 Welding trades
780
760
20
7,570
10%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
550
540
10
7,160
8%
440
410
30
41,130
1%
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
Source: Census 2001 (n.e.c not elsewhere classified)
420
410
10
2,280
18%
420
360
50
9,750
4%
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the East Midlands were:
•
•
•
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Welding skills
30
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East Midlands
94% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East Midlands is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East Midlands accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East Midlands employs 115,100 people in 6,260
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment,
aerospace and automotive.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the East Midlands employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Derby City, Leicester
City, South Derbyshire, Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth and Ashfield.
Training, skills and recruitment
Over 10,200 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East Midlands during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,190 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East Midlands during 2007, particularly for skilled trades (55%), professionals (17%) and
process plant and machine operative (16%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills.
Lack of applicants with required working experience.
11% of engineering employees in the East Midlands have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
46,100 people across management and core technical occupations (29% of the current
workforce).
This represents
5,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,300 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
7,600 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,100 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
31
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the East Midlands expected skills gaps for operators, technicians and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
CNC machine operations,
Assembly line/production
Robotics
Materials requirement planning skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills (such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem
solving and working with others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
2.14.2 Automotive manufacture East of England
East of England Automotive manufacture
There were around 13,300 people employed in the automotive sector in the East of England
in 2007 in just under 380 companies. This represents about 8% of the GB automotive
workforce. Whilst some occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing,
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 3,880
employees would be needed in the East of England between 2007 and 2014, many to replace
those skilled workers reaching retirement.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Automotive % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in the
East of England.
Employment in the East of
England Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the East of
England region.
(All engineering)
Top 10 occupations within the East of England within the automotive sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2,890
2,480
410
23,560
12%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,790
1,750
40
28,500
6%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1,680
1,460
210
6,120
27%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
1,480
1,330
150
50,040
3%
2126 Design and development engineers
770
730
40
7,960
10%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
700
550
150
10,150
7%
5215 Welding trades
5231 Motor mechanics; auto engineers (in
manufacturing)
630
630
10
7,550
8%
600
590
10
20,550
3%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
600
480
120
18,350
3%
600
540
60
8,080
7%
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
Source: Census 2001 (n.e.c not elsewhere classified)
32
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the East of England were:
•
•
•
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Coach building
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East of England
93% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East of England is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East of England accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East of England employs 116,500 people in 7,890
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
95% of engineering establishments in the East of England employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Peterborough,
Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire, Luton and Basildon.
Training, skills and recruitment
•
Over 10,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East of England
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East of England during 2007. There vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (50%) and
process plant and machine operatives (14%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of engineering employees in the East of England have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
54,600 people across management and core technical occupations (34% of the current
workforce).
This represents
9,900 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above.
7,600 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above.
8,800 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,400 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,000 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the East of England, to replace those retiring.
33
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the East of England expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades
(craft) and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
Computer aided design (CAD),
Tool setting
Welding skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills.
2.14.3 Automotive manufacture London
London Automotive manufacture
There were around 5,800 people employed in the automotive sector in London in 2007 in just
under 160 companies. This represents about 4% of the GB automotive workforce. Whilst
some occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing before the recent
economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 1,130 employees would be
needed in London between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Total people in this
occupation in the London
region.
(All engineering)
Employment in London’s
Automotive Sector
Automotive % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in the
London region.
Top ten occupations within London within the automotive sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
820
730
90
13,000
6%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
770
670
110
2,960
26%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
500
490
20
16,050
3%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
380
320
70
44,290
1%
5231 Motor mechanics; auto engineers
260
250
10
14,670
2%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
220
220
0
1,300
17%
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
220
190
30
4,890
4%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
190
160
30
6,130
3%
8212 Van drivers
190
170
20
27,390
1%
160
150
10
3,940
4%
2126 Design and development engineers
Source: Census 2001
34
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in London were:
•
General machining
All engineering manufacturing sectors in London
92% of the Engineering workforce in London is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
London accounts for 3% of all Engineering employment and 7% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in London employs 44,200 people in 4,390 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, electronics and
mechanical equipment.
97% of engineering establishments in London employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Barking and Dagenham,
Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
Over 3,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in London during March
2006/7.
There were an estimated 505 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in London
during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (29%) and technicians
(22%) vacancies.
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of Engineering employees in London have no qualifications and many more are underqualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 22,300 people
across management and core technical occupations (31% of the current workforce)
This represents
2,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,700 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
3,300 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,200 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the London, to replace those retiring.
35
Skills Gaps
•
Employers in London expected skills gaps for professionals, technicians and skilled
trades (craft) would have the most significant effect on their business.
•
The main skills identified as lacking in employees were technical and engineering skills at
all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD),
materials requirement planning (MRP)
general machining.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
36
2.14.4 Automotive manufacture North East
North East Automotive manufacture.
There were around 12,100 people employed in the automotive sector in the North East in
2007 in just over 100 companies. This represents about 8% of the GB automotive workforce.
Towards the end of 2009 and in early 2010 the North East was chosen for additional funding
to support a network of charging points for electric vehicles. It is also expected that the large
Nissan plant in the region will be where a new electric car is manufactured. Whilst some
occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing before the recent economic
situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,560 employees would be needed in the
North East between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
Occupation
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
8125 Metal working machine operatives
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
3119 Science and Engineering Technicians n.e.c.
5215 Welding trades
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
Source: Census 2001
Female
Automotive % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in the
North East.
Employment in the North
East Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the North
East.
(All engineering)
Top 10 occupations within the North East within the Automotive Sector
Total
Male
1,860
1,750
1,720
1,510
140
240
3,760
13,370
49%
13%
1,560
1,540
10
14,980
10%
1,050
730
530
430
370
320
310
910
560
500
390
370
280
300
140
170
30
40
0
40
10
13,520
6,930
14,820
8,460
5,010
3,950
3,830
8%
11%
4%
5%
7%
8%
8%
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the North East were:
•
•
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Welding skills
37
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North East
96% of the Engineering workforce in the North East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The North East accounts for 5% of all Engineering employment and 3% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the North East employs 63,200 people in 2,310
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, metal products
and automotive.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the automotive and
electronics sectors when compared to Great Britain.
90% of engineering establishments in the North East employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Newcastle upon Tyne,
Gateshead, Sunderland and Sedgefield.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 6,700 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 730 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for professionals (39%), skilled
trades (32%) and process plant and machine operative (22%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
8% of engineering employees in the North East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 20,700
people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
1,900 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
5,800 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
6,900 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,850 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North East, to replace those retiring.
38
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the North East expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), managers and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Metal working,
Welding
Materials requirement planning (MRP) skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
2.14.5 Automotive manufacture North West
North West Automotive manufacture.
Occupation
8125 Metal working machine operatives
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
5215 Welding trades
9139 Labourers in process & plant operations n.e.c.
5231 Motor mechanics; auto Engineers
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
Source: Census 2001
Female
Automotive % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in the
North West.
Employment in the North
West Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the North
West.
(All engineering)
There were around 18,100 people employed in the automotive sector in the North West in
2007 in just over 370 companies. This represents around 12% of the GB automotive
workforce Whilst some occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing before
the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 5,020 employees
would be needed in the North West between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled
workers reaching retirement.
.
Top 10 occupations within the North West within the Automotive Sector
Total
Male
3,340
2,490
3,040
2,270
300
220
30,370
6,540
11%
38%
1,930
1,290
1,230
1,080
860
710
650
590
1,920
1,280
1,120
920
850
630
640
590
10
10
100
160
10
70
10
10
38,160
4,180
51,240
12,740
9,350
18,340
20,330
24,280
5%
31%
2%
8%
9%
4%
3%
2%
39
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the North West were:
•
•
General engineering skills
Coach building
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the North West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The North West accounts for 11% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the North West employs 143,300 people in 7,620
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and aerospace.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and marine
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the North West employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Fylde, Knowsley, Crewe
and Nantwich, Stockport, Oldham and Preston.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,800 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,100 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (40%) and
process plant and machine operative (28%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
•
9% of engineering employees in the North West have no qualifications. Around 28% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up
skill more than 52,200 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
6,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,100 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
11,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,200 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,400 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,400 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North West, to replace those retiring.
40
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the North West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft) and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees was technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting
Welding skills.
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills.
2.14.6 Automotive manufacture South East
South East Automotive manufacture
There were around 12,500 people employed in the automotive sector in the South East in
2007 in just over 410 companies. This represents about 8% of the GB automotive workforce.
Whilst some occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing, before the recent
economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 830 employees would be
needed in the South East between 2007 and 2014, , many to replace those skilled workers
reaching retirement.
Occupation
8125 Metal working machine operatives
Total
Male
1,750
1,570
Female
180
23,230
Automotive % of total
occupational employment
in the South East region
Employment in the South
East Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the South
East of England region.
(All engineering)
Top Ten occupations within the South East within the automotive sector
8%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
1,570
1,430
140
82,550
2%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1,500
1,250
250
6,480
23%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,060
1,030
30
38,060
3%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
810
640
170
17,000
5%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
670
430
240
12,990
5%
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
560
560
0
4,080
14%
5231 Motor mechanics; auto engineers
520
510
10
27,400
2%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
520
510
10
7,090
7%
480
470
10
11,470
4%
2126 Design and development engineers
Source: Census 2001
41
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the South East were:
•
CNC Machine Operation
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South East
93% of the Engineering workforce in the South East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
The South East accounts for 12% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the South East employs 157,000 people in 10,640
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, mechanical equipment and
metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and electrical
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around West Berkshire,
Basingstoke and Deane, Milton Keynes, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Crawley and Medway.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 12,400 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,115 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (31%) and skilled trades (26%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in the South East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
84,500 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
13,800 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
21,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
18,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,500 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,900 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South East, to replace those retiring.
42
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South East expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades (craft)
and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main skill gaps in:
•
•
•
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Welding skills.
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
2.14.7 Automotive manufacture South West
South West Automotive manufacture
There were around 11,300 people employed in the automotive sector in the South West in
2007 in just under 280 companies. This represents about 7% of the GB automotive
workforce. Whilst some occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing,
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,070
employees would be needed in the South West between 2007 and 2014, many to replace
those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Female
Automotive % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in the
South West.
Employment in the South
West Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the South
West ( All engineering)
Top 10 occupations within the South West within the automotive sector
Total
Male
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1,870
1,650
220
6,090
31%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1,270
1,140
130
19,650
6%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
800
740
60
40,160
2%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
780
760
20
27,630
3%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
770
640
130
16,760
5%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
510
390
130
11,790
4%
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
450
450
10
2,820
16%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
440
430
20
6,200
7%
5231 Motor mechanics; auto engineers
390
380
10
18,700
2%
380
370
10
6,060
6%
5215 Welding trades
Source: Census 2001
43
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the South West were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assembly line/ production robotics
Craft skills
Electronics
Fabrication
Mechanical fitters
Software Engineering
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the South West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The South West accounts for 8% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the South West employs 129,400 people in 6,470
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the marine and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the South West employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Tewkesbury,
Cheltenham, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, South Somerset, Poole
and Plymouth.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,530 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (43%) and skilled trades/craft (37%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
44
7% of engineering employees in the South West have no qualifications. About a third of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to
up skill around 52,300 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents
4,700 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,500 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,900 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,750 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South West, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), technicians
and professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Computer aided engineering (CAE).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
IT/computer skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills.
2.14.8 Automotive manufacture West Midlands.
West Midlands Automotive manufacture
There were around 39,500 people employed in the automotive sector in the West Midlands in
2007 in just over 550 companies. This is region has the largest number of automotive
employees representing 26% of the GB Automotive workforce. Whilst some occupations and
employment within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was
estimated that a total requirement of 7,260 employees would be needed in the West Midlands
between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
45
Occupation
8125 Metal working machine operatives
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
5215 Welding trades
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Female
Automotive % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in the
West Midlands.
Employment in the West
Midlands automotive sector
Total people in this
occupation in the West
Midlands.
(All engineering)
Top 10 occupations within the West Midlands within the automotive sector
Total
Male
8,820
7,700
4,350
3,930
3,000
7,370
6,320
4,240
3,640
2,800
1,450
1,370
110
300
210
42,620
15,710
32,190
50,640
18,570
21%
49%
14%
8%
16%
2,830
2,710
1,870
1,670
2,690
2,240
1,320
1,390
140
470
560
290
13,350
22,340
13,800
11,250
21%
12%
14%
15%
1,510
1,400
120
47,680
3%
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the West Midlands were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)
Tool setting
Welding skills
Fabrication
46
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the West Midlands
95% of the Engineering workforce in the West Midlands is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The West Midlands accounts for 17% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
The Engineering industry in the West Midlands employs 213,000 people in 10,430
establishments.
93% of engineering establishments in the West Midlands employ less than 50 people.
The West Midlands has particular concentrations of employment in the automotive and
metals sectors when compared to the rest of Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Birmingham, Sandwell,
Walsall, Coventry, Dudley and Telford and Wrekin.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 15,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the West Midlands
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 3,480 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
West Midlands during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades (68%) and
process plant and machine operatives (18%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
17% of engineering employees in the West Midlands have no qualifications. Around 40% of
the workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to
up skill more than 110,000 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
15,400 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
5,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
36,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
39,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,700 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the West Midlands, to replace those retiring.
47
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the West Midlands expected that skills gaps for operators and professionals
would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skill given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting,
Fabrication,
Materials requirement planning (MRPII)
Welding.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
48
2.14.9 Automotive manufacture Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber Automotive manufacture
There were around 12,900 people employed in the automotive sector in Yorkshire and the
Humber in 2007 in just over 310 companies. This represents 8% of the GB automotive
workforce. Whilst some occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing, before
the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,900 employees
would be needed in Yorkshire and the Humber between 2007 and 2014, many to replace
those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Total
Male
Female
Automotive % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in
Yorkshire and the Humber.
Occupation
Employment in Yorkshire
and the Humber
Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Yorkshire
and the Humber.
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within Yorkshire and the Humber - Automotive sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1,600
1,480
120
24,660
7%
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
1,100
1,100
10
3,470
32%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
880
800
80
25,360
3%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
790
750
40
37,950
2%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
770
760
10
28,150
3%
5315 Carpenters and joiners
520
520
0
22,730
2%
5215 Welding trades
460
460
10
8,060
6%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
440
430
10
7,680
6%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
380
290
100
3,140
12%
360
340
20
39,770
1%
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
Source: Census 2001
Automotive skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in Yorkshire and the Humber were:
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Craft skills
Multi-skills
49
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Yorkshire and the Humber
95% of the Engineering workforce in Yorkshire and the Humber is employed on a full-time
basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
Yorkshire and the Humber accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 10% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the Humber employs 118,900 people in 6,780
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
98% of engineering establishments in Yorkshire and the Humber employ less than 50
people.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the metals and mechanical
equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Sheffield, Leeds,
Bradford, Kirklees, Rotherham and Kingston upon Hull.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Nearly 8,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the
Humber during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Yorkshire and the Humber during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant
and machine operatives (39%) and skilled trades/craft (28%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
General lack of applicants
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in Yorkshire and the Humber have no qualifications. Around
28% of those employed in management and core technical occupations are under-qualified
for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 40,600 people across
management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
3,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,300 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,100 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,100 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Yorkshire and the Humber, to replace those
retiring.
50
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Yorkshire and the Humber expected skills gaps for technicians,
professionals and operators would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Materials requirement planning (MRP)
General engineering skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
51
2.14.10 Automotive manufacture England
England Automotive manufacture
There were around 138,700 people employed in the automotive sector in the whole England
in 2007 employed at just over 2,900 companies. This represents 90% of the GB automotive
workforce. Whilst some occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing, before
the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 28,000 employees
would be needed in England between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers
reaching retirement.
.
As can be seen from the table, the majority of people employed in the automotive sector in
England are process plant and machine operatives and the second highest are skilled crafts
people. The top five occupational groups in the automotive sector account for 36% of the
automotive sector workforce in England.
Occupation
Female
Automotive % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in
England.
Employment in England
Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in England.
(All engineering)
Top 10 occupations within England within the automotive sector
Total
Male
8125 Metal working machine operatives
24,450
21,210
3,240
214,820
11%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
19,480
16,650
2,830
55,350
35%
13,910
13,600
310
251,090
6%
11,860
10,880
980
412,500
3%
8,560
7,190
1,370
156,290
5%
5215 Welding trades
6,860
6,650
210
66,520
10%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
6,470
6,170
300
65,140
10%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
6,340
4,720
1,620
92,990
7%
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
5,540
5,490
40
25,960
21%
4,650
4,010
640
72,940
6%
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
Source: Census 2001
Automotive Skill gaps in England.
The automotive sector reported the highest number of skills gaps of all engineering sectors in
England. These were mainly in skilled trades such as CNC machining, welding and what is
known in the industry as Materials requirement planning, a technique which assists a
company in the detailed planning of its manufacturing production.
52
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in England were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Welding skills
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Assembly line/ production robotics
General engineering skills
Craft skills
Fabrication
Coach building
All engineering manufacturing sectors in England
A very high proportion of the Engineering workforce in England is employed on a full-time
basis, accounting for about 94% of total employment in the industry.
•
•
•
England accounts for 86% of all Engineering employment and 90% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
Based on the Annual Business Inquiry 2006 there are an estimated 1.1 million employees
and over 65,000 employers in the Engineering industry in England 3 .
93% of engineering establishments in England employ less than 50 people.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
11% of engineering employees in England have no qualifications. Around 33% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential
to up skill nearly half a million people in England across management and core technical
occupations.
This represents:
76,000 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
57,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
96,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
132,000 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
135,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in England is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, there are a relatively high proportion of females
working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (29%) and a relatively low
proportion of females working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors
(12% or less in each case) within England.
4.9% of English residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (3.0%) being Asian or Asian British and 1.0% Black or
Black British. This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or Minority
Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in England.
3
The Annual Business Inquiry figures on employment excludes those self employed and casual labour,
so is likely to under-estimate the total number of people working in the sector.
53
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
English economy. 43% of the Engineering workforce in England is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in England. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering sectors
since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
2.14.11 Automotive manufacture Scotland
Scotland Automotive manufacture
There were around 3,600 people employed in the automotive sector in Scotland in 2007 in
just over 110 companies. This represents 2% of the GB automotive workforce. Whilst some
occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing before the recent economic
situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 260 automotive employees would be
needed in Scotland between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Automotive % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in
Scotland.
Employment in Scotland
Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Scotland.
(All engineering)
Top Ten Occupations within the Scotland (Automotive)
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
770
770
0
2,910
27%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
520
450
70
18,410
3%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
350
340
10
26,120
1%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
330
310
20
33,660
1%
5215 Welding trades
200
200
0
7,350
3%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
200
200
0
4,370
5%
200
190
10
29,420
1%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
180
140
40
3,950
4%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
160
130
30
13,190
1%
140
70
70
12,680
1%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Automotive Skill gaps in Scotland.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in Scotland were:
•
•
Tool setting
Manufacturing
54
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Scotland
95% of employment within the Engineering industry in Scotland is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Scotland and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scotland accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 6% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Scotland employs around 94,600 people in 6,090
establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Scotland employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, metal products and
mechanical equipment.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the marine and electronics
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around the City of Glasgow, Fife,
South Lanarkshire, the City of Aberdeen, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
Training and skills and recruitment
9% of engineering employees in Scotland have no qualifications. Around 24% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 29,000 people across management and
core technical occupations.
This represents:
900 Managers requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
5,700 Professional Engineers requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
6,400 Technicians requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
7,500 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
8,400 Operators requiring development to SVQ Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,600 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Scotland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Scotland expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Materials requirement planning (MRPII).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
55
Demographics
81% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (31%). The proportion of females
working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors (12% and 11%
respectively) on the other hand is extremely low within Scotland.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 6% of Scotland’s Engineering workforce had a limiting
long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in the nation, and marginally lower
than the figure for the UK.
0.8% of Scotland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British and Chinese or
‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or
Minority Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in the Scottish economy.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
Scottish economy. 42% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in Scotland. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
56
2.14.12 Automotive manufacture Wales
Wales Automotive manufacture
There were around 12,100 people employed in the automotive sector in Wales in 2007 in just
under 190 companies. This represents 8% of the GB automotive workforce. Whilst some
occupations and employment within the sector are decreasing before the recent economic
situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,610 automotive employees would be
needed in Wales between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
.
Occupation
8125 Metal working machine operatives
Total
Male
2,800
2,370
Female
Total people in this
occupation in Wales.
(All engineering)
Employment in Wales
Automotive Sector
430
15,550
Automotive % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in Wales.
Top Ten Occupations within Wales (Automotive)
18%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
1,680
1,250
430
20,560
8%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1,460
1,220
240
4,530
32%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
950
930
20
18,480
5%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
790
590
200
7,750
10%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
650
620
30
3,300
20%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
640
590
50
17,120
4%
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
350
260
100
4,740
7%
330
320
10
15,000
2%
320
320
*
10,260
3%
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
Source: Census 2001
Automotive Skill gaps in Wales.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in Wales were:
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
57
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Wales
97% of employment within the Engineering industry in Wales is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Wales and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wales accounts for 6% of all Engineering employment and 4% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Wales employs 79,600 people in 4,940 establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Wales employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are automotive, basic metals, mechanical
equipment and aerospace.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the basic metals and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Flintshire, Neath Port
Talbot, Newport, Rhondda, Cynon and Taff, Bridgend and Wrexham.
Training and skills and recruitment
11% of engineering employees in Wales have no qualifications. Around 29% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 27,900 people across management and
core technical occupations
This represents
•
•
•
•
•
2,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
2,200 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 2,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Wales, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Wales expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main technical skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD)
CNC machine operations and tool setting.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
58
Demographics
84% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment sector (32%). The proportion of females working within the
metals (11%) automotive (11%) and other transport equipment sectors (8%) is extremely low
within Wales.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 7% of the Welsh Engineering industry workforce had a
limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in Wales and the UK.
1.1% of Welsh residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British, Mixed (0.3%) and
Chinese or ‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This broadly mirrors the position within all sectors
within Wales, although there are a slightly higher proportion of Asian or Asian British workers
in Wales as a whole.
40% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is aged 45-64 compared with 39% across all
sectors in the Welsh economy. This profile is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
2.14.13 Automotive manufacture Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Automotive manufacture
There were around 3,400 people employed in the automotive sector in Northern Ireland in
2007 4 representing about 2% of the UK Automotive workforce. Whilst some occupations and
employment within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was
estimated that a total requirement of 840 employees would be needed in Northern Ireland
between 2005 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
Occupation
Total
Female
8125 Metal working machine operatives
580
520
60
6,960
8%
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
540
540
<10
1,190
46%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives
340
220
130
3,510
10%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
320
310
<10
10,040
3%
5215 Welding trades
270
270
0
3,590
8%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
160
100
70
960
17%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
150
140
10
8,220
2%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
140
110
20
5,930
2%
90
90
<10
8,540
1%
80
70
20
2,650
3%
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
8114 Chemical and related process operatives
Source: Census 2001
4
Male
Automotive % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in
Northern Ireland.
Employment in Northern
Ireland Automotive Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Northern
Ireland. (All engineering)
Top Ten Occupations within Northern Ireland (Automotive)
Source: Northern Ireland Census of Employment 2007, NISRA
59
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Northern Ireland
96% of the Engineering workforce is employed on a full-time basis.
•
•
•
•
•
Northern Ireland accounts for 3% of all UK Engineering employment and 2.5% of all UK
Engineering establishments.
The Engineering industry in Northern Ireland employs over 33,200 people (39,600
including self employed and casual labour) in 1,780 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are the electrical and electronics sector
and the metals sectors.
Northern Ireland has above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
electronics sectors when compared to the UK.
95% of establishments employ less than 50 people.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 2,500 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Northern Ireland
between March 2006 and 2007.
There were an estimated 535 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Northern Ireland during 2006. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (56%)
and professional occupations (16%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills,
Lack of applicants with required work experience
General lack of applicants.
13% of engineering employees in Northern Ireland have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
14,000 people across management and core technical occupations:
This represents:
950 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
150 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
1,650 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
`3,300 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
8,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,350 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Northern Ireland, to replace those retiring.
60
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Northern Ireland expected skills gaps for operators, craftspersons and
technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the main technical skills gaps in:
Welding,
CNC machine operations,
Mechanical engineering skills,
Metalworking
Electrical engineering skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Management skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Marketing or selling skills
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, 18% of the Engineering workforce in Northern
Ireland is female, mirroring the figure for the UK as a whole. There is a relatively high
proportion of females working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (28%)
which traditionally has a concentration of women employed in assembly roles. The
predominance of women in these roles could increasingly become an issue if the engineering
manufacturing sector maintains the trend of moving assembly type occupations to countries
where labour is cheaper. There are a relatively low proportion of females working within the
automotive and other transport equipment sectors (10-11%) within Northern Ireland.
Based on data from the NI Census 2001, 6% of Northern Ireland Engineering industry
workforce had a limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in
Northern Ireland and the UK.
0.5% of Northern Ireland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black
or minority ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being classified as Chinese or ‘Other’ ethnic
group.
Only 32% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is aged 45-64 compared with 42%
of the UK Engineering workforce. Although Engineering in Northern Ireland has a relatively
low age profile, in the longer term the age profile of the workforce could be an issue if not
enough young people are recruited into the industry (only 12% of the current Engineering
workforce is aged 16-24 years old).
61
3. Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
3.1 A brief description of what the electronics and electrical equipment sectors covers
at GB and UK level
The Electronics and electrical sectors are grouped together since the employment and
workplace data for the England regions and the Nations cannot always be quoted separately
for electrical equipment manufacture and electronics manufacture.
Electronics
Electronics is one of the principal branches of electrical engineering and electronics
companies include those that are involved in the business of creating, designing, producing
and selling electronic systems, components and equipment such as semi-conductors,
communications technology, consumer electronics, computers and other IT equipment.
The UK electronics industry is worth approximately £23 billion a year and is now the fifth
largest in the world in terms of production. The majority of electronics employers are small,
with 91% of all UK sites employing fewer than 50 people. Only 2% of all UK electronics sites
employ 200 people or more.
Workplaces and employment in electronics
There were nearly 10,800 electronics workplaces in Great Britain in 2006/2007. These
companies employed in the region of 185,600 people with 82% of the workforce in England,
12% in Scotland and 6% in Wales.
The greatest concentration of employment in the electronics industry within Great Britain are
in the South East, East of England, Scotland and the South West.
Number employed in the electronics industry in GB
Nation or Region
Number
employed
England
Scotland
Wales
Total GB
153,400
21,900
10,300
185,600
Percentage of
GB electronics
workforce
82%
12%
6%
100%
26,300
10,700
8,700
3,800
13,300
44,800
21,000
15,200
9,600
14%
6%
5%
2%
7%
24%
11%
8%
5%
England regions
East of England
East Midlands
London
North East
North West
South East
South West
West Midlands
Yorkshire and The Humber
Source ABI 2007 (NB percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding)
Electronics industry in Northern Ireland
See section 3.15.13 electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Northern Ireland
62
Electrical equipment manufacture
Companies involved in the manufacture, design and development of electrical equipment
include those that produce:
• electric motors, generators and transformers
• electricity distribution and control apparatus, insulated wire and cable
• office machinery: photocopiers, cash registers and computer equipment
• television and radio receivers, sound or video recording equipment
Workplaces and employment in electrical equipment manufacture.
There were nearly just over 5,600 electrical equipment manufacture workplaces in Great
Britain in 2006/2007, These companies employed in the region of 108,800 people with 87%
of the workforce in England, 7% in Wales, and 6% in Scotland.
The greatest concentration of employment in the electrical equipment industry in Great Britain
are in the South East of England and the West Midlands.
Number employed in the electrical equipment industry in GB
Nation or Region
Number
employed
England
Scotland
Wales
Total GB
94,600
6,400
7,800
108,800
Percentage of
GB automotive
workforce
87%
6%
7%
100%
10,100
10,500
4,600
6,400
11,900
17,700
11,700
11,200
10,500
9%
10%
4%
6%
11%
16%
11%
10%
10%
England regions
East of England
East Midlands
London
North East
North West
South East
South West
West Midlands
Yorkshire and The Humber
source ABI 2007 (NB percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding)
Electrical equipment industry in Northern Ireland
See section 3.15.13 electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Northern Ireland
63
Main technical and engineering skills gaps in the electronics and electrical equipment
industry.
The main skills gaps for the electronics and electrical equipmentaut industry in the UK
reported by engineering employers during the 2007 labour market survey (base of 700
engineering employers) are:
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
CNC Machine Operation
Assembly line/ production robotics
Electronics
Electrical engineering
Further details for each Nation and English region are provided in each section.
Demographics.
Gender
Only 19% of the UK Engineering workforce is female and this proportion has not varied much
in the last 10 years. .The percentage of 19% is for women employed in all occupations in the
engineering manufacturing sectors including assembly type occupations, office staff and sales
and marketing. For employment in technical, professional and management roles, women
are particularly under represented with women making up only 17% of all engineering
management roles and 7% of professional roles.
Age
The ageing of the current workforce is an issue for many employers with skilled and
experienced workers reaching retirement age and a need to replace them with other skilled
craft, technical and professional workers.
Further demographic details are included in the following sections
3.14.10 electronics and electrical equipment manufacture England
3.14.11 electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Scotland
3.14.12 electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Wales
3.14.13 electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Northern Ireland
3.2 Information on careers available and new emerging jobs in electronics and
electrical equipment manufacture, transferability of skills career paths and
opportunities for progression
a) Careers currently available
There are a wide range of career options within the electronics and electrical equipment
manufacturing sectors these include skilled craft jobs such as maintenance engineers who
have background, knowledge and experience in problem solving, practical skills and expertise
in electronics and electrical circuitry and installation.
Professional occupations such as electronics engineer, and design engineer will be people
whose studies have usually involved a university degree. The technician and professional
engineering roles are important in these sectors since they are fast moving and competitive
industries relying on the latest research, testing, design and development.
64
Other roles within the sector will involve all the people needed to assemble and machine
components, manage and run the business including sales and marketing, departmental and
team managers, product development, accounts, stores people, people that package or
prepare the products for delivery and those that ensure that everything operates efficiently
with the minimum amount of waste and cost.
Self employment and part time working in the UK
91% of the electronics workforce work full time
9% of the electronics workforce work part time
92% of the electrical equipment workforce work full time
8% of the electrical equipment workforce work part time
Self employment in engineering is quite a low percentage, around 6% for all engineering
occupations as shown in the table below. Managers and senior officials and people working
in skilled trades have slightly higher percentages of people being self employed. Due to the
number of micro companies, there may be more self employment for managers who actually
own those companies.
Table showing percentage employment status for all engineering
Major occupation group
(main job)
1 Managers and Senior
Officials
2 Professional occupations
3 Associate Professional and
Technical
4
Administrative
and
Secretarial
5 Skilled Trades Occupations
6
Personal
Service
Occupations
7 Sales and Customer Service
Occupations
8 Process, Plant and Machine
Operatives
9 Elementary Occupations
Total
Source LFS 2008 data
91%
Employment status main job (reported)
Self
Government
Unpaid family
employed
scheme
worker
9%
0%
0%
94%
97%
6%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
96%
4%
0%
0%
100%
91%
100%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
96%
2%
1%
1%
100%
99%
1%
0%
0%
100%
96%
94%
4%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
Employee
Total
100%
65
Major Job roles in the electronics and electrical equipment industry include the
following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
b) New and emerging jobs
The electronics and electrical equipment industry is extremely fast moving and competitive.
Research and development of new products and getting them quickly into the markets is key
to the success of many manufacturers.
There are constant efforts to make the most of new technologies and the demand for short
design cycles and short manufacturing cycles requires an increasingly greater breadth of
skills for scientists, engineers and designers that enter the industry. This breadth of skills will
need to include an understanding of manufacturing process improvement and business
improvement to increase efficiency and save on time and costs in the workplace.
Future developments are predicted to include even greater use of electronics technology in
medical applications both for diagnosing and monitoring illness and for use in lifesaving and
life enhancing operations. This will require engineers and scientists that can have an
understanding of the potential for using new technologies in health and medicine.
66
Other future developments are predicted to be in the renewable energy products, improved
batteries and power sources for vehicles as well as increasingly sophisticated warning and
detection technology for the defence industries.
Following the introduction of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE
Directive) in 2007 electronics and electrical manufacturers became responsible for financing
the collection, treatment, and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
This means that there are likely to be increasingly more roles emerging in the near future for
people who are skilled at designing and running manufacturing departments with
consideration for how a product will be recycled at the end of its life as well as being able to
design products and manufacturing processes that minimise wastage during manufacturing or
make it easier to dismantle or recycle parts of a product when it reaches the end of its useful
life.
c) Transferability of skills within the electronics and electrical equipment sector.
Elementary occupations
Those employed in these roles may have skills in using specialist lifting and transport/storage
equipment, knowledge of different types of materials that are moved around the company.
Some may have experience of completing stock sheets or component lists or completing
forms to sign in or take out specialist equipment. Some may have undergone health and
safety training for lifting and transporting materials and safe working practices in a
manufacturing production area. Most if not all of these skills would be relevant to all sectors
within engineering manufacture.
Process, plant and machine operatives
People in these types of roles would be familiar with completing forms and documents relating
to the number and types of product assembled or completed by them in their work, some of
this recording is likely to be carried out on a computer database.
Health and safety training is likely to have been undertaken and understanding of safe
working practices would be transferable across all sectors. Attention to detail when
assembling or machining products and visual checking to ensure that faulty items from the
machine are not sent to the next stage of assembly or manufacture will be part of most roles
within this category and would be transferable across all sectors. Some people employed
within these roles may have received specialist training using particular machines or
processes such as soldering or electronic component assembly for example.
Skilled trades occupations
Most people employed in these roles will have undertaken an apprenticeship and a period of
practical experience combined with further studies in some cases. They may be skilled in a
particular area such as maintenance but they will all have skills related to understanding and
interpreting drawings and diagrams, communicating and working as part of a larger team and
often health and safety in the workplace knowledge and experience.
Some employees in this group may have skills in setting, programming or using modern
numerically controlled machine tools or specialist diagnostic and laboratory equipment all very
desirable and transferable skills to other engineering sectors.
67
Associate professional and technical occupations
People in these job roles will have similar practical transferable skills to those in skilled
trades occupations but they may have greater responsibility for identifying, organising and
using resources effectively, completing tasks whilst considering the cost, quality, safety
and environmental impact. They will have the ability to apply their mathematical and
scientific knowledge when undertaking their work and may often need to work without
close supervision accepting responsibility for the work of themselves and others. These
skills are transferable across all engineering sectors.
Professional occupations
Professional engineers will usually have a background and degree in a particular
engineering discipline and many of these engineering disciplines are transferable across
all engineering sectors. Transferable skills would include the ability to organise ideas,
produce comprehensive reports, work in teams as part of the day to day operating of the
organisation, problem solving, costing solutions, responsibility, involvement in decision
making, planning, project and time management skills and the use of specialist computer
and software packages to carry out various activities.
Managers and senior officials
A level of experience is expected from these roles and transferable skills to other
engineering sectors would be those of team and department leadership, decision making,
understanding of production and manufacturing costs, planning and funding.
d) Career paths and opportunities for progression.
There are many opportunities to develop and progress in an engineering career. The
‘Engineering Planner’
was devised by Semta to provide useful information about
qualifications and levels of responsibility for particular job roles and act as guidance for
people wanting to progress to different roles through training and further study.
See the engineering planner:
See separate progression section in each job title description
3.3 Information on pay scales in the electronics and electrical equipment sector
Pay scales for all of these roles will vary depending on the amount of experience the
employee has, the level of responsibility and where the work is based geographically, so pay
scales given are based on estimates from a number of sources. Also bear in mind that many
large engineering manufacturing companies may offer incentives for those working shifts or
nights.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
The starting salary for new graduates or those new to the role is around £19,000 to £23,000.
An experienced production manager may earn on average around £38,500.
Some managers with high levels of responsibility earn more than £56,000 a year.
68
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced design engineers can earn on average around £35,000 or more, depending on
their professional status.
Senior design engineers may earn around £45,000 or more.
Electrical Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced electrical engineers may earn on average around £42,000.
Chartered professional electrical engineers in senior roles may earn more than £50,000.
Electronics Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced electronics engineers may earn around £42,000.
Chartered professional electronics engineers in senior roles may earn more than £50,000.
Mechanical Engineer
Starting salaries for graduate engineers may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced mechanical engineers can earn around £38,000 or more, depending on their
professional status and experience. Chartered mechanical engineers in senior roles may
earn around £45,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
Production Engineer
Salaries for production engineers new to the role can start at around £23,000 a year.
Production engineers with experience earn around £33,000 on average. Some production
engineers with high levels of responsibility can earn over £44,000 per year.
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
The starting salary for an engineering maintenance technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced engineering maintenance technician may earn
around £30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility
can earn over £38,000.
Laboratory Technician
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500.
Experienced laboratory technicians earn around £20,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £30,000 per year.
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Starting salaries for stores assistants are from £10,000 to £14,000 a year.
An experienced person could earn £17,500 a year on average.
Stores managers can earn over £25,000.
69
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Newly-qualified craft machinists
may earn around £18,000 a year and the average for an experienced machinist is around
£26,000.
Senior machinists with higher levels of responsibility or those working shifts and overtime may
earn over £30,000 a year.
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. The average pay for an
engineering maintenance fitter is around £27,000. Highly-skilled and experienced
maintenance fitters may earn over £40,000.
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Salaries start at around £11,500 a year. Experienced assemblers earn an average of £17,00
although this can be higher with shiftwork and overtime. Some assemblers with additional
responsibilities may earn over £25,000.
Electronics Assembler
New electronics assemblers may earn around £10,500 a year.
Experienced assemblers may earn between £13,500 and £17,000.
The highest salaries may be around £20,000 a year with overtime and shift work.
Engineering Operative
Starting salaries may be around £12,500 a year. Starting salaries for Apprentices may range
from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Experienced engineering operatives may earn up to
£21,000 a year on average although this could be more for those working shifts and overtime.
The most skilled and experienced operatives with management responsibilities may earn
£28,000 or more with overtime and piecework.
Quality Control Inspector
Salaries for quality control inspectors may start at around £13,000 a year.
With some experience, an inspector may earn around £20,000.
Inspectors with wider responsibilities may earn over £28,000 and, in certain industries (such
as the aerospace sector), as much as £35,000.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Foundry process operators may earn in the range of £13000 to over £20,000 a year but they
can earn more than this if working shifts or overtime.
70
3.4 Information on entry requirements and application processes for electronics and
electrical equipment manufacture.
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about application processes and further sources of assistance are provided under
each of these headings.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
•
•
Recruitment of an Honours Degree graduate or equivalent.
Internal promotion of Senior Team Leader.
External recruitment of an experienced Manager.
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
It may be possible to start in other areas of manufacturing and progress to
supervisor and then manager.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines such
as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as local and national
newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are often used to secure
staff for roles at this level and internal promotion and recruitment is also a method of
recruitment and development.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering,
Mathematics and Computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electronics or
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electrical Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and job seeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/jobs/default.aspx Electronics weekly jobs
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
71
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in
engineering, science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who
have taken career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following
organisations offer some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
72
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of a graduate or equivalent
External recruitment of Professional Engineer
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines such
as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as local and national
newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are often used to secure
staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the recruitment sections
of their websites are also recommended since initiative and communication skills are valued
in these roles. Craftspeople and technicians may have the opportunity to secure further
studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are
working.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and Computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electronics or
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electrical Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/jobs/default.aspx Electronics weekly jobs
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
73
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an Engineering Technician
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Vacancies for experienced technicians are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines such as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well
as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies may
be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are recommended since initiative and communication
skills are valued in these roles. Apprentices may have the opportunity to secure further
studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are
working and sometimes may be enrolled on a scheme that ensures their opportunity to
progress to this type of role.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and Computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electronics or
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electrical Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/jobs/default.aspx Electronics weekly jobs
Those with a particular interest in laboratory technician work may find the following
sources useful
http://www.labnewsjobs.co.uk/ Laboratory news
http://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
74
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver to serve an Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an experienced stock controller/stores assistant
Vacancies advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes recruitment
via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or adult employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of skilled Craftspeople
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Adults seeking to progress from an operative role to an advanced apprenticeship leading to a
skilled craft role, should speak to someone in their company responsible for training or human
resources.
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies for experienced craftspeople are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines such as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well
as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies may
be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are also recommended.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and Computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electronics or
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electrical Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/jobs/default.aspx Electronics weekly jobs
75
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Apprenticeship.
External recruitment of a trained Operative or assembler
Advancement from the Young Apprenticeship
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
External recruitment of an experienced labourer.
External recruitment of a person who will undertake further training.
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
76
3.5 Qualifications in the electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing sector
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about qualifications are provided under each of these headings.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Often have a degree, this may be in an engineering discipline or in a subject specific
to management or production management.
May have a higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND) combined with extensive
working experience such as having completed an advanced apprenticeship.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Would usually have a degree in an engineering specific discipline but it may be in a
subject specific to a physical science such as physics or chemistry.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Particular levels of study would be required for professional engineers seeking to
become a chartered or incorporated engineer and details can be obtained from the
Engineering Council. (ECUK)
77
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Qualifications •
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Some technician apprentices first study full time for Level 3 qualifications, such as
A levels, BTEC National Diplomas or Certificates, or City & Guilds awards.
Particular levels of experience and study would be required by those seeking
professional registration as engineering technicians ( EngTech) and details can be
obtained from the Engineering Council Engineering Technician page. (ECUK)
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some stores assistants are required to have a driving licence and be qualified to drive
a fork-lift truck whereas others may have qualifications related to the use of lifting
equipment or health and safety certificates.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Qualifications
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Many will have work based competencies at level 3 in subjects such as electrical or
electronic engineering, electronics or electrical servicing or engineering maintenance,
etc.
78
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Qualifications
•
•
When entering this career through an apprenticeship, GCSE grades D to G or
equivalent are required although some employers will require levels of skills using IT
mean that higher grades at GCSE will become increasingly prevalent.
Some people working in specialised jobs may have work-based competence - N/SVQ
Levels 1and 2 in subjects such as Performing engineering operations, certificate in
electronics or qualifications related to safe working practices.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some labourers may be qualified to drive a fork-lift trucks whereas others may have
qualifications related to the use of lifting equipment or health and safety certificates.
•
3.6 Electronics and electrical equipment Data on employment and labour market trends
and forecasts for electrical and electronics manufacturing.
The current view
In the political and financial climate of early to late 2009 there were many news stories
regarding the manufacturing industry both globally and in the UK. Some companies
outsourced large quantity assembly and manufacturing processes to sites outside of the UK
reducing the number of jobs available to assembly and craft skilled workers although much
high level development and specialist manufacture is still carried out at companies across the
UK. It is not an easy task to accurately predict what might happen in the electronics and
electrical equipment sectors but it should be noted that many companies are involved in trying
to reduce costs without closing their businesses completely and whilst press stories often
focus on redundancy numbers, these do not always fully represent the situation for the way in
which the employer is managing the challenges which may be through improving production
methods, short closures, adapting working times or upgrading skills. At this current time it is
not possible to predict the long term figures for company requirements for numbers of
employees, but it is considered that the approach taken by many of the lead manufacturers
will lead to employment opportunities for skilled and experienced workers as the economic
climate improves.
79
3.7 Skill shortages
All sectors in the economy face major skill challenges as the nature of work alters and global
competition intensifies although the pace of change is likely to be particularly rapid within
most parts of the Engineering industry. Those in the workforce with no qualifications are likely
to face particular challenges
Detailed information for each region and nation are included in the following sections.
3.14.1 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture East Midlands.
3.14.2 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture East of England
3.14.3 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture London
3.14.4 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture North East
3.14.5 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture North West
3.14.6 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture South East
3.14.7 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture South West
3.14.8 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture West Midlands.
3.14.9 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Yorkshire and the
Humber
3.14.10 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture England
3.14.11 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Scotland
3.14.12 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Wales
3.14.13 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Northern Ireland
3.8 Information on opportunities for adults changing career direction
At the craft, technician, professional and management occupational levels there are
opportunities for people who hold relevant degrees, Further Education qualifications or other
industry recognised certificates and who have working experience in an engineering
environment.
Employers identified the main skills and occupations needed in the future:
Management level:
Strategic management skills,
Leadership skills,
Supply chain management skills,
Entrepreneurial skills,
Production planning skills
General management skills.
80
Professional level:
Design engineers,
Electronics engineers,
Software engineers
Production engineers, particularly for research and development activities.
Intermediate/technician level:
Good technical skills combined with team leadership and forward planning skills.
Although some operator and assembly jobs in high volume electronics and electrical
equipment manufacturing companies are being outsourced to Eastern Europe and the Far
East, there are still employment opportunities due to retirement of current employees. Whilst
formal qualifications are not always required for these roles, transferable skills such as team
working, an ability to follow diagrams and instructions, basic mathematical understanding and
practical skills are all relevant to people wishing to transfer to these occupations.
3.9 Entry or transfer into the electrical and electronics sector from another area/sector.
The technical nature or practical experience required to work in the craft, technician,
professional and management occupations means that those without the relevant
qualifications or experience will need to consider courses and training relevant to the role they
wish to pursue.
Where formal qualifications or skills for operator or assembly job roles are required, the
careers services can assist in advising on courses and qualifications that may be available
locally. Where formal qualifications and experience are not required, application through
agencies and direct to the employer are recommended.
3.10 Job profiles
Major Job roles in the electronics and electrical equipment industry include the
following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
81
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
3.11 Case studies electrical and electronics occupations.
Jobs4U Case studies
Assembly Operator Steven Pascall
Engineering maintenance fitter Stephen Blake
Mechanical engineering technician Kieran Jordan
Sub-Assembly Test Process Support Engineer Jeff Bowden
Also see the working in series electrical and electronic engineering.
3.12 FAQs
Q) I am currently working as an assembly worker in an electronics manufacturing
company and would be very interested in finding where I could get information and
advice about improving my skills and learning, where should I start?
A) A good place to start is by speaking with your company union representative to see if they
will know of any schemes or opportunities that are promoted by your employer. Your
company
may
have
a
Union
Learn
representative
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/index.cfm If not, then make initial enquiries with your HR
department.
Q) What career opportunities are there in the electronics and electrical equipment
industries?
A) The industry is very fast moving and competitive and there are many opportunities for
people who can combine practical skills with creative thinking and an interest in science and
the way things work. Many craftspeople, professional engineers and engineering technicians
are needed in companies that are involved in research and development of all kinds of
products from must have gadgets and communication technology to electronic equipment
used in hospitals to help monitor or even diagnose medical conditions.
Q) I have read in the news that a lot of manufacturing has been outsourced to
companies in the far east, are there still jobs in this sector in the UK?
A) Whilst it is true that some work that involves mass production and assembly has been
contracted to companies in the far east, there are many companies in the UK that are
involved in the research and development for the sector and who manufacture, test and
develop many new products. Jobs in the management, professional, technician and craft
levels are available and many companies need machine operators and assembly staff as
existing staff retire.
82
3.13 Sources of additional information.
Specific to electronics and electrical equipment engineering.
•
•
The institution of engineering technology electronics news pages.
http://kn.theiet.org/electronics/
The institution of engineering technology, control news pages
http://kn.theiet.org/control
Covers all engineering, technology and science.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engineering Diploma Development Partnership, c/o Semta, the Sector Skills Council
for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Second Floor, Weston
House, 246 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EX. 020 7269 9840. Website:
www.engineeringdiploma.com
Engineering & technology careers & news from the Engineering and Technology
Board (ETB) website http://www.scenta.co.uk and http://www.enginuity.org.uk
Futuremorph, Science Council Careers Website http://www.futuremorph.org/
Inside Careers http://www.insidecareers.co.uk
New Outlooks in Science and engineering http://www.noisemakers.org.uk/index.cfm
Science, So What? So Everything DirectGov website
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/
Semta Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies http://www.semta.org.uk
UK resource centre for women in science, engineering and
technology.http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/
83
3.14 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Regional and National
Information
3.14.1 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture East Midlands.
East Midlands Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
There were around 10,700 people employed in just over 710 electronics companies and
10,500 people in just over 500 electrical equipment manufacture companies in the East
Midlands in 2007. This represents 6% of the total GB electronics workforce and 10% of the
GB electrical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are
decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of
4,680 employees will be needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in the
East Midlands between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
.
Female
Electronics and electrical
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation. in the East
Midlands region
Occupation
Employment in the East
Midlands electrical and
electronic sector
Total people in this
occupation in the East
Midlands region
(All engineering)
Top 10 occupations within the East Midlands within the electronics and electrical
equipment sector
Total
Male
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
2,810
2,500
310
40,810
7%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2,150
1,540
610
24,370
9%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
1132 Marketing and sales managers
1,670
1,280
860
1,120
820
160
2,690
28,560
62%
4%
4%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,180
1,120
60
27,370
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
1,160
1,120
40
15,450
7%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1,140
460
690
4,550
25%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
3542 Sales representatives
4150 General office assistants/clerks
Source: Census 2001 (n.e.c not elsewhere classified)
970
510
460
18,490
5%
780
770
540
140
240
630
22,430
55,100
3%
1%
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the East Midlands were:
•
•
•
Assembly line/ production robotics
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Sign making
84
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East Midlands.
94% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East Midlands is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East Midlands accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East Midlands employs 115,100 people in 6,260
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment,
aerospace and automotive.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the East Midlands employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Derby City, Leicester
City, South Derbyshire, Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth and Ashfield.
Training, skills and recruitment
Over 10,200 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East Midlands during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,190 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East Midlands during 2007, particularly for skilled trades (55%), professionals (17%) and
process plant and machine operative (16%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills.
Lack of applicants with required working experience.
11% of engineering employees in the East Midlands have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
46,100 people across management and core technical occupations (29% of the current
workforce).
This represents
5,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,300 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
7,600 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,100 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
85
Skills Gaps
•
•
•
Employers in the East Midlands expected skills gaps for operators, technicians and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
CNC machine operations,
Assembly line/production
Robotics
Materials requirement planning skills.
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills (such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem
solving and working with others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
3.14.2 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture East of England
East of England Electroncis and electrical equipment manufacturie.
Female
Electronics and electrical
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the East of
England.
Occupation
Employment in the East of
England Electrical and
Electronic Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the East of
England region.
(All engineering)
There were around 26,300 people employed in just over 1,430 companies in the electronics
sector and 10,100 in just under 710 companies in the electrical equipment sector in the East
of England in 2007. This represents 14% of the GB electronics workforce and 9% of the GB
electrical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 11,220
employees will be needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in the East of
England between 2007 and 2014 , many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Top 10 occupations within the East of England within the Electrical and Electronic
sector
Total
Male
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
5,080
4,490
590
50,040
10%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2,800
1,940
860
23,560
12%
66%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
2,380
980
1,400
3,590
1132 Marketing and sales managers
2,210
1,860
360
39,630
6%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
2,050
1,600
660
1,340
1,400
260
6,120
19,680
34%
8%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,580
1,460
120
28,500
6%
2132 Software professionals
1,520
1,410
110
27,200
6%
1,390
1,310
80
11,300
12%
1,370
650
720
18,350
7%
5249 Electrical/electronics engineers n.e.c.
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
86
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the East of England were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
General Engineering skills
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Craft skills
General machining
Sign making
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East of England
93% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East of England is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East of England accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East of England employs 116,500 people in 7,890
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
95% of engineering establishments in the East of England employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Peterborough,
Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire, Luton and Basildon.
Training, skills and recruitment
•
Over 10,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East of England
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East of England during 2007. There vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (50%) and
process plant and machine operatives (14%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of engineering employees in the East of England have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
54,600 people across management and core technical occupations (34% of the current
workforce).
This represents
9,900 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above.
7,600 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above.
8,800 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,400 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,000 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the East of England, to replace those retiring.
87
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the East of England expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades
(craft) and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
Computer aided design (CAD),
Tool setting
Welding skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills.
3.14.3 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture London
London electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
Total
Male
2,690
2,240
Female
450
Total people in this
occupation in London
(All engineering)
Occupation
Employment in London’s
Electrical and Electronic
Sector
Electronics and electrical
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in London.
There were around 8,700 people employed in just over 1,210 companies in the electronics
sector and 4,600 in just over 480 companies in the electrical equipment sector in London in
2007. This represents 5% of the GB electronics workforce and 4% of the GB electrical
equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,120 employees will be
needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in London between 2005 and
2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Top ten occupations within London within the Electrical and Electronic sector
44,290
6%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
1,290
980
310
61,620
2%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1,180
870
310
13,000
9%
2132 Software professionals
1,000
890
110
50,930
2%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
3542 Sales representatives
960
850
260
540
700
310
2,960
34,320
32%
2%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
840
350
490
1,420
59%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
830
790
40
16,050
5%
5249 Electrical/electronics engineers n.e.c.
4150 General office assistants/clerks
Source: Census 2001
820
780
40
10,180
8%
660
140
520
103,940
1%
88
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in London were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Welding skills
Electronics
General machining
All engineering manufacturing sectors in London
92% of the Engineering workforce in London is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
London accounts for 3% of all Engineering employment and 7% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in London employs 44,200 people in 4,390 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, electronics and
mechanical equipment.
97% of engineering establishments in London employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Barking and Dagenham,
Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
Over 3,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in London during March
2006/7.
There were an estimated 505 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in London
during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (29%) and technicians
(22%) vacancies.
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of Engineering employees in London have no qualifications and many more are underqualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 22,300 people
across management and core technical occupations (31% of the current workforce)
This represents
2,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,700 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
3,300 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,200 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the London, to replace those retiring.
89
Skills Gaps
•
Employers in London expected skills gaps for professionals, technicians and skilled
trades (craft) would have the most significant effect on their business.
•
The main skills identified as lacking in employees were technical and engineering skills at
all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD),
materials requirement planning (MRP)
general machining.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
3.14.4 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture North East
North East electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
Total
Male
8125 Metal working machine operatives
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
2,420
1,420
1,720
740
700
680
13,370
1,880
18%
76%
1,420
750
660
13,520
10%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1,140
550
590
6,930
16%
1,080
970
110
14,820
7%
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
3119 Science and Engineering Technicians
n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Female
Electronics and electrical
% of all employees in this
occupation in the North
East.
Occupation
Employment in the North
East Electrical and
Electronic Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the North
East (All engineering)
There were around 3,800 people employed in the electronics sector in just under 260
companies and 6,400 in just under 190 companies in the electrical equipment sector in the
North East in 2007. This represents 2% of the GB electronics workforce and 6% of the GB
electrical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,360
employees will be needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in the North
East between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Top ten occupations within the North East within the Electrical and Electronic Sector
730
710
20
14,980
5%
680
520
430
660
230
290
20
290
140
9,720
3,760
3,950
7%
14%
11%
420
340
80
8,460
5%
90
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the North East were:
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Manufacturing
Sign making
Radio Frequency Engineering
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North East
96% of the Engineering workforce in the North East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The North East accounts for 5% of all Engineering employment and 3% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the North East employs 63,200 people in 2,310
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, metal products
and automotive.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the automotive and
electronics sectors when compared to Great Britain.
90% of engineering establishments in the North East employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Newcastle upon Tyne,
Gateshead, Sunderland and Sedgefield.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 6,700 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 730 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for professionals (39%), skilled
trades (32%) and process plant and machine operative (22%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
8% of engineering employees in the North East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 20,700
people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
1,900 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
5,800 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
6,900 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,850 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North East, to replace those retiring.
91
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the North East expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), managers and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Metal working,
Welding
Materials requirement planning (MRP) skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
3.14.5 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture North West
North West electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
There were around 13,300 people employed in 1,000 companies in the electronics sector and
11,900 in 620 companies in the electrical equipment sector in the North West in 2007. This
represents 7% of the GB electronics workforce and 11% of the GB electrical equipment
workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent
economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 8,870 employees will be
needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in the North West between 2007
and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
1132 Marketing and sales managers
5223 Metal working production and
maintenance fitters
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
3542 Sales representatives
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
Source: Census 2001
Female
Electronics and
electrical % of all
engineering
employees in this
occupation in the
North West.
Occupation
Employment in the North
West Electrical and
Electronic Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the
North West ( All
engineering )
Top ten occupations within the North West within the Electrical and Electronic Sector
Total
Male
3,500
2,600
900
30,370
12%
3,420
2,330
1,720
3,030
930
1,450
390
1,400
270
51,240
3,540
38,730
7%
66%
4%
1,580
1,500
80
38,160
4%
1,570
1,330
1,320
1,220
1,120
1,490
480
660
820
700
70
860
660
390
420
24,280
6,540
12,740
33,680
10,400
6%
20%
10%
4%
11%
92
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the North West were:
•
•
•
•
Electronics
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
CNC Machine Operation
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the North West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The North West accounts for 11% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the North West employs 143,300 people in 7,620
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and aerospace.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and marine
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the North West employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Fylde, Knowsley, Crewe
and Nantwich, Stockport, Oldham and Preston.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,800 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,100 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (40%) and
process plant and machine operative (28%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
•
9% of engineering employees in the North West have no qualifications. Around 28% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up
skill more than 52,200 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
6,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,100 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
11,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,200 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,400 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,400 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North West, to replace those retiring.
93
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the North West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft) and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees was technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting
Welding skills.
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills.
3.14.6 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture South East
South East electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
Total
Male
Female
Electronics and electrical
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the South
East.
Occupation
Employment in the South
East Electrical and Electronic
Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the South
East (All engineering)
There were around 44,800 people employed in 2,170 companies in the electronics sector and
17,700 in 1,010 companies in the electrical equipment sector in the South East in 2007. This
region has the highest percentages of people employed in the electronics and electrical
equipment sectors. The employment represents 24% of the GB electronics workforce and
16% of the GB electrical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are
decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of
7,800 employees will be needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in the
South East between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
.
Top ten occupations within the South East within the Electrical and Electronic sector
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
8,580
7,480
1,100
82,550
1132 Marketing and sales managers
4,920
3,990
930
80,190
6%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
3,380
1,600
1,780
5,330
63%
2132 Software professionals
3,240
2,920
320
53,570
6%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
2,640
1,040
1,600
12,990
20%
3542 Sales representatives
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
2,590
2,520
1,510
2,060
1,080
460
49,650
27,790
5%
9%
5249 Electrical/electronics engineers n.e.c.
2,360
2,260
100
16,970
14%
2126 Design and development engineers
2,330
2,180
150
11,470
20%
2,320
1,980
340
23,230
10%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
Source: Census 2001
10%
94
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the South East were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
CNC Machine Operation
General Engineering skills
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Welding skills
Electronics
Software Engineering
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South East
93% of the Engineering workforce in the South East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
The South East accounts for 12% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the South East employs 157,000 people in 10,640
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, mechanical equipment and
metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and electrical
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around West Berkshire,
Basingstoke and Deane, Milton Keynes, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Crawley and Medway.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 12,400 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,115 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (31%) and skilled trades (26%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in the South East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
84,500 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
13,800 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
21,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
18,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,500 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,900 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South East, to replace those retiring.
95
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South East expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades (craft)
and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main skill gaps in:
•
•
•
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Welding skills.
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
3.14.7 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture South West
South West electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
Total
Male
Female
Electronics and electrical
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the South
West.
Occupation
Employment in the South
West Electrical and Electronic
Sector
Total people employed in
this occupation in the
South West (All
engineering)
There were around 21,000 people employed in around 965 companies in the electronics
sector and 11,700 in 525 companies in the electrical equipment sector in the South West in
2007. This represents 11% of the GB electronics workforce and 11% of the GB electrical
equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 4,960 employees will be
needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in the South West between 2007
and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Top ten occupations within the South West within the Electrical and Electronic sector
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
3,740
3,290
450
40,160
9%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
2,160
970
1,200
6,090
36%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
2,120
930
1,190
11,790
18%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
2,040
1,050
990
3,100
66%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
1,870
1,430
440
19,650
9%
1,780
1,020
750
16,760
11%
2132 Software professionals
1,480
1,340
140
21,680
7%
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
1,460
1,220
240
15,760
9%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
Source: Census 2001
1,410
1,220
190
26,910
5%
1,230
1,130
110
27,630
4%
96
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the South West were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Assembly line/ production robotics
CNC Machine Operation
Tool setting
Mechanical Engineering
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the South West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The South West accounts for 8% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the South West employs 129,400 people in 6,470
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the marine and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the South West employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Tewkesbury,
Cheltenham, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, South Somerset, Poole
and Plymouth.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,530 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (43%) and skilled trades/craft (37%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
7% of engineering employees in the South West have no qualifications. About a third of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to
up skill around 52,300 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents
4,700 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,500 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,900 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,750 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South West, to replace those retiring.
97
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), technicians
and professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Computer aided engineering (CAE).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
IT/computer skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills.
3.14.8 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture West Midlands.
West Midlands electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
Total
Male
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
3,483
3,076
407
50,644
7%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1132 Marketing and sales managers
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
2,687
2,417
2,331
1,498
1,349
1,843
1,158
718
1,262
550
844
1,259
1,613
236
799
42,617
4,038
15,712
32,606
13,800
6%
60%
15%
5%
10%
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
Source: Census 2001
Female
Electronics and electrical
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in West
Midlands.
Occupation
Employment in the West
Midlands electrical and
electronic sector
Total people in this
occupation in West
Midlands (All engineering)
There were around 15,200 people employed in just under 900 companies in the electronics
sector and 11,200 in just under 615 companies in the electrical equipment sector in the West
Midlands in 2007. This represents 8% of the GB electronics workforce and 10% of the GB
electrical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,580
employees will be needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in the West
Midlands between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Top ten occupations within the West Midlands within the electrical and electronic
sector
1,347
1,244
103
32,189
4%
1,271
1,215
56
18,802
7%
1,173
1,128
711
731
462
397
22,342
11,254
5%
10%
98
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the West Midlands were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Electronics
Electrical Engineering
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
CNC Machine Operation
General Engineering skills
Metal workers
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the West Midlands
95% of the Engineering workforce in the West Midlands is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The West Midlands accounts for 17% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
The Engineering industry in the West Midlands employs 213,000 people in 10,430
establishments.
93% of engineering establishments in the West Midlands employ less than 50 people.
The West Midlands has particular concentrations of employment in the automotive and
metals sectors when compared to the rest of Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Birmingham, Sandwell,
Walsall, Coventry, Dudley and Telford and Wrekin.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 15,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the West Midlands
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 3,480 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
West Midlands during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades (68%) and
process plant and machine operatives (18%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
17% of engineering employees in the West Midlands have no qualifications. Around 40% of
the workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to
up skill more than 110,000 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
15,400 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
5,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
36,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
39,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,700 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the West Midlands, to replace those retiring.
99
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the West Midlands expected that skills gaps for operators and professionals
would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skill given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting,
Fabrication,
Materials requirement planning (MRPII)
Welding.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
3.14.9 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber Automotive manufacture
There were around 9,600 people employed in just over 720 companies in the electronics
sector and 10,500 in just over 440 companies in the electrical equipment sector in Yorkshire
and the Humber in 2007. This represents 5% of the GB electronics workforce and 10% of the
GB electrical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 6,130
employees will be needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in Yorkshire
and the Humber between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
.
Total
Male
Female
Electronics and electrical %
all engineering employees
in this occupation in
Yorkshire and the Humber.
Occupation
Employment in Yorkshire
and the Humber Electrical
and Electronic Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Yorkshire
and the Humber. (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within Yorkshire and the Humber - Electrical and Electronics
Sector
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
2,190
1,950
240
37,950
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1,860
1,410
450
24,660
6%
8%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
1,410
780
640
2,200
64%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
1,110
940
170
27,560
4%
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,070
980
1,030
950
50
20
18,750
28,150
6%
3%
3542 Sales representatives
830
570
250
23,960
3%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
760
410
350
25,360
3%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
Source: Census 2001
750
320
430
8,480
9%
680
300
380
3,140
22%
100
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in Yorkshire and the Humber were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Craft skills
Fabrication
Manufacturing
Radio Frequency Engineering
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Yorkshire and the Humber
95% of the Engineering workforce in Yorkshire and the Humber is employed on a full-time
basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
Yorkshire and the Humber accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 10% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the Humber employs 118,900 people in 6,780
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
98% of engineering establishments in Yorkshire and the Humber employ less than 50
people.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the metals and mechanical
equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Sheffield, Leeds,
Bradford, Kirklees, Rotherham and Kingston upon Hull.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Nearly 8,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the
Humber during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Yorkshire and the Humber during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant
and machine operatives (39%) and skilled trades/craft (28%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
General lack of applicants
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
101
10% of engineering employees in Yorkshire and the Humber have no qualifications. Around
28% of those employed in management and core technical occupations are under-qualified
for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 40,600 people across
management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
3,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,300 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,100 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,100 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Yorkshire and the Humber, to replace those
retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Yorkshire and the Humber expected skills gaps for technicians,
professionals and operators would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Materials requirement planning (MRP)
General engineering skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
102
3.14.10 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture England
England Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture.
There were around 153,700 people employed in 9,370 companies in the electronics sector
and 94,600 in 5,100 companies in the electrical equipment sector in the whole of England in
2007. This represents 82% of the GB electronics workforce and 87% of the GB electrical
equipment workforce. Whilst the sector is decreasing in size, before the recent economic
situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 50,860 employees would be needed in
England between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
Male
33,080
29,030
8125 Metal working machine operatives
20,790
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
1132 Marketing and sales managers
17,900
15,840
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
Female
Total people in this
occupation in England
(All engineering)
Employment in England
Electrical and Electronic Sector
Electronics and electrical
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in England.
Top ten occupations within England within the Electrical and Electronic sector
4,050
412,500
8%
15,330
5,460
214,820
10%
8,440
13,150
9,460
2,680
27,770
345,230
64%
5%
13,360
4,990
8,370
55,350
24%
11,800
5,090
6,720
92,990
13%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
11,590
10,910
690
251,090
5%
2132 Software professionals
10,610
9,660
950
230,890
5%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
3542 Sales representatives
10,380
9,860
5,760
6,350
4,630
3,510
156,290
256,350
7%
4%
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in England were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Assembly line/ production robotics
CNC Machine Operation
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Electronics
General engineering skills
103
All engineering manufacturing sectors in England
A very high proportion of the Engineering workforce in England is employed on a full-time
basis, accounting for about 94% of total employment in the industry.
•
•
•
England accounts for 86% of all Engineering employment and 90% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
Based on the Annual Business Inquiry 2006 there are an estimated 1.1 million employees
and over 65,000 employers in the Engineering industry in England 5 .
93% of engineering establishments in England employ less than 50 people.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
11% of engineering employees in England have no qualifications. Around 33% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential
to up skill nearly half a million people in England across management and core technical
occupations.
This represents:
76,000 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
57,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
96,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
132,000 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
135,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Skills Gaps
Engineering establishments in England were most likely to report skill gaps in skilled trades
(8% of establishments), process plant and machine operative occupations and administrative
and secretarial occupations (7% of establishments in each case).
•
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the four main skills gaps in:
CNC Machine Operation,
Computer Aided Design (CAD),
Welding skills
Assembly line/production robotics.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
5
The Annual Business Inquiry figures on employment excludes those self employed and casual labour,
so is likely to under-estimate the total number of people working in the sector.
104
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in England is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, there are a relatively high proportion of females
working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (29%) and a relatively low
proportion of females working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors
(12% or less in each case) within England.
4.9% of English residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (3.0%) being Asian or Asian British and 1.0% Black or
Black British. This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or Minority
Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in England.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
English economy. 43% of the Engineering workforce in England is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in England. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering sectors
since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
105
3.14.11 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Scotland
Scotland Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture.
There were around 21,900 people employed in about 590 companies in the electronics sector
and 6,400 in just over 280 companies in the electrical equipment sector in Scotland in 2007.
This represents 12% of the GB electronics workforce and 6% of the GB electrical equipment
workforce. Both the electronics and electrical equipment sectors in Scotland are decreasing
in size. Before the recent economic situation it was estimated that around 1,190 people per
year would be needed in these sectors in Scotland between 2005 and 2014 to replace those
that were retiring.
Electronics and electrical
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in Scotland.
Employment in Scotland
Electrical and Electronic
Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Scotland.
(All engineering)
Top 10 occupations within Scotland within the Electrical and Electronic sector
Male
Femal
e
5,580
2,430
3,150
12,680
44%
3,410
2,970
2,910
2,070
500
900
33,660
18,410
10%
16%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
2,630
1,390
1,240
3,590
73%
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
2,590
2,180
410
19,200
13%
63%
Occupation
Total
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
8125 Metal working machine operatives
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
2,480
1,170
1,310
3,950
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,680
1,560
120
26,120
6%
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
8129 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
1,640
1,450
940
730
700
720
7,740
6,210
21%
23%
1,410
860
550
13,190
11%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in Scotland were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Electrical Engineering
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Mechanical Engineering
Sign making
106
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Scotland
95% of employment within the Engineering industry in Scotland is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Scotland and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scotland accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 6% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Scotland employs around 94,600 people in 6,090
establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Scotland employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, metal products and
mechanical equipment.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the marine and electronics
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around the City of Glasgow, Fife,
South Lanarkshire, the City of Aberdeen, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
Training and skills and recruitment
9% of engineering employees in Scotland have no qualifications. Around 24% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 29,000 people across management and
core technical occupations.
This represents:
900 Managers requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
5,700 Professional Engineers requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
6,400 Technicians requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
7,500 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
8,400 Operators requiring development to SVQ Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,600 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Scotland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Scotland expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Materials requirement planning (MRPII).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
107
Demographics
81% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (31%). The proportion of females
working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors (12% and 11%
respectively) on the other hand is extremely low within Scotland.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 6% of Scotland’s Engineering workforce had a limiting
long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in the nation, and marginally lower
than the figure for the UK.
0.8% of Scotland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British and Chinese or
‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or
Minority Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in the Scottish economy.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
Scottish economy. 42% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in Scotland. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
108
3.14.12 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Wales
Wales Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
There were around 10,300 people employed in around 410 companies in the electronics
sector and 7,800 employed in around 200 companies in the electrical equipment sector in
Wales in 2007. This represents 6% of the GB electronics workforce and 6% of the GB
electrical equipment workforce. Whilst the sector is decreasing in size, before the recent
economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 4,380 employees would be
needed in Wales between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
.
Total
Male
Female
Electronics and electrical
equipment % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in
Wales.
Occupation
Employment in Wales
Electrical and Electronic
Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Wales.
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within Wales within the Electrical and Electronic sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
3,520
2,420
1,100
15,550
23%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
3,150
1,640
1,630
1,440
1,530
200
20,560
17,120
15%
10%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
1,520
690
830
2,040
74%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
1,480
660
810
7,750
19%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1,460
630
830
4,530
32%
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
1,170
990
190
9,500
12%
920
920
560
860
360
60
4,740
18,480
19%
5%
710
640
70
15,000
5%
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Electronics and electrical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in Wales were:
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Electronics
Electrical Engineering
109
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Wales
97% of employment within the Engineering industry in Wales is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Wales and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wales accounts for 6% of all Engineering employment and 4% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Wales employs 79,600 people in 4,940 establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Wales employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are automotive, basic metals, mechanical
equipment and aerospace.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the basic metals and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Flintshire, Neath Port
Talbot, Newport, Rhondda, Cynon and Taff, Bridgend and Wrexham.
Training and skills and recruitment
11% of engineering employees in Wales have no qualifications. Around 29% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 27,900 people across management and
core technical occupations
This represents
•
•
•
•
•
2,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
2,200 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 2,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Wales, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Wales expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main technical skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD)
CNC machine operations and tool setting.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
110
Demographics
84% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment sector (32%). The proportion of females working within the
metals (11%) automotive (11%) and other transport equipment sectors (8%) is extremely low
within Wales.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 7% of the Welsh Engineering industry workforce had a
limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in Wales and the UK.
1.1% of Welsh residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British, Mixed (0.3%) and
Chinese or ‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This broadly mirrors the position within all sectors
within Wales, although there are a slightly higher proportion of Asian or Asian British workers
in Wales as a whole.
40% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is aged 45-64 compared with 39% across all
sectors in the Welsh economy. This profile is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
111
3.14.13 Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Electronics and electrical equipment manufacture
There were around 5,600 people employed in the electronics sector and 3,900 in electrical
equipment in Northern Ireland in 2007 6 . This represented 3% of the UK electronics workforce
and 3% of the UK electrical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector
are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a requirement of
340 employees per year would be needed in electronics and electrical equipment
manufacture in Northern Ireland between 2005 and 2014, many to replace those skilled
workers reaching retirement.
.
Total
Female
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1,85
0
1,140
710
6,960
27%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives
770
380
390
3,510
22%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
630
550
90
8,220
8%
3119 Science and Engineering technicians
410
370
40
4,210
10%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
390
370
370
200
20
170
10,040
5,930
4%
6%
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
360
330
30
7,540
5%
8131 Assemblers (electrical products)
320
180
140
520
61%
8114 Chemical and related process operatives
320
150
160
2,650
12%
300
270
30
2,300
13%
5249 Electrical/electronics Engineers
Source: NI Census 2001
6
Male
Total people in this
occupation in Northern
Ireland. (All engineering)
Occupation
Employment in Northern
Ireland Electrical and
Electronic Sector
Electronics and electrical
equipment % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in NI.
Top Ten Occupations within Northern Ireland (Electrical and Electronic)
Source: Northern Ireland Census of Employment 2007, NISRA
112
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Northern Ireland
96% of the Engineering workforce is employed on a full-time basis.
•
•
•
•
•
Northern Ireland accounts for 3% of all UK Engineering employment and 2.5% of all UK
Engineering establishments.
The Engineering industry in Northern Ireland employs over 33,200 people (39,600
including self employed and casual labour) in 1,780 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are the electrical and electronics sector
and the metals sectors.
Northern Ireland has above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
electronics sectors when compared to the UK.
95% of establishments employ less than 50 people.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 2,500 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Northern Ireland
between March 2006 and 2007.
There were an estimated 535 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Northern Ireland during 2006. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (56%)
and professional occupations (16%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills,
Lack of applicants with required work experience
General lack of applicants.
13% of engineering employees in Northern Ireland have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
14,000 people across management and core technical occupations:
This represents:
950 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
150 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
1,650 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
`3,300 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
8,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,350 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Northern Ireland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Northern Ireland expected skills gaps for operators, craftspersons and
technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the main technical skills gaps in:
Welding,
CNC machine operations,
Mechanical engineering skills,
Metalworking
Electrical engineering skills.
113
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Management skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Marketing or selling skills
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, 18% of the Engineering workforce in Northern
Ireland is female, mirroring the figure for the UK as a whole. There is a relatively high
proportion of females working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (28%)
which traditionally has a concentration of women employed in assembly roles. The
predominance of women in these roles could increasingly become an issue if the engineering
manufacturing sector maintains the trend of moving assembly type occupations to countries
where labour is cheaper. There are a relatively low proportion of females working within the
automotive and other transport equipment sectors (10-11%) within Northern Ireland.
Based on data from the NI Census 2001, 6% of Northern Ireland Engineering industry
workforce had a limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in
Northern Ireland and the UK.
0.5% of Northern Ireland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black
or minority ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being classified as Chinese or ‘Other’ ethnic
group.
Only 32% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is aged 45-64 compared with 42%
of the UK Engineering workforce. Although Engineering in Northern Ireland has a relatively
low age profile, in the longer term the age profile of the workforce could be an issue if not
enough young people are recruited into the industry (only 12% of the current Engineering
workforce is aged 16-24 years old).
114
4.Mechanical equipment Manufacture
4.1 A brief description of what the sub-sector covers at UK and GB level
The mechanical equipment manufacturing sector include companies involved in the
manufacture of turbines, such as jet aircraft engines, gears and compressors, known as
machinery for the production and use of mechanical power, machine tools like lathes and
milling machines used in factories and toolrooms, weapons and ammunition, and companies
involved in manufacturing domestic appliances such as washing machines.
The mechanical equipment sector is made up of many Small and Medium Sized Employers,
each one employing less than 250 people, The sector is very important with some parts of the
mechanical equipment sector being an essential part of supply chains as subcontractors for the
aerospace, automotive and shipbuilding sectors., for this reason, the sector can be dependant
upon the success of other industries.
Workplaces and employment
There were nearly 13,770 mechanical equipment workplaces in Great Britain in 2006/2007.
These companies employed in the region of 270,900 people with 89% of the workforce in
England, 4% in Wales and 7% in Scotland. (See separate data for Northern Ireland)
The greatest concentrations of employment in the mechanical equipment industry within GB
are in the West Midlands, South East and East of England.
Number employed in mechanical equipment manufacturing in GB
Nation or Region
Number
employed
England
Scotland
Wales
Total GB
240,500
19,900
10,500
270,900
Percentage of
GB electronics
workforce
89%
7%
4%
100%
31,100
25,400
8,500
15,800
31,200
34,900
26,200
41,200
26,200
11%
9%
3%
6%
12%
13%
10%
15%
10%
England regions
East of England
East Midlands
London
North East
North West
South East
South West
West Midlands
Yorkshire and The Humber
Source ABI 2007 (NB percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding)
Mechanical equipment manufacturing in Northern Ireland
See section 4.14.13 mechanical equipment manufacturing in Northern Ireland
115
Main technical and engineering skills gaps in the Mechanical equipment industry.
The main skills gaps for the mechanical equipment industry reported by engineering
employers in the UK during the 2007 labour market survey (base of 700 engineering
employers) are:
CNC Machine Operation
Tool Setting
Welding skills
General engineering skills
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Further details for each Nation and English region are provided in each section.
Demographics.
Gender
Only 19% of the UK Engineering workforce is female and this proportion has not varied much
in the last 10 years. .The percentage of 19% is for women employed in all occupations in the
engineering manufacturing sectors including assembly type occupations, office staff and sales
and marketing. For employment in technical, professional and management roles, women
are particularly under represented with women making up only 17% of all engineering
management roles and 7% of professional roles.
Age
The ageing of the current workforce is an issue for many employers with skilled and
experienced workers reaching retirement age and a need to replace them with other skilled
craft, technical and professional workers.
Further demographic details are included in the following sections
4.14.10 mechanical equipment manufacture England
4.14.11 mechanical equipment manufacture Scotland
4.14.12 mechanical equipment manufacture Wales
4.14.13 mechanical equipment manufacture Northern Ireland
4.2 Information on careers available and new emerging jobs in mechanical equipment
manufacture, transferability of skills career paths and opportunities for progression
a) Careers currently available
There are a wide range of career options within the mechanical equipment manufacturing
sector these include labouring and machine operator jobs as well as job roles on the
production line fitting components to products such as turbines or mechanical engine
components as they are assembled.
The sector employs many people working in skilled craft jobs such as welding, toolmaking
and maintenance who have background, knowledge and experience in problem solving,
practical skills and expertise in using a range of tools, equipment and machinery as well as
being able to interpret drawings and diagrams.
116
Roles for science and engineering technicians are often difficult to fill for employers since
often they require people not only with practical expertise and training but with a thorough
understanding of mathematics and science having studied at HNC/HND level. People in
these occupations may be involved in working on research and development activities with
professional engineers to solve problems, use new technology and materials and improve
current manufacturing methods.
Professional occupations such as mechanical engineer, and design engineer will be people
whose studies have usually involved a university degree although graduates in other
disciplines such as aeronautical engineering or physics may also be recruited into
professional occupations in the sector.
Other roles within the mechanical equipment sector will involve all the people needed to
manage and run the business including sales and marketing, departmental and team
managers, product development, accounts, stores people, people that package or prepare
the vehicles for delivery and those that ensure that everything operates efficiently with the
minimum amount of waste and cost.
Self employment and part time working
91% of the automotive workforce work full time.
9% of the automotive workforce work part time
7
Self employment in engineering is quite a low percentage, around 6% for all engineering
occupations as shown in the table below. Managers and senior officials and people working
in skilled trades have slightly higher percentages of people being self employed. Due to the
number of micro companies, there may be more self employment for managers who actually
own those companies.
Table showing percentage employment status for all engineering
Major occupation group
(main job)
1 Managers and Senior
Officials
2 Professional occupations
3 Associate Professional and
Technical
4
Administrative
and
Secretarial
5 Skilled Trades Occupations
6
Personal
Service
Occupations
7 Sales and Customer Service
Occupations
8 Process, Plant and Machine
Operatives
9 Elementary Occupations
Total
Source LFS 2008 data
7
91%
Employment status main job (reported)
Self
Government
Unpaid family
employed
scheme
worker
9%
0%
0%
94%
97%
6%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
96%
4%
0%
0%
100%
91%
100%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
96%
2%
1%
1%
100%
99%
1%
0%
0%
100%
96%
94%
4%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
Employee
Total
100%
2008 LFS data
117
Major Job roles in the mechanical equipment industry include the following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Welder
Toolmaker
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Engineering Operative
Quality Control Inspector
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
b) New and emerging jobs
The saving of energy and production of products that result in less pollution in the atmosphere
are likely to be the focus of Government, EU and world legislation. In the mechanical
equipment sector, the development and use of new alloys and composite materials that are
light but incredibly strong for uses in for example the manufacture of turbine blades in both
wind turbines and jet engines are likely to already be at the research and development stage.
Machine tools that can produce fast prototype components from a computer based drawing
are already a reality and many large manufacturing plants are already moving towards the
use of more robotic and computer controlled assembly and production systems. Even
household appliances such as washing machines are being developed to wash efficiently with
less water and run on colder and shorter wash cycles.
As with most modern engineering manufacture, in addition to the development of the products
and components themselves there will be developments in the design and manufacturing
processes to make material and energy use more efficient, minimise waste and reduce the
time taken to get a new product from the idea stage to manufacture and sales.
.
118
To meet such changes, there are likely to be roles in the near future for people who are
skilled at designing and running manufacturing departments with consideration for how a
product will be recycled at the end of its life as well as being able to design products and
manufacturing processes that minimise wastage in the amounts of material used in making
the vehicle or its components.
Rapid prototyping will become even more prevalent, where computer drawings and designs
are converted to a 3D model using something similar to a photocopier that works in three
dimensions. There are likely to be roles for people who are involved in developing and
producing prototypes using software to virtually test and explore new products and
components.
It is likely that graduates of the future will need some multidisciplinary understanding of both
mechanical and electronic systems. There are also likely to be roles for managers and
experts with knowledge of manufacturing process improvement and business improvement to
increase efficiency and save on time and costs in the workplace.
c) Transferability of skills within the mechanical equipment sector
Elementary occupations
Those employed in these roles may have skills in using specialist lifting and transport/storage
equipment, knowledge of different types of materials that are moved around the company.
Some may have experience of completing stock sheets or component lists or completing
forms to sign in or take out specialist equipment. Some may have undergone health and
safety training for lifting and transporting materials and safe working practices in a
manufacturing production area. Most if not all of these skills would be relevant to all sectors
within engineering manufacture.
Process, plant and machine operatives
People in these types of roles would be familiar with completing forms and documents relating
to the number and types of product assembled or completed by them in their work, some of
this recording is likely to be carried out on a computer database.
Health and safety training is likely to have been undertaken and understanding of safe
working practices would be transferable across all sectors. Attention to detail when
assembling or machining products and visual checking to ensure that faulty items from the
machine are not sent to the next stage of assembly or manufacture will be part of most roles
within this category and would be transferable across all sectors. Some people employed
within these roles may have received specialist training using particular machines or
processes such as welding or using a lathe or other machine tool for example.
Skilled trades occupations
Most people employed in these roles will have undertaken an apprenticeship and a period of
practical experience combined with further studies in some cases. They may be skilled in a
particular area such as maintenance or toolmaking but they will all have skills related to
understanding and interpreting drawings and diagrams, communicating and working as part
of a larger team and often health and safety in the workplace knowledge and experience.
Some employees in this group may have skills in setting, programming or using modern
numerically controlled machine tools or specialist diagnostic equipment all very desirable and
transferable skills to other engineering sectors.
119
Associate professional and technical occupations
People in these job roles will have similar practical transferable skills to those in skilled trades
occupations but they may have greater responsibility for identifying, organising and using
resources effectively, completing tasks whilst considering the cost, quality, safety and
environmental impact. They will have the ability to apply their mathematical and scientific
knowledge when undertaking their work and may often need to work without close
supervision accepting responsibility for the work of themselves and others. These skills are
transferable across all engineering sectors.
Professional occupations
Professional engineers will usually have a background and degree in a particular engineering
discipline and many of these engineering disciplines are transferable across all engineering
sectors.
Transferable skills would include the ability to organise ideas, produce
comprehensive reports, work in teams as part of the day to day operating of the organisation,
problem solving, costing solutions, responsibility, involvement in decision making, planning,
project and time management skills and the use of specialist computer and software
packages to carry out various activities.
Managers and senior officials
A level of experience is expected from these roles and transferable skills to other engineering
sectors would be those of team and department leadership, decision making, understanding
of production and manufacturing costs, planning and funding.
d) Career paths and opportunities for progression.
There are many opportunities to develop and progress in an engineering career. The
‘Engineering Planner’
was devised by Semta to provide useful information about
qualifications and levels of responsibility for particular job roles and act as guidance for
people wanting to progress to different roles through training and further study.
See the engineering planner:
See separate progression section in each job title description
4.3 Information on pay scales in the mechanical equipment sector
Pay scales for all of these roles will vary depending on the amount of experience the
employee has, the level of responsibility and where the work is based geographically, so pay
scales given are based on estimates from a number of sources. Also bear in mind that many
large engineering manufacturing companies may offer incentives for those working shifts or
nights.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
The starting salary for new graduates or those new to the role is around £19,000 to £23,000.
An experienced production manager may earn on average around £38,500.
Some managers with high levels of responsibility earn more than £56,000 a year.
120
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced design engineers can earn on average around £35,000 or more, depending on
their professional status. Senior design engineers may earn around £45,000 or more.
Mechanical Engineer
Starting salaries for graduate engineers may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced mechanical engineers can earn around £38,000 or more, depending on their
professional status and experience. Chartered mechanical engineers in senior roles may
earn around £45,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
Production Engineer
Salaries for production engineers new to the role can start at around £23,000 a year.
Production engineers with experience earn around £33,000 on average. Some production
engineers with high levels of responsibility can earn over £44,000 per year.
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
The starting salary for an engineering maintenance technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced engineering maintenance technician may earn
around £30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility
can earn over £38,000.
Laboratory Technician
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500.
Experienced laboratory technicians earn around £20,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £30,000 per year.
Mechanical Engineering Technician
The starting salary for a mechanical engineering technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced mechanical engineering technician may earn around
£30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility can earn
over £38,000.
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Starting salaries for stores assistants are from £10,000 to £14,000 a year.
An experienced person could earn £17,500 a year on average.
Stores managers can earn over £25,000.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Newly-qualified craft machinists
may earn around £18,000 a year and the average for an experienced machinist is around
£26,000.
Senior machinists with higher levels of responsibility or those working shifts and overtime may
earn over £30,000 a year.
121
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. The average pay for an
engineering maintenance fitter is around £27,000. Highly-skilled and experienced
maintenance fitters may earn over £40,000.
Sheet Metal Worker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified sheet metal workers
are likely to earn up to £23,000 a year although this could be higher for those working shifts
and overtime. Highly skilled sheet metal workers can earn up to £28,000 a year.
Welder
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified welders are likely to
earn on average £24,000 a year although this can be higher with overtime and shift work.
Highly skilled welders with specialist qualifications or those carrying out specialist work
overseas or underwater work, can earn over £31,500 a year.
Toolmaker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Average salaries for an
experienced toolmaker may be around £25,000 a year although this can be higher for those
involved in shift work or overtime. Highly skilled toolmakers with management responsibilities
may earn over £38,000 a year
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Salaries start at around £11,500 a year. Experienced assemblers earn an average of £17,00
although this can be higher with shiftwork and overtime. Some assemblers with additional
responsibilities may earn over £25,000.
Engineering Operative
Starting salaries may be around £12,500 a year. Starting salaries for Apprentices may range
from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Experienced engineering operatives may earn up to
£21,000 a year on average although this could be more for those working shifts and overtime.
The most skilled and experienced operatives with management responsibilities may earn
£28,000 or more with overtime and piecework.
Quality Control Inspector
Salaries for quality control inspectors may start at around £13,000 a year.
With some experience, an inspector may earn around £20,000.
Inspectors with wider responsibilities may earn over £28,000 and, in certain industries (such
as the aerospace sector), as much as £35,000.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Labourers and General assistants can earn in the range of £17,000 to £18,000 a year, but
can earn more if working nights or shifts.
122
4.4 Information on entry requirements and application processes for mechanical
equipment manufacture
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about application processes and further sources of assistance are provided under
each of these headings.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
Recruitment of an Honours Degree graduate or equivalent.
•
Internal promotion of Senior Team Leader.
•
External recruitment of an experienced Manager.
•
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
•
It may be possible to start in other areas of manufacturing and progress to supervisor
and then manager.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines such
as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as local and national
newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are often used to secure
staff for roles at this level and internal promotion and recruitment is also a method of
recruitment and development.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Mechanical Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
123
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of a graduate or equivalent
External recruitment of Professional Engineer
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines such
as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as local and national
newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are often used to secure
staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the recruitment sections
of their websites are also recommended since initiative and communication skills are valued
in these roles. Craftspeople and technicians may have the opportunity to secure further
studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are
working.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Mechanical Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and job seeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
124
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an Engineering Technician
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Vacancies for experienced technicians are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines such as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well
as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies may
be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are recommended since initiative and communication
skills are valued in these roles. Apprentices may have the opportunity to secure further
studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are
working and sometimes may be enrolled on a scheme that ensures their opportunity to
progress to this type of role.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Mechanical Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and job seeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
125
Those with a particular interest in laboratory technician work may find the following
sources useful
http://www.labnewsjobs.co.uk/ Laboratory news
http://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver to serve an Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an experienced stock controller/stores assistant
Vacancies advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes recruitment
via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Welder
Toolmaker
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or adult employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of skilled Craftspeople
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Adults seeking to progress from an operative role to an advanced apprenticeship leading to a
skilled craft role, should speak to someone in their company responsible for training or human
resources.
126
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies for experienced craftspeople are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines such as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well
as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies may
be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are also recommended.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Mechanical Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and job seeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
127
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Engineering Operative
Quality Control Inspector
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Apprenticeship.
External recruitment of a trained Operative or assembler
Advancement from the Young Apprenticeship
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
External recruitment of an experienced labourer.
External recruitment of a person who will undertake further training.
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
4.5 Qualifications in the mechanical equipment manufacturing sector
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about qualifications are provided under each of these headings.
128
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Often have a degree; this may be in an engineering discipline or in a subject specific
to management or production management.
May have a higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND) combined with extensive
working experience such as having completed an advanced apprenticeship.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Would usually have a degree in an engineering specific discipline but it may be in a
subject specific to a physical science such as physics or chemistry.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Particular levels of study would be required for professional engineers seeking to
become a chartered or incorporated engineer and details can be obtained from the
Engineering Council. (ECUK)
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Qualifications •
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Some technician apprentices first study full time for Level 3 qualifications, such as A
levels, BTEC National Diplomas or Certificates, or City & Guilds awards.
Particular levels of experience and study would be required by those seeking
professional registration as engineering technicians ( EngTech) and details can be
obtained from the Engineering Council Engineering Technician page. (ECUK)
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
129
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some stores assistants are required to have a driving licence and be qualified to drive
a fork-lift truck whereas others may have qualifications related to the use of lifting
equipment or health and safety certificates.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Welder
Toolmaker
Qualifications
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Many will have work based competencies at level 3 in subjects such as Fabrication
and Welding Engineering, Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, Automotive
Engineering, Engineering Maintenance, Engineering Toolmaking etc.
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Engineering Operative
Quality Control Inspector
Qualifications
•
•
When entering this career through an apprenticeship, GCSE grades D to G or
equivalent are required although some employers will require levels of skills using IT
mean that higher grades at GCSE will become increasingly prevalent.
Some people working in specialised jobs may have work-based competence - N/SVQ
Levels 1and 2 in subjects such as Performing engineering operations, or
qualifications related to safe working or lifting practices.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some labourers may be qualified to drive a fork-lift truck whereas others may have
qualifications related to the use of lifting equipment or health and safety certificates.
130
4.6 Data on employment and labour market trends and forecasts for mechanical
equipment.
The current view
In the political and financial climate early to late 2009 there were many news stories
regarding the manufacturing industry both globally and in the UK. It is not an easy task to
accurately predict what might happen and for some companies involved in mechanical
equipment manufacture their orders and sales may be influenced by the success or otherwise
of the automotive, marine and aerospace industries that are their customer base.
It should be noted that many companies are involved in trying to reduce costs without closing
their businesses completely and whilst press stories often focus on redundancy numbers,
these do not always fully represent the way in which the employer is managing the challenges
which may be through improving production methods, short closures, adapting working times
or upgrading skills.
At this current time it is not possible to predict the long term figures for company requirements
for numbers of employees, but it is considered that the approach taken by many of the lead
manufacturers will lead to employment opportunities for skilled and experienced workers as
the economic climate improves.
4.7 Skill shortages
All sectors in the economy face major skill challenges as the nature of work alters and global
competition intensifies although the pace of change is likely to be particularly rapid within
most parts of the Engineering industry. Those in the workforce with no qualifications are likely
to face particular challenges
Detailed information for each region and nation are included in the following sections.
4.14.1 mechanical equipment manufacture East Midlands.
4.14.2 mechanical equipment manufacture East of England
4.14.3 mechanical equipment manufacture London
4.14.4 mechanical equipment manufacture North East
4.14.5 mechanical equipment manufacture North West
4.14.6 mechanical equipment manufacture South East
4.14.7 mechanical equipment manufacture South West
4.14.8 mechanical equipment manufacture West Midlands.
4.14.9 mechanical equipment manufacture Yorkshire and the Humber
4.14.10 mechanical equipment manufacture England
4.14.11 mechanical equipment manufacture Scotland
4.14.12 mechanical equipment manufacture Wales
4.14.13 mechanical equipment manufacture Northern Ireland
131
4.8 Information on opportunities for adults changing career direction
At the craft, technician, professional and management occupational levels there are
opportunities for people who hold relevant degrees, Further Education qualifications or other
industry recognised certificates and who have working experience in an engineering
environment.
It is expected that whilst there will be a replacement demand for operator and assembly job
roles as people retire, there is likely to be a decrease in people employed in these
occupations in the mechanical equipment sector. Whilst formal qualifications are not always
required for these roles, transferable skills such as team working, an ability to follow diagrams
and instructions, basic mathematical understanding and practical skills are all relevant to
people wishing to transfer to these occupations.
4.9 Entry or transfer into the mechanical equipment sector from another area sector.
The technical nature and practical experience required to work in the craft, technician,
professional and management occupations means that those without the relevant
qualifications or experience will need to consider courses and training relevant to the role they
wish to pursue.
Where formal qualifications or skills for operator or assembly job roles are required, the
careers services can assist in advising on courses and qualifications that may be available
locally. Where formal qualifications and experience are not required, application through
agencies and direct to the employer are recommended.
132
4.10 Job profiles
Major Job roles in the mechanical equipment industry include the following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production Engineer
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Sheet Metal Worker
Welder
Toolmaker
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Engineering Operative
Quality Control Inspector
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
4.11 Case studies Mechanical equipment occupations
Jobs4U Case studies
CAD (Computer aided design) engineering draughtsperson Lee Warner
Engineering maintenance fitter Stephen Blake
Lead Mill Operator (CNC) Richard Moffitt
Mechanical engineering technician Kieran Jordan
Sheet metal worker Tony Baker
Welding technician Samuel Emm
133
4.12 FAQs
Q)I am currently working as a machine operator and would be very interested in finding
where I could get information and advice about improving my skills and learning,
where should I start?
A) A good place to start is by speaking with your company union representative to see if they
know of any schemes or opportunities that are promoted by your employer. Your company
may have a Union Learn representative http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/index.cfm If not,
then make initial enquiries with your HR department or the person responsible for training in
the organisation where you work.
Q) What career opportunities are there in the mechanical equipment industries?
A) The industry is very competitive and there are many opportunities for people who can
combine practical skills with creative thinking and an interest in science and the way things
work. Many managers, craftspeople, professional engineers and engineering technicians are
needed in companies that are involved in research and development of all kinds of products
from small precision made mechanical components used in aircraft engines and racing cars
to the development of new machinery and robotic equipment that is used on the production
lines and manufacturing systems of companies that may be involved in food and drink
manufacture to jet engine, car or even pharmaceutical manufacture.
Q) I have read in the news that a lot of manufacturing has been outsourced to
companies in the far east, are there still jobs in this sector in the UK?
A) Whilst it is true that some work that involves mass production and assembly has been
contracted to companies overseas, there are many companies in the UK that are involved in
the research and development for the sector and who manufacture, test and develop many
new products and materials. These companies may be involved in producing small batches
of high precision components or large components used in jet engines. Jobs in the
management, professional, technician and craft levels are available and many companies
need machine operators and assembly staff as existing staff retire.
4.13 Sources of additional information
Specific to mechanical equipment
•
•
•
•
British automation and robot association http://www.bara.org.uk/links.htm
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London
SW1H 9JJ. 020 7222 7899. Website: www.imeche.org.uk
Manufacturing technologies trade association (MTA) http://www.mta.org.uk
Animated mechanisms from a company called Flying Pig, illustrates some of the vast
range of simple mechanical systems that may be of interest to anyone thinking about
this field of work. http://www.flying-pig.co.uk/mechanisms/index.html
134
Covers all engineering, technology and science.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engineering Diploma Development Partnership, c/o Semta, the Sector Skills Council
for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Second Floor, Weston
House, 246 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EX. 020 7269 9840. Website:
www.engineeringdiploma.com
Engineering & technology careers & news from the Engineering and Technology
Board (ETB) website http://www.scenta.co.uk and http://www.enginuity.org.uk
Futuremorph, Science Council Careers Website http://www.futuremorph.org/
Inside Careers http://www.insidecareers.co.uk
New Outlooks in Science and engineering http://www.noisemakers.org.uk/index.cfm
Science, So What? So Everything DirectGov website
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/
Semta Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies http://www.semta.org.uk
UK resource centre for women in science, engineering and
technology.http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/
135
4.14 Mechanical equipment manufacture Regional and National Information
4.14.1 Mechanical equipment manufacture East Midlands
East Midlands mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 25,400 people employed in mechanical equipment manufacturing
companies in about 1,400 companies in the East Midlands in 2007. This represents 9% of
the total GB mechanical equipment manufacturing workforce. Whilst some occupations within
the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total
requirement of 5,720 employees will be needed in mechanical equipment manufacture in the
East Midlands between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
.
Occupation
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
5221 Metal machining setters and
setter-operators
1132 Marketing and sales managers
5215 Welding trades
2126 Design and development engineers
3542 Sales representatives
9149 Other goods handling and storage
occupations n.e.c.
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Female
Mechanical
manufacturing % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in
the East Midlands.
Employment in the East
Midlands mechanical sector
Total people in this
occupation in the East
Midlands
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the East Midlands within the mechanical sector
Total
Male
4,370
4,330
40
27,370
16%
3,920
3,540
380
24,370
16%
3,150
2,900
240
40,810
8%
1,400
1,380
20
7,160
20%
1,340
890
880
840
1,210
880
850
620
130
10
30
230
28,560
7,570
5,410
22,430
5%
12%
16%
4%
800
750
50
41,130
2%
790
680
110
18,490
4%
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in mechanical equipment manufacture in the East
Midlands were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Tool setting
General Engineering skills
Mechanical Engineering
Multi-skills
136
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East Midlands.
94% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East Midlands is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East Midlands accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East Midlands employs 115,100 people in 6,260
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment,
aerospace and automotive.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the East Midlands employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Derby City, Leicester
City, South Derbyshire, Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth and Ashfield.
Training, skills and recruitment
Over 10,200 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East Midlands during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,190 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East Midlands during 2007, particularly for skilled trades (55%), professionals (17%) and
process plant and machine operative (16%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills.
Lack of applicants with required working experience.
11% of engineering employees in the East Midlands have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
46,100 people across management and core technical occupations (29% of the current
workforce).
This represents
5,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,300 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
7,600 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,100 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
137
Skills Gaps
•
Employers in the East Midlands expected skills gaps for operators, technicians and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
•
CNC machine operations,
Assembly line/production
Robotics
Materials requirement planning skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills (such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem
solving and working with others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
4.14.2 Mechanical equipment manufacture East of England
East of England mechanical equipment manufacture
-
5223 Metal working production and
maintenance fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
1132 Marketing and sales managers
9139 Labourers in process and plant
operations n.e.c.
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
2126 Design and development engineers
9149 Other goods handling and storage
occupations n.e.c.
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
Source: Census 2001
Female
Mechanical equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the East of
England.
Employment in the East of
England Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the East of
England
( All engineering)
There were around 31,100 people employed in the mechanical equipment sector in 1500
companies in the East of England in 2007. This represents 11% of the GB mechanical
equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 6,910 employees will be
needed in mechanical equipment manufacture in the East of England between 2007 and
2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Top ten occupations within the East of England within the Mechanical sector
Total
Male
4,060
4,020
40
28,500
14%
3,150
2,880
270
23,560
13%
2,910
1,200
2,680
1,040
230
150
50,040
39,630
6%
3%
1,030
800
230
18,350
6%
990
940
950
910
40
30
5,910
7,960
17%
12%
890
830
60
38,390
2%
880
700
180
6,120
14%
138
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in mechanical equipment manufacture in the East of
England were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Tool setting
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Welding skills
Craft skills
Electronics
Fabrication
Tool makers
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East of England
93% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East of England is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
The East of England accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
• The Engineering industry in the East of England employs 116,500 people in 7,890
establishments.
• The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
• There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
• 95% of engineering establishments in the East of England employ less than 50 people.
• Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Peterborough,
Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire, Luton and Basildon.
Training, skills and recruitment
•
Over 10,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East of England
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East of England during 2007. There vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (50%) and
process plant and machine operatives (14%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of engineering employees in the East of England have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
54,600 people across management and core technical occupations (34% of the current
workforce).
This represents
9,900 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above.
7,600 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above.
8,800 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,400 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,000 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the East of England, to replace those retiring.
139
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the East of England expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades
(craft) and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
Computer aided design (CAD),
Tool setting
Welding skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills.
4.14.3 Mechanical equipment manufacture London
London mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 8,500 people employed in 740 companies in the mechanical equipment
manufacturing sector in London in 2007. This represents 3% of the GB mechanical
equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 1,550 employees will be
needed in mechanical equipment manufacture in London between 2007 and 2014, many to
replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1132 Marketing and sales managers
4150 General office assistants/clerks
3542 Sales representatives
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers;
other financial clerks
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
4215 Personal assistants and other secretaries
9149 Other goods handling and storage
occupations n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Total
Male
Female
1,810
1,780
30
16,050
Mechanical
manufacturing % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in
London.
Employment in London’s
Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in London.
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within London within the Mechanical sector
11%
920
800
120
44,290
2%
720
390
320
270
650
330
50
190
70
60
270
80
13,000
61,620
103,940
34,320
6%
1%
0%
1%
270
70
200
84,360
0%
210
210
0
1,850
11%
210
0
210
81,510
0%
200
180
20
31,520
1%
140
Mechanical equipment equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in mechanical equipment manufacture in London were:
•
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
All engineering manufacturing sectors in London
92% of the Engineering workforce in London is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
London accounts for 3% of all Engineering employment and 7% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in London employs 44,200 people in 4,390 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, electronics and
mechanical equipment.
97% of engineering establishments in London employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Barking and Dagenham,
Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
Over 3,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in London during March
2006/7.
There were an estimated 505 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in London
during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (29%) and technicians
(22%) vacancies.
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of Engineering employees in London have no qualifications and many more are underqualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 22,300 people
across management and core technical occupations (31% of the current workforce)
This represents
2,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,700 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
3,300 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,200 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the London, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
Employers in London expected skills gaps for professionals, technicians and skilled
trades (craft) would have the most significant effect on their business.
•
The main skills identified as lacking in employees were technical and engineering skills at
all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD),
materials requirement planning (MRP)
general machining.
141
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
4.14.4 Mechanical equipment manufacture North East
North East mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 15,800 people employed in the mechanical equipment manufacturing
sector in 500 companies in the North East in 2006. This represents 6% of the GB mechanical
equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,280 employees will be
needed in electronics and electrical equipment manufacture in the North East between 2007
and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
8125 Metal working machine operatives
5223 Metal working production and
maintenance fitters
9139 Labourers in process and plant
operations n.e.c.
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
5215 Welding trades
9149 Other goods handling and storage
occupations n.e.c.
1132 Marketing and sales managers
Source: Census 2001
Male
Female
Mechanical equipment % of
all engineering employees in
this occupation in the North
East.
Employment in the North East
Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the North East
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the North East within the Mechanical sector
2,140
1,880
260
13,370
16%
1,820
1,810
20
14,980
12%
1,360
1,000
360
13,520
10%
1,060
580
470
6,930
15%
950
880
70
14,820
6%
890
880
10
3,830
23%
550
480
370
480
170
0
3,760
5,010
15%
9%
370
350
350
300
20
50
13,890
9,420
3%
4%
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the mechanical equipment sector in the North East
were:
•
Welding skills
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North East
142
96% of the Engineering workforce in the North East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
The North East accounts for 5% of all Engineering employment and 3% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
• The Engineering industry in the North East employs 63,200 people in 2,310
establishments.
• The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, metal products
and automotive.
• There are above average concentrations of employment in the automotive and
electronics sectors when compared to Great Britain.
• 90% of engineering establishments in the North East employ less than 50 people.
• Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Newcastle upon Tyne,
Gateshead, Sunderland and Sedgefield.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
Over 6,700 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North East during
March 2006/7.
• There were an estimated 730 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for professionals (39%), skilled
trades (32%) and process plant and machine operative (22%).
• The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
8% of engineering employees in the North East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 20,700
people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
1,900 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
5,800 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
6,900 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,850 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North East, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the North East expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), managers and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Metal working,
Welding
Materials requirement planning (MRP) skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
143
4.14.5 Mechanical equipment manufacture North West
North West mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 31,20000 people employed in 1540 companies in the mechanical
equipment sector in the North West in 2007. This represents 12% of the GB mechanical
equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 6,410 employees will be
needed in mechanical equipment manufacture in the North West between 2007 and 2014,
many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
1132 Marketing and sales managers
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
3542 Sales representatives
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers;
other financial clerks
9149 Other goods handling and storage
occupations n.e.c.
5215 Welding trades
Source: Census 2001
Male
Female
Mechanical equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the North
West.
Employment in the North
West Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the North
West (All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the North West within the Mechanical sector
4,560
4,520
40
38,160
12%
3,910
3,450
450
30,370
13%
2,800
1,290
2,600
1,140
200
140
51,240
38,730
5%
3%
1,260
1,250
10
6,840
18%
1,030
770
260
33,680
3%
790
660
130
18,340
4%
780
180
590
56,270
1%
760
740
710
720
50
20
52,120
9,350
1%
8%
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in mechanical equipment manufacture in the North
West were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Tool setting
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Welding skills
Mechanical Engineering
General machining
Mechanical fitters
Turners
144
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the North West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
The North West accounts for 11% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
• The Engineering industry in the North West employs 143,300 people in 7,620
establishments.
• The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and aerospace.
• There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and marine
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
• 94% of engineering establishments in the North West employ less than 50 people.
• Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Fylde, Knowsley, Crewe
and Nantwich, Stockport, Oldham and Preston.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
Over 9,800 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North West during
March 2006/7.
• There were an estimated 2,100 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (40%) and
process plant and machine operative (28%).
• The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
9% of engineering employees in the North West have no qualifications. Around 28% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up
skill more than 52,200 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
6,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,100 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
11,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,200 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,400 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,400 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North West, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
Employers in the North West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft) and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
• The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees was technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting
Welding skills.
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills.
145
4.14.6 Mechanical equipment manufacture South East
South East mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 34,900 people employed in 1,900 companies in the mechanical
equipment sector in the South East of England in 2007. This region has the second highest
percentage of people employed in the mechanical equipment sectors. The employment
represents 13% of the GB mechanical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within
the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total
requirement of 6,370 employees will be needed in mechanical equipment manufacture in the
South East between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching
retirement.
.
Top ten occupations within the South East within the Mechanical sector
Total
Male
Female
Total occupational
employment in region
Occupation
% of total occupational
employment in region
Employment in the South East
Mechanical Sector
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
4,440
4,390
50
38,060
12%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
3,730
3,460
270
82,550
5%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1,990
1,900
90
23,230
9%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
1,920
1,730
190
80,190
2%
3542 Sales representatives
1,270
890
380
49,650
3%
4150 General office assistants/clerks
1,030
190
840
125,000
1%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
1,000
980
20
7,090
14%
950
730
220
17,000
6%
950
220
730
87,980
1%
940
900
40
11,470
8%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers; other
financial clerks
2126 Design and development engineers
Source: Census 2001
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in mechanical equipment in the South East were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
General Engineering skills
Assembly line/ production robotics
Tool setting
Welding skills
Metal workers
General machining
Tool makers
Carpentry / woodwork
146
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South East
93% of the Engineering workforce in the South East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
The South East accounts for 12% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
• The Engineering industry in the South East employs 157,000 people in 10,640
establishments.
• The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, mechanical equipment and
metal products.
• There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and electrical
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
• Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around West Berkshire,
Basingstoke and Deane, Milton Keynes, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Crawley and Medway.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 12,400 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,115 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (31%) and skilled trades (26%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in the South East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
84,500 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
13,800 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
•
12,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
•
21,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
•
18,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
•
18,500 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,900 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South East, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
Employers in the South East expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades (craft)
and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
• The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main skill gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Welding skills.
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
147
4.14.7 Mechanical equipment manufacture South West
South West mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 26,200 people employed in just under 1,250 companies in the mechanical
equipment sector in the South West in 2007. This represents 10% of the GB mechanical
equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 5,280 employees will be
needed in the mechanical equipment sector in the South West between 2007 and 2014, many
to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
Male
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
3,540
3,480
60
27,630
13%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2,480
2,300
180
19,650
13%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
2,260
2,080
180
40,160
6%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
1,400
1,360
40
6,200
23%
1,110
850
250
16,760
7%
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
1,090
660
430
11,790
9%
900
810
90
26,910
3%
770
710
60
31,710
2%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
2126 Design and development engineers
3542 Sales representatives
Source: Census 2001
Female
Mechanical equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the South
West.
Employment in the South
West Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the South
West. (All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the South West within the Mechanical sector
750
720
30
6,430
12%
710
540
170
23,780
3%
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the mechanical equipment sector in the South West
were:
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)
Mechanical Engineering
General machining
148
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the South West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
The South West accounts for 8% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
• The Engineering industry in the South West employs 129,400 people in 6,470
establishments.
• The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
• There are above average concentrations of employment in the marine and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
• 94% of engineering establishments in the South West employ less than 50 people.
• Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Tewkesbury,
Cheltenham, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, South Somerset, Poole
and Plymouth.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,530 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (43%) and skilled trades/craft (37%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
7% of engineering employees in the South West have no qualifications. About a third of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to
up skill around 52,300 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents
4,700 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,500 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,900 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,750 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South West, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), technicians
and professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Computer aided engineering (CAE).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
IT/computer skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills.
149
4.14.8 Mechanical equipment manufacture West Midlands.
West Midlands mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 41,200 people employed in just under 2030 companies in the mechanical
equipment sector in the West Midlands in 2007. This represents 15% of the GB mechanical
equipment workforce, the highest percentage of people employed in this sector in a region or
nation. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing before the recent economic
situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 6,250 employees will be needed in the
mechanical equipment sector in the West Midlands between 2007 and 2014, many to replace
those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
5223 Metal working production and
maintenance fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
1132 Marketing and sales managers
5215 Welding trades
9139 Labourers in process and plant
operations n.e.c.
3542 Sales representatives
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Male
Female
Mechanical equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the West
Midlands.
Employment in the West
Midlands mechanical sector
Total people in this
occupation in the West
Midlands (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within the West Midlands within the mechanical sector
5,210
5,140
70
32,190
16%
4,850
4,200
650
42,620
11%
4,120
3,810
310
50,640
8%
2,200
2,120
80
18,570
12%
1,860
1,480
1,450
1,040
1,330
1,430
820
150
30
15,710
32,610
13,350
12%
5%
11%
1,250
1,210
1,200
1,030
880
700
220
330
500
22,340
29,420
13,800
6%
4%
9%
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the mechanical equipment sector in the West
Midlands were:
•
•
•
•
•
Tool setting
CNC Machine Operation
Electrical Engineering
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Manufacturing
150
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the West Midlands
95% of the Engineering workforce in the West Midlands is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
The West Midlands accounts for 17% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
• The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
• The Engineering industry in the West Midlands employs 213,000 people in 10,430
establishments.
• 93% of engineering establishments in the West Midlands employ less than 50 people.
• The West Midlands has particular concentrations of employment in the automotive and
metals sectors when compared to the rest of Great Britain.
• Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Birmingham, Sandwell,
Walsall, Coventry, Dudley and Telford and Wrekin.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
Over 15,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the West Midlands
during March 2006/7.
• There were an estimated 3,480 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
West Midlands during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades (68%) and
process plant and machine operatives (18%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
17% of engineering employees in the West Midlands have no qualifications. Around 40% of
the workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to
up skill more than 110,000 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents: 15,400 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
5,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
36,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
39,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,700 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the West Midlands, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the West Midlands expected that skills gaps for operators and professionals
would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skill given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting,
Fabrication,
Materials requirement planning (MRPII)
Welding.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
151
4.14.9 Mechanical equipment manufacture Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 26,200 people employed in just over 1,430 companies in the mechanical
equipment sector in Yorkshire and the Humber in 2007. This represents 10% of the GB
mechanical equipment workforce. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing,
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 5,440
employees will be needed in mechanical equipment manufacture in Yorkshire and the
Humber between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Total
Male
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
4,010
3,970
40
28,150
14%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
3,790
3,500
280
24,660
15%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
2,570
2,390
180
37,950
7%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
1,350
1,330
30
7,680
18%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
1,050
940
120
27,560
4%
840
720
130
25,360
3%
810
630
180
23,960
3%
690
160
530
41,320
2%
670
610
60
39,770
2%
650
630
20
3,900
17%
3542 Sales representatives
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers;
other financial clerks
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
2126 Design and development engineers
Source: Census 2001
Female
Mechanical equipment % of
all engineering employees in
this occupation in Yorkshire
and the Humber.
Occupation
Employment in Yorkshire
and the Humber
Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Yorkshire
and the Humber. (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within Yorkshire and the Humber - Mechanical Equipment
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the mechanical equipment sector in Yorkshire and
the Humber were:
•
•
•
•
•
General Engineering skills
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Mechanical Engineering
152
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Yorkshire and the Humber
95% of the Engineering workforce in Yorkshire and the Humber is employed on a full-time
basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
Yorkshire and the Humber accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 10% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the Humber employs 118,900 people in 6,780
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
98% of engineering establishments in Yorkshire and the Humber employ less than 50
people.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the metals and mechanical
equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Sheffield, Leeds,
Bradford, Kirklees, Rotherham and Kingston upon Hull.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Nearly 8,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the
Humber during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Yorkshire and the Humber during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant
and machine operatives (39%) and skilled trades/craft (28%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
General lack of applicants
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in Yorkshire and the Humber have no qualifications. Around
28% of those employed in management and core technical occupations are under-qualified
for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 40,600 people across
management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
3,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,300 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,100 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,100 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Yorkshire and the Humber, to replace those
retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Yorkshire and the Humber expected skills gaps for technicians,
professionals and operators would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Materials requirement planning (MRP)
General engineering skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
153
4.14.10 Mechanical equipment manufacture England
England mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 240,500 people employed in 12,300 companies in the mechanical
equipment sector in the whole of England in 2007. This represents 89% of the GB mechanical
equipment workforce. Whilst the sector is decreasing in size, before the recent economic
situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 46,280 employees would be needed in
this sector in England between 2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers
reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
5223 Metal working production and
maintenance fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
1132 Marketing and sales managers
9139 Labourers in process and plant
operations n.e.c.
3542 Sales representatives
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
2126 Design and development engineers
9149 Other goods handling and storage
occupations n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Female
Mechanical
equipment % of all
engineering
employees in this
occupation in
England.
Employment in England
Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in
England ( All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within England within the Mechanical sector
Total
Male
33,830
33,440
390
251,090
13%
26,940
24,290
2,650
214,820
13%
23,400
21,610
1,790
412,500
6%
10,700
10,460
250
65,140
16%
9,920
8,830
1,080
345,230
3%
8,250
7,280
6,580
6,540
6,590
5,350
4,280
6,310
1,660
1,930
2,300
230
156,290
256,350
55,350
55,830
5%
3%
12%
12%
6,500
6,030
470
348,660
2%
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the mechanical equipment sector in England were:
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Tool setting
General engineering skills
Assembly line/ production robotics
Welding skills
154
All engineering manufacturing sectors in England
A very high proportion of the Engineering workforce in England is employed on a full-time
basis, accounting for about 94% of total employment in the industry.
•
•
•
England accounts for 86% of all Engineering employment and 90% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
Based on the Annual Business Inquiry 2006 there are an estimated 1.1 million employees
and over 65,000 employers in the Engineering industry in England 8 .
93% of engineering establishments in England employ less than 50 people.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
11% of engineering employees in England have no qualifications. Around 33% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential
to up skill nearly half a million people in England across management and core technical
occupations.
This represents:
76,000 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
57,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
96,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
132,000 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
135,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Skills Gaps
Engineering establishments in England were most likely to report skill gaps in skilled trades
(8% of establishments), process plant and machine operative occupations and administrative
and secretarial occupations (7% of establishments in each case).
•
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the four main skills gaps in:
CNC Machine Operation,
Computer Aided Design (CAD),
Welding skills
Assembly line/production robotics.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
8
The Annual Business Inquiry figures on employment excludes those self employed and casual labour,
so is likely to under-estimate the total number of people working in the sector.
155
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in England is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, there are a relatively high proportion of females
working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (29%) and a relatively low
proportion of females working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors
(12% or less in each case) within England.
4.9% of English residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (3.0%) being Asian or Asian British and 1.0% Black or
Black British. This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or Minority
Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in England.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
English economy. 43% of the Engineering workforce in England is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in England. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering sectors
since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
156
4.14.11 Mechanical equipment manufacture Scotland
Scotland mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 19,900 people employed in just under 930 companies in the mechanical
equipment sector in Scotland in 2007. This represents 7% of the GB mechanical equipment
workforce. Before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total of around 2,680
people would be needed in these sectors in Scotland between 2007 and 2014 to replace
those that were retiring, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Total people in this
occupation in Scotland
(All engineering)
Employment in Scotland
Mechanical Sector
Mechanical equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in Scotland
Table 3.7: Top ten occupations within Scotland within the Mechanical sector
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
3,680
3,660
20
26,120
14%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1,740
1,630
110
18,410
9%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
1,630
1,520
110
33,660
5%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
730
730
0
4,370
17%
3542 Sales representatives
590
460
130
23,200
3%
5215 Welding trades
580
570
10
7,350
8%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
580
520
40
20,950
3%
4150 General office assistants/clerks
570
70
500
83,490
1%
500
470
30
19,200
3%
470
460
10
29,420
2%
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the mechanical equipment sector in Scotland were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
General Engineering skills
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Electronics
Mechanical Engineering
Plating
Multi-skills
157
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Scotland
95% of employment within the Engineering industry in Scotland is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Scotland and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scotland accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 6% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Scotland employs around 94,600 people in 6,090
establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Scotland employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, metal products and
mechanical equipment.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the marine and electronics
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around the City of Glasgow, Fife,
South Lanarkshire, the City of Aberdeen, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
Training and skills and recruitment
9% of engineering employees in Scotland have no qualifications. Around 24% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 29,000 people across management and
core technical occupations.
This represents:
900 Managers requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
5,700 Professional Engineers requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
6,400 Technicians requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
7,500 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
8,400 Operators requiring development to SVQ Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,600 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Scotland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Scotland expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Materials requirement planning (MRPII).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
158
Demographics
81% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (31%). The proportion of females
working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors (12% and 11%
respectively) on the other hand is extremely low within Scotland.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 6% of Scotland’s Engineering workforce had a limiting
long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in the nation, and marginally lower
than the figure for the UK.
0.8% of Scotland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British and Chinese or
‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or
Minority Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in the Scottish economy.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
Scottish economy. 42% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in Scotland. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
159
4.14.12 Mechanical equipment manufacture Wales
Wales mechanical equipment manufacture
There were around 10,500 people employed in 530 companies in the mechanical equipment
sector in Wales in 2007. This represents 4% of the GB mechanical equipment workforce.
Whilst the sector is decreasing in size, before the recent economic situation it was estimated
that a total requirement of 1,350 employees would be needed in the sector in Wales between
2007 and 2014, many to replace those skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.
5215 Welding trades
3542 Sales representatives
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Male
Female
Mechanical equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in Wales.
Employment in Wales
Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Wales. (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within Wales within the Mechanical sector
1,52
0
1,19
0
970
770
470
450
440
290
280
1,510
20
18,480
8%
1,000
740
690
340
420
310
280
220
190
240
80
140
30
130
10
70
15,550
20,560
17,120
4,530
3,300
7,750
5,120
10,940
8%
5%
4%
10%
14%
6%
6%
3%
260
240
20
15,000
2%
Mechanical equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in this sector in Wales were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Tool makers
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)
Tool setting
Welding skills
160
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Wales
97% of employment within the Engineering industry in Wales is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Wales and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wales accounts for 6% of all Engineering employment and 4% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Wales employs 79,600 people in 4,940 establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Wales employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are automotive, basic metals, mechanical
equipment and aerospace.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the basic metals and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Flintshire, Neath Port
Talbot, Newport, Rhondda, Cynon and Taff, Bridgend and Wrexham.
Training and skills and recruitment
11% of engineering employees in Wales have no qualifications. Around 29% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 27,900 people across management and
core technical occupations
This represents
•
•
•
•
•
2,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
2,200 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 2,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Wales, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Wales expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main technical skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD)
CNC machine operations and tool setting.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
161
Demographics
84% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment sector (32%). The proportion of females working within the
metals (11%) automotive (11%) and other transport equipment sectors (8%) is extremely low
within Wales.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 7% of the Welsh Engineering industry workforce had a
limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in Wales and the UK.
1.1% of Welsh residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British, Mixed (0.3%) and
Chinese or ‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This broadly mirrors the position within all sectors
within Wales, although there are a slightly higher proportion of Asian or Asian British workers
in Wales as a whole.
40% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is aged 45-64 compared with 39% across all
sectors in the Welsh economy. This profile is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
162
4.14.13 Mechanical equipment manufacture Northern Ireland
There were around 7,000 people employed in the mechanical equipment sector in Northern
Ireland in 2007 9 . This represented 3% of the UK mechanical equipment workforce. Whilst
some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it
was estimated that a requirement of 270 employees per year would be needed in mechanical
equipment manufacture in Northern Ireland between 2005 and 2014, many to replace those
skilled workers reaching retirement.
.
Occupation
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
5215 Welding trades
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
8139 Assemblers and routine operatives
8114 Chemical and related process operatives
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers; other
financial clerks
Male
Female
Mechanical equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in Northern
Employment in Northern
Ireland Mechanical Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Northern
Ireland. (All engineering)
Top ten occupations in the Northern Ireland Mechanical Equipment sector
870
870
420
360
340
200
160
140
130
860
770
410
330
290
150
110
100
130
10
100
<10
40
50
40
50
30
0
10,040
6,960
3,590
8,220
5,930
3,510
2,650
960
810
9%
12%
12%
4%
6%
6%
6%
14%
16%
120
30
90
11,310
1%
Source: NI Census 2001
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Northern Ireland
96% of the Engineering workforce is employed on a full-time basis.
•
•
•
•
•
9
Northern Ireland accounts for 3% of all UK Engineering employment and 2.5% of all UK
Engineering establishments.
The Engineering industry in Northern Ireland employs over 33,200 people (39,600
including self employed and casual labour) in 1,780 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are the electrical and electronics sector
and the metals sectors.
Northern Ireland has above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
electronics sectors when compared to the UK.
95% of establishments employ less than 50 people.
Source: Northern Ireland Census of Employment 2007, NISRA
163
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 2,500 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Northern Ireland
between March 2006 and 2007.
There were an estimated 535 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Northern Ireland during 2006. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (56%)
and professional occupations (16%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills,
Lack of applicants with required work experience
General lack of applicants.
13% of engineering employees in Northern Ireland have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
14,000 people across management and core technical occupations:
This represents:
950 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
150 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
1,650 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
`3,300 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
8,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,350 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Northern Ireland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Northern Ireland expected skills gaps for operators, craftspersons and
technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the main technical skills gaps in:
Welding,
CNC machine operations,
Mechanical engineering skills,
Metalworking
Electrical engineering skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Management skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Marketing or selling skills
164
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, 18% of the Engineering workforce in Northern
Ireland is female, mirroring the figure for the UK as a whole. There is a relatively high
proportion of females working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (28%)
which traditionally has a concentration of women employed in assembly roles. The
predominance of women in these roles could increasingly become an issue if the engineering
manufacturing sector maintains the trend of moving assembly type occupations to countries
where labour is cheaper. There are a relatively low proportion of females working within the
automotive and other transport equipment sectors (10-11%) within Northern Ireland.
Based on data from the NI Census 2001, 6% of Northern Ireland Engineering industry
workforce had a limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in
Northern Ireland and the UK.
0.5% of Northern Ireland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black
or minority ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being classified as Chinese or ‘Other’ ethnic
group.
Only 32% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is aged 45-64 compared with 42%
of the UK Engineering workforce. Although Engineering in Northern Ireland has a relatively
low age profile, in the longer term the age profile of the workforce could be an issue if not
enough young people are recruited into the industry (only 12% of the current Engineering
workforce is aged 16-24 years old).
165
5. Metals
5.1 A brief description of what the metals sector covers at UK and GB level
Metals introduction
Today the metals industry is at the forefront of making a difference to the modern world
through the products, services and solutions it offers. Research developments in the
molecular structure of the materials and manufacturing processes have led to their extended
use in modern buildings, vehicles, engines and turbines that as well as having applications in
the aircraft industry, help to harness the energy of wind and waves and essentially power
such things as generators.
Often when metals are considered, it may be the casting and large scale metal processing
industries that first spring to mind and whilst these are very important areas for employment
and manufacturing in the UK, other manufacturing takes place of components and products
such as the filaments in light-bulbs, pigments in ceramics, components in portable
telephones, alloying agents in special steels as well as aluminium packaging such as drinks
cans.
There are three main subsectors related to metals that Semta represents.
a) Manufacture of Basic metals
Companies that are involved in the smelting and refining of ferrous (iron and steel for
example) and non-ferrous metals (copper, silver, aluminium for example) as well as those that
produce bars, rods, tubes and carry out casting of metals.
b) Manufacture of Fabricated Metal products
Companies that manufacture structural metal products such as tanks, resevoirs, prefabricated
metal buildings, steam generators, treat and coat of metal, manufacture cutlery, tools and
general hardware and other fabricated metal products such as metal packaging, screws,
washers and other metal fasteners. This sub sector has the largest number of employees of
all of the metals sub sectors.
c) Wholesale metals and scrap
Companies involved in the wholesale of metals and metal ores and wholesale of waste and
scrap. Energy savings can be made from the recycling of metals, especially aluminium,
rather than extraction from ores and there is much interest in how to mark up components
with a view to disassembly and recycling at the end of a products lifecycle.
166
Workplaces and employment
There were nearly 33,240 metals workplaces in Great Britain in 2006/2007.
These
companies employed in the region of 412,600 people with 86% of the workforce in England,
7% in Wales and 7% in Scotland. (See separate data for Northern Ireland)
The greatest concentrations of employment in the metals industry within the UK are in the
West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West of England.
Number employed in the metals industry in GB
Nation or Number and Number and
Number and
Region
percentage
percentage
percentage
employed
employed
employed
basic metals
England
Scotland
Wales
Total GB
England
regions
East of
England
East
Midlands
London
North East
North
West
South
East
South
West
West
Midlands
Yorkshire
and The
Humber
metal products
wholesale
metal and
scrap
33,800
90%
2,100
6%
1,800
5%
37,700
52,900
2,800
12,300
68,000
78%
4%
18%
267,400
23,600
15,900
306,900
87%
8%
5%
2,500
4%
22,700
7%
2,900
4,900
900
5,700
7%
1%
8%
30,400
8,700
15,800
10%
3%
5%
3,400
5%
36,800
2,600
4%
2,500
Total
number
employed
All metals.
Percentage
All GB
metals
workforce
354,100
28,500
30,000
412,600
86%
7%
7%
8%
28,100
7%
2,400
3,100
1,200
6%
8%
3%
37,700
12,700
22,700
9%
3%
6%
12%
4,100
11%
44,300
11%
27,100
9%
3,300
9%
33,000
8%
4%
26,400
9%
2,500
7%
31,400
8%
16,400
24%
61,100
20%
8,800
23%
86,300
21%
14,000
21%
38,400
13%
5,500
15%
57,900
14%
Source ABI 2007 (NB percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding)
Metals industry in Northern Ireland
See section 5.14.13 Metals industry Northern Ireland
167
Main technical and engineering skills gaps in the Metals industry.
The main skills gaps for the metals industry reported by engineering employers in the UK
during the 2007 labour market survey (base of 700 engineering employers) are:
CNC Machine Operation
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Welding skills
Fabrication
Metal workers
Further details for each Nation and English region are provided in each section.
Demographics.
Gender
Only 19% of the UK Engineering workforce is female and this proportion has not varied much
in the last 10 years. .The percentage of 19% is for women employed in all occupations in the
engineering manufacturing sectors including assembly type occupations, office staff and sales
and marketing. For employment in technical, professional and management roles, women
are particularly under represented with women making up only 17% of all engineering
management roles and 7% of professional roles.
Age
The ageing of the current workforce is an issue for many employers with skilled and
experienced workers reaching retirement age and a need to replace them with other skilled
craft, technical and professional workers.
Further demographic details are included in the following sections
5.14.10 Metals industry England
5.14.11 Metals industry Scotland
5.14.12 Metals industry Wales
5.14.13 Metals industry Northern Ireland
5.2 Information on careers available and new emerging jobs, transferability of
Skills career paths and opportunities for progression
a) Careers currently available
There are a wide range of career options within the metals sector these include labouring and
machine operator jobs as well as skilled craft jobs such as welding, toolmaking and
maintenance who have background, knowledge and experience in problem solving, practical
skills and expertise in using a range of tools, equipment and machinery as well as being able
to interpret drawings and diagrams.
Roles for science and engineering technicians are often difficult to fill for employers since
often they require people not only with practical expertise and training but with a thorough
understanding of mathematics and science having studied at HNC/HND level.
168
Professional occupations such as mechanical engineer, design engineer and manufacturing
production manager will be people whose studies have usually involved a university degree
although graduates in other disciplines such as metallurgy or physics may often be recruited
into professional occupations in the metals industry.
Other roles within the sector will involve all the people needed to design, test and develop
new products and manufacturing methods as well as those that manage and run the
business. These roles would include sales and marketing, departmental and team managers,
product development, accounts, stores people, people that package or prepare the products
for delivery and those that ensure that everything operates efficiently with the minimum
amount of waste and cost.
Self employment and part time working
10
90% of the metals workforce work full time.
10% of the metals workforce work part time
Self employment in engineering is quite a low percentage, around 6% for all engineering
occupations as shown in the table below. Managers and senior officials and people working
in skilled trades have slightly higher percentages of people being self employed. Due to the
number of micro companies, there may be more self employment for managers who actually
own those companies.
Table showing percentage employment status for all engineering
Major occupation group
(main job)
1 Managers and Senior Officials
2 Professional occupations
3 Associate Professional and
Technical
4 Administrative and Secretarial
5 Skilled Trades Occupations
6 Personal Service Occupations
7 Sales and Customer Service
Occupations
8 Process, Plant and Machine
Operatives
9 Elementary Occupations
Total
Source LFS 2008 data
10
Employee
91%
94%
Employment status main job (reported)
Self
Government Unpaid family
employed
scheme
worker
9%
0%
0%
6%
0%
0%
Total
100%
100%
97%
3%
0%
0%
100%
96%
91%
100%
4%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
100%
96%
2%
1%
1%
100%
99%
1%
0%
0%
100%
96%
94%
4%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
2008 LFS data
169
Major Job roles in the metals industries include the following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Materials Engineer /Scientist
Mechanical Engineer
Metallurgist
Production Engineer
Associate professional and technical occupations
Materials technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Foundry Moulder/Coremaker
Foundry Patternmaker
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Plater
Sheet Metal Worker
Welder
Toolmaker
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Engineering Operative
Heat Treatment Operator
Metals Industry Production Operative
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Foundry Process Operator
170
b) New and emerging jobs
The metals sectors have an important role in the future as both they and their customers
come under regulations to produce more energy efficient vehicles that may use components
that need to be cheaper, lighter, perform at higher temperatures and not need replacing for
longer periods of time. Examples would be researchers developing materials that could be
used in components on the mechanical parts of wind turbines used out at sea which would
need the minimum of maintenance. The research, development and testing of new metal
alloys to ensure that these characteristics can be met in cast and machined components will
mean that there will be a need for engineering and science professionals able to understand
the behaviour of materials and make best use of new technological advancements.
To meet such changes, there are likely to be roles in the near future for people who are
skilled at running manufacturing departments with consideration for how a waste can be
minimised and how products will be recycled at the end of their life as well as being able to
design products and manufacturing processes that reduce the amounts of material used.
Another area for future development is that of special coatings that can extend the life of
metal cutting tools reducing the amount of sharpening and replacement required, these
coatings may also have medical applications for both the metal equipment used in surgery
and biomedical implants such as hip and knee joints.
As with most modern engineering manufacture, computer software is introducing many
design and modeling opportunities for the metals industries. This includes the opportunity to
explore virtually how hot metal may flow into a mould rather than having to construct a full
sized expensive mould first. Use of such technology requires engineers and technicians that
will have an understanding of both the software and design processes.
There are also likely to be future roles for managers and experts with knowledge of
manufacturing process improvement and business improvement to increase efficiency and
save on time and costs in the workplace.
c) Transferability of skills within the metals sector
Elementary occupations
Those employed in these roles may have skills in using specialist lifting and transport/storage
equipment, knowledge of different types of materials that are moved around the company.
Some may have experience of completing stock sheets or component lists or completing
forms to sign in or take out specialist equipment. Some may have undergone health and
safety training for lifting and transporting materials and safe working practices in a
manufacturing production area. Most if not all of these skills would be relevant to all sectors
within engineering manufacture.
Process, plant and machine operatives
People in these types of roles would be familiar with completing forms and documents relating
to the number and types of product completed by them in their work, some of this recording is
likely to be carried out on a computer database.
Health and safety training is likely to have been undertaken and understanding of safe
working practices would be transferable across all sectors. Attention to detail when finishing
or machining products and visual checking to ensure that faulty items from the machining or
casting process are not sent to the next stage of assembly or manufacture will be part of most
roles within this category and would be transferable across all sectors.
171
Some people employed within these roles may have received specialist training using
particular machines or processes such as grinding machine operating to remove excess
metal on castings for example.
Skilled trades occupations
Most people employed in these roles will have undertaken an apprenticeship and a period of
practical experience combined with further studies in some cases. They may be skilled in a
particular area such as maintenance, casting, mould making or toolmaking but they will all
have skills related to understanding and interpreting drawings and diagrams, communicating
and working as part of a larger team and often health and safety in the workplace knowledge
and experience.
Some employees in this group may have skills in setting, programming or using modern
numerically controlled machine tools or specialist diagnostic equipment all very desirable and
transferable skills to other engineering sectors.
Associate professional and technical occupations
People in these job roles will have similar practical transferable skills to those in skilled trades
occupations but they may have greater responsibility for identifying, organising and using
resources effectively, completing tasks whilst considering the cost, quality, safety and
environmental impact. They will have the ability to apply their mathematical and scientific
knowledge when undertaking their work and may often need to work without close
supervision accepting responsibility for the work of themselves and others. These skills are
transferable across all engineering sectors.
Professional occupations
Professional engineers and scientists will usually have a background and degree in a
particular engineering or science discipline and many of these disciplines are transferable
across all engineering sectors. Transferable skills would include the ability to organise ideas,
produce comprehensive reports, work in teams as part of the day to day operating of the
organisation, problem solving, costing solutions, responsibility, involvement in decision
making, planning, project and time management skills and the use of specialist computer and
software packages to carry out various activities.
Managers and senior officials
A level of experience is expected from these roles and transferable skills to other engineering
sectors would be those of team and department leadership, decision making, understanding
of production and manufacturing costs, planning and funding.
d) Career paths and opportunities for progression.
There are many opportunities to develop and progress in an engineering career. The
‘Engineering Planner’
was devised by Semta to provide useful information about
qualifications and levels of responsibility for particular job roles and act as guidance for
people wanting to progress to different roles through training and further study.
See the engineering planner:
See separate progression section in each job title description
172
5.3 Information on pay scales in the sector
Pay scales for all of these roles will vary depending on the amount of experience the
employee has, the level of responsibility and where the work is based geographically, so pay
scales given are based on estimates from a number of sources. Also bear in mind that many
large engineering manufacturing companies may offer incentives for those working shifts or
nights.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
The starting salary for new graduates or those new to the role is around £19,000 to £23,000.
An experienced production manager may earn on average around £38,500.
Some managers with high levels of responsibility earn more than £56,000 a year.
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced design engineers can earn on average around £35,000 or more, depending on
their professional status. Senior design engineers may earn around £45,000 or more.
Mechanical Engineer
Starting salaries for graduate engineers may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced mechanical engineers can earn around £38,000 or more, depending on their
professional status and experience. Chartered mechanical engineers in senior roles may
earn around £45,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
Materials Engineer /Scientist
Graduate salaries can start around £18,000 to £21,000 per year. Experienced materials
engineers/scientists earn on average £36,000 Those with extensive experience and
responsibility can earn over £46,000 per year.
Metallurgist
Graduate salaries may start at around £18,500 a year.
Experienced metallurgists earn around £30,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £38,000 per year.
Production Engineer
Salaries for production engineers new to the role can start at around £23,000 a year.
Production engineers with experience earn around £33,000 on average. Some production
engineers with high levels of responsibility can earn over £44,000 per year.
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
The starting salary for an engineering maintenance technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced engineering maintenance technician may earn
around £30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility
can earn over £38,000.
Laboratory Technician
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500.
Experienced laboratory technicians earn around £20,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £30,000 per year.
173
Materials technician
Starting salaries for a materials technician can start between £12,000 and £16,000 per year.
With experience, this can rise to around £23,000 on average per year. Highly skilled technical
staff or those with managerial responsibilities may earn over £30,000
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Starting salaries for stores assistants are from £10,000 to £14,000 a year.
An experienced person could earn £17,500 a year on average.
Stores managers can earn over £25,000.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Newly-qualified craft machinists
may earn around £18,000 a year and the average for an experienced machinist is around
£26,000.
Senior machinists with higher levels of responsibility or those working shifts and overtime may
earn over £30,000 a year.
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. The average pay for an
engineering maintenance fitter is around £27,000. Highly-skilled and experienced
maintenance fitters may earn over £40,000.
Foundry Moulder/Coremaker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified and experienced
employees are likely to earn an average of £21,000 a year although this could be higher for
those involved in high levels of responsibility or who work shifts or overtime.
Foundry Patternmaker
Starting salaries for Apprentices may range from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year.
Qualified employees are likely to earn over £26,000 a year although this could be higher for
those involved in high levels of responsibility or who work shifts and overtime.
Plater
Starting salaries may range from around £18,000 to £20,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified platers are likely to
earn £25,000 a year on average although this could be higher for those involved in offshore
contracts or work where they are away from home. Those with management responsibility
could earn over £30,000.
Sheet Metal Worker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified sheet metal workers
are likely to earn up to £23,000 a year although this could be higher for those working shifts
and overtime. Highly skilled sheet metal workers can earn up to £28,000 a year.
174
Toolmaker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Average salaries for an
experienced toolmaker may be around £25,000 a year although this can be higher for those
involved in shift work or overtime. Highly skilled toolmakers with management responsibilities
may earn over £38,000 a year.
Welder
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified welders are likely to
earn on average £24,000 a year although this can be higher with overtime and shift work.
Highly skilled welders with specialist qualifications or those carrying out specialist work
overseas or underwater work, can earn over £31,500 a year.
175
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Salaries start at around £11,500 a year. Experienced assemblers earn an average of £17,00
although this can be higher with shiftwork and overtime. Some assemblers with additional
responsibilities may earn over £25,000.
Engineering Operative
Starting salaries may be around £12,500 a year. Starting salaries for Apprentices may range
from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Experienced engineering operatives may earn up to
£21,000 a year on average although this could be more for those working shifts and overtime.
The most skilled and experienced operatives with management responsibilities may earn
£28,000 or more with overtime and piecework.
Heat Treatment Operator
Starting salaries may be around £17,500 a year. Starting salaries for Apprentices may range
from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Experienced heat treatment operators may earn up to
£25,000 a year on average although this could be more for those working shifts and overtime.
The most skilled and experienced operatives with management responsibilities may earn
£30,000 or more with overtime and shift work.
Metals Industry Production Operative
Starting salaries may be around £17,500 a year. Starting salaries for Apprentices may range
from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Experienced metals industry operatives may earn up
to £25,000 a year on average although this could be more for those working shifts and
overtime.
The most skilled and experienced operatives with management responsibilities may earn
£30,000 or more with overtime and piecework.
Quality Control Inspector
Salaries for quality control inspectors may start at around £13,000 a year.
With some experience, an inspector may earn around £20,000.
Inspectors with wider responsibilities may earn over £28,000 and, in certain industries (such
as the aerospace sector), as much as £35,000.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Labourers and General assistants can earn in the range of £17,000 to £18,000 a year, but
can earn more if working nights or shifts.
Foundry Process Operator
Foundry process operators may earn in the range of £13000 to over £20,000 a year but they
can earn more than this if working shifts or overtime.
176
5.4 Information on entry requirements and application processes for the metals
sectors.)
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about application processes and further sources of assistance are provided under
each of these headings.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
Recruitment of an Honours Degree graduate or equivalent.
•
Internal promotion of Senior Team Leader.
•
External recruitment of an experienced Manager.
•
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
•
It may be possible to start in other areas of manufacturing and progress to supervisor
and then manager.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines such
as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as local and national
newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are often used to secure
staff for roles at this level and internal promotion and recruitment is also a method of
recruitment and development.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
The institute of materials, minerals and mining http://www.iom3.org/jobs
Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics and computing recruitment/job services
collected into one search website.http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/
Professional and management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for
researching companies. http://www.thecareerengineer.com/
Includes information about working and jobseeking in mainland
Europe.http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology board includes jobs
section.http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm
Mainly recruitment agency jobs.http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/
Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm
Website of the institute of cast metals engineers http://www.icme.org.uk/
177
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Materials Engineer /Scientist
Mechanical Engineer
Metallurgist
Production Engineer
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of a graduate or equivalent
External recruitment of Professional Engineer
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines such
as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well as local and national
newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are often used to secure
staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the recruitment sections
of their websites are also recommended since initiative and communication skills are valued
in these roles. Craftspeople and technicians may have the opportunity to secure further
studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are
working.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
The institute of materials, minerals and mining http://www.iom3.org/jobs
Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics and computing recruitment/job services
collected into one search website.http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/
Professional and management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for
researching companies. http://www.thecareerengineer.com/
Includes information about working and jobseeking in mainland
Europe.http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology board includes jobs
section.http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm
Mainly recruitment agency jobs.http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/
Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm
Website of the institute of cast metals engineers http://www.icme.org.uk/
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
178
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Associate professional and technical occupations
Materials technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an Engineering Technician
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Vacancies for experienced technicians are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines such as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well
as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies may
be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are recommended since initiative and communication
skills are valued in these roles. Apprentices may have the opportunity to secure further
studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are
working and sometimes may be enrolled on a scheme that ensures their opportunity to
progress to this type of role.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
The institute of materials, minerals and mining http://www.iom3.org/jobs
Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics and computing recruitment/job services
collected into one search website.http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/
Professional and management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for
researching companies. http://www.thecareerengineer.com/
Includes information about working and jobseeking in mainland
Europe.http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology board includes jobs
section.http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm
Mainly recruitment agency jobs.http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/
Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm
Website of the institute of cast metals engineers http://www.icme.org.uk/
179
Those with a particular interest in laboratory technician work may find the following
sources useful
http://www.labnewsjobs.co.uk/ Laboratory news
http://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver to serve an Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an experienced stock controller/stores assistant
Vacancies advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes recruitment
via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Skilled trades occupations
Foundry Patternmaker
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Foundry Moulder/Coremaker
Plater
Sheet Metal Worker
Welder
Toolmaker
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or adult employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of skilled Craftspeople
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
180
Adults seeking to progress from an operative role to an advanced apprenticeship leading to a
skilled craft role, should speak to someone in their company responsible for training or human
resources.
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies for experienced craftspeople are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines such as Engineering & Technology and Control and Automation as well
as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies may
be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are also recommended.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
The institute of materials, minerals and mining http://www.iom3.org/jobs
Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics and computing recruitment/job services
collected into one search website.http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/
Professional and management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for
researching companies. http://www.thecareerengineer.com/
Includes information about working and jobseeking in mainland
Europe.http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology board includes jobs
section.http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm
Mainly recruitment agency jobs.http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/
Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm
Website of the institute of cast metals engineers http://www.icme.org.uk/
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
181
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Engineering Operative
Heat Treatment Operator
Metals Industry Production Operative
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Apprenticeship.
External recruitment of a trained Operative or assembler
Advancement from the Young Apprenticeship
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Elementary occupations
Foundry Process Operator
Labourers in process and plant operations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
External recruitment of an experienced labourer.
External recruitment of a person who will undertake further training.
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
182
5.5 Qualifications
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about qualifications is provided under each of these headings.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Often have a degree; this may be in an engineering discipline or in a subject specific
to management or production management.
May have a higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND) combined with extensive
working experience such as having completed an advanced apprenticeship.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Materials Engineer /Scientist
Mechanical Engineer
Metallurgist
Production Engineer
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Would usually have a degree in an engineering specific discipline but it may be in a
subject specific to a physical science such as physics or chemistry.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Particular levels of study would be required for professional engineers seeking to
become a chartered or incorporated engineer and details can be obtained from the
Engineering Council. (ECUK)
Associate professional and technical occupations
Materials technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
183
Qualifications •
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Some technician apprentices first study full time for Level 3 qualifications, such as A
levels, BTEC National Diplomas or Certificates, or City & Guilds awards.
Particular levels of experience and study would be required by those seeking
professional registration as engineering technicians ( EngTech) and details can be
obtained from the Engineering Council Engineering Technician page. (ECUK)
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some stores assistants are required to have a driving licence and be qualified to drive
a fork-lift truck whereas others may have qualifications related to the use of lifting
equipment or health and safety certificates.
Skilled trades occupations
Foundry Patternmaker
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Foundry Moulder/Coremaker
Plater
Sheet Metal Worker
Welder
Toolmaker
Qualifications
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Many will have work based competencies at level 3 in subjects such as Fabrication
and Welding Engineering, Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, Automotive
Engineering, Engineering Maintenance, Engineering Toolmaking etc.
184
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Engineering Operative
Heat Treatment Operator
Metals Industry Production Operative
Qualifications
•
•
When entering this career through an apprenticeship, GCSE grades D to G or
equivalent are required although some employers will require levels of skills using IT
mean that higher grades at GCSE will become increasingly prevalent.
Some people working in specialised jobs may have work-based competence - N/SVQ
Levels 1and 2 in subjects such as Performing engineering operations, or
qualifications related to safe working or lifting practices.
Elementary occupations
Foundry Process Operator
Labourers in process and plant operations
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some labourers may be qualified to drive a fork-lift truck whereas others may have
qualifications related to the use of lifting equipment or health and safety certificates.
5.6 Data on employment and labour market trends and forecasts for the metals sector.
The current view
In the political and financial climate of early to late 2009 there were many news stories
regarding the manufacturing industry both globally and in the UK. It is not an easy task to
accurately predict what might happen in the metals sectors especially where they are in the
supply chain for the automotive sector but it should be noted that many companies are
involved in trying to reduce costs without closing their businesses completely and whilst press
stories often focus on redundancy numbers, these do not always fully represent the situation
for the way in which the employer is managing the challenges which may be through
improving production methods, short closures, adapting working times or upgrading skills.
At this current time it is not possible to predict the long term figures for company requirements
for numbers of employees, but it is considered that the approach taken by many of the lead
manufacturers will lead to employment opportunities for skilled and experienced workers as
the economic climate improves.
185
3.7 Skill shortages
All sectors in the economy face major skill challenges as the nature of work alters and global
competition intensifies although the pace of change is likely to be particularly rapid within
most parts of the Engineering industry. Those in the workforce with no qualifications are likely
to face particular challenges.
Detailed information for each region and nation are included in the following sections.
5.14.1 Metals industry East Midlands.
5.14.2 Metals industry East of England
5.14.3 Metals industry London
5.14.4 Metals industry North East
5.14.5 Metals industry North West
5.14.6 Metals industry South East
5.14.7 Metals industry South West
5.14.8 Metals industry West Midlands.
5.14.9 Metals industry Yorkshire and the Humber
5.14.10 Metals industry England
5.14.11 Metals industry Scotland
5.14.12 Metals industry Wales
5.14.13 Metals industry Northern Ireland
5.8 Information on opportunities for adults changing career direction
At the craft, technician, professional and management occupational levels there are
opportunities for people who hold relevant degrees, Further Education qualifications or other
industry recognised certificates and who have working experience in an engineering
environment.
It is expected that whilst there will be a replacement demand for operator and assembly job
roles as people retire, there is likely to be a decrease in people employed in these
occupations in the metals sector. Whilst formal qualifications are not always required for
these roles, transferable skills such as team working, an ability to follow diagrams and
instructions, basic mathematical understanding and practical skills are all relevant to people
wishing to transfer to these occupations.
5.9 Entry or transfer into the metals sector from another area/sector.
The technical nature or practical experience required to work in the craft, technician,
professional and management occupations means that those without the relevant
qualifications or experience will need to consider courses and training relevant to the role they
wish to pursue.
Where formal qualifications or skills for operator or assembly job roles are required, the
careers services can assist in advising on courses and qualifications that may be available
locally. Where formal qualifications and experience are not required, application through
agencies and direct to the employer are recommended.
186
5.10 Job profiles
Major Job roles in the metals industries include the following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Design Engineer
Materials Engineer /Scientist
Mechanical Engineer
Metallurgist
Production Engineer
Associate professional and technical occupations
Materials technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Foundry Moulder/Coremaker
Foundry Patternmaker
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Plater
Sheet Metal Worker
Welder
Toolmaker
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Engineering Operative
Heat Treatment Operator
Metals Industry Production Operative
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Foundry Process Operator
187
5.11 Case studies metals occupations
Jobs4U Case studies
Apprentice steelmaker Philip hindmarch
CAD (Computer aided design) engineering draughtsperson Lee Warner
Engineering maintenance fitter Stephen Blake
Foundry patternmaker Ashley Roberts
Foundry process operator Dave Chadwick
Foundry mouldmaker Anthony Winsper
Lead Mill Operator (CNC) Richard Moffitt
Materials engineer Melissa Riley
Materials technician Ricky Addie
Mechanical engineering technician Kieran Jordan
Metallurgist (Apprentice) Shaun Whelan
Steelmaker (Apprentice) Philip Hindmarch
Team Leader Chris Doman
Welding technician Harry Froment
5.12 FAQs
Q)I am currently working as a machine operator in a metals company and would be
very interested in finding where I could get information and advice about improving my
skills and learning, where should I start?
A good place to start is by speaking with your company union representative to see if they will
know of any schemes or opportunities that are promoted by your employer. Your company
may have a Union Learn representative http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/index.cfm If not,
then make initial enquiries with your training officer, supervisor or HR department.
Q) What career opportunities are there in the metals industries?
A) The industry is competitive and there are many opportunities for people who can combine
practical skills with creative thinking and an interest in science, materials and the way things
work. Many managers, skilled craftspeople, professional engineers and scientists and
engineering technicians are needed in companies that are involved in research and
development of all kinds of products from small precision made metal components used in
aircraft engines and racing cars to the development of improved metal alloys, castings and
methods of manufacturing and more efficient means of reducing waste and recycling useful
materials.
Q) I always imagine the metals industry to be a dark, hot and noisy atmosphere to work
in, is that true?
A) Where molten metal is being poured, moved and processed, there will be a level of heat
and noise although health and safety will be a high consideration and the environment has
changed considerably from the 1960s and 1970s as improved handling and machinery to
assist with these tasks has been developed. For roles involving research and development,
often this work is carried out in laboratories or workshops and much of the maintenance and
engineering roles can be in a variety of departments across the company. Some employers
are in small premises and the work may involve precision casting, metal processing and
cutting in an environment not dissimilar to a large kitchen.
188
5.13 Sources of additional information
Specific to Metals
The british metals recycling association http://www.recyclemetals.org/whatis.php
Careers in materials from the institute of materials, minerals and mining
http://www.materialscareers.org.uk/
Information about aluminium packaging, recycling and manufacturing
http://aluminium.matter.org.uk
Institute of cast metal engineers http://www.icme.org.uk/
Metskill careers in metals http://www.metskill.co.uk/careers/
The institution of engineering and technology http://www.theiet.org/
Covers all engineering, technology and science.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engineering Diploma Development Partnership, c/o Semta, the Sector Skills Council
for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Second Floor, Weston
House, 246 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EX. 020 7269 9840. Website:
www.engineeringdiploma.com
Engineering & technology careers & news from the Engineering and Technology
Board (ETB) website http://www.scenta.co.uk and http://www.enginuity.org.uk
Futuremorph, Science Council Careers Website http://www.futuremorph.org/
Inside Careers http://www.insidecareers.co.uk
New Outlooks in Science and engineering http://www.noisemakers.org.uk/index.cfm
Science, So What? So Everything DirectGov website
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/
Semta Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies http://www.semta.org.uk
UK resource centre for women in science, engineering and
technology.http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/
189
5.14 Metals Regional and National Information
5.14.1 Metals East Midlands. East Midlands Metals industry.
There were around 37,700 people employed in over 2,900 companies in the metals sector in
the East Midlands in 2007. This represents 9% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal
products companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors in the region
with 30,400 employees. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before
the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 8,530 employees
will be needed in the metals sector in the East Midlands between 2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Total people in this
occupation in the East
Midlands. (All
engineering)
Employment in the East
Midlands metals sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
6,100
5,720
380
24,370
25%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
4,220
3,860
360
40,810
10%
5215 Welding trades
2,920
2,900
30
7,570
39%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
2,610
2,570
40
27,370
10%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
2,050
2,020
30
7,160
29%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
1,900
1,700
200
18,490
10%
5213 Sheet metal workers
1,240
1,240
10
2,610
48%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
1,020
870
150
28,560
4%
910
900
10
2,390
38%
880
190
690
37,380
2%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers; other
financial clerks
Source: Census 2001
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in the East Midlands were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Metals % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in the
East Midlands.
Top ten occupations within the East Midlands within the metals sector
Metal workers
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Tool setting
Tool makers
Pattern making
Foundry skills
190
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East Midlands.
94% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East Midlands is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East Midlands accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East Midlands employs 115,100 people in 6,260
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment,
aerospace and automotive.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the East Midlands employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Derby City, Leicester
City, South Derbyshire, Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth and Ashfield.
Training, skills and recruitment
Over 10,200 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East Midlands during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,190 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East Midlands during 2007, particularly for skilled trades (55%), professionals (17%) and
process plant and machine operative (16%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills.
Lack of applicants with required working experience.
11% of engineering employees in the East Midlands have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
46,100 people across management and core technical occupations (29% of the current
workforce).
This represents
5,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,300 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
7,600 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,100 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
191
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the East Midlands expected skills gaps for operators, technicians and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
CNC machine operations,
Assembly line/production
Robotics
Materials requirement planning skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills (such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem
solving and working with others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
5.14.2 Metals East of England
East of England metals industry
There were around 28,100 people employed in over 3,340 companies in the metals sector in
the East of England in 2007. This represents 7% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal
products companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors with 22,700
employees. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent
economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 9,960 employees will be
needed in the metals sector in the East of England between 2007 and 2014.
Employment in the East of
England Metals Sector
Total
Male
Total occupational
employment in region
(All engineering)
Occupation
Female
Metals % of total
occupational employment
in region
Top ten occupations within the East of England within the Metals sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
3,840
3,500
340
23,560
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
3,610
3,250
360
50,040
16%
7%
5215 Welding trades
2,930
2,910
30
7,550
39%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,800
1,760
40
28,500
6%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
1,630
1,600
30
5,910
28%
5213 Sheet metal workers
1,600
1,580
10
3,140
51%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
1,480
1,250
240
18,350
8%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers; other
financial clerks
960
960
*
2,810
34%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
Source: Census 2001
760
140
620
58,630
1%
700
590
110
39,630
2%
192
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in the East of England were:
Welding skills
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Tool setting
Fabrication
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Manufacturing
Tool makers
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East of England
93% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East of England is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East of England accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East of England employs 116,500 people in 7,890
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
95% of engineering establishments in the East of England employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Peterborough,
Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire, Luton and Basildon.
Training, skills and recruitment
•
Over 10,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East of England
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East of England during 2007. There vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (50%) and
process plant and machine operatives (14%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of engineering employees in the East of England have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
54,600 people across management and core technical occupations (34% of the current
workforce).
This represents
9,900 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above.
7,600 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above.
8,800 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,400 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,000 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the East of England, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
193
•
•
Employers in the East of England expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades
(craft) and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
Computer aided design (CAD),
Tool setting
Welding skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills.
5.14.3 Metals London
London metals industry
There were around 12,700 people employed in just over 2,030 companies in the metals
sector in London in 2007. This represents 3% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal
products companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors in the region
with 8,700 employees. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 3,400 employees will be
needed in the metals sector in London between 2005 and 2014.
Total people employed in
this occupation in London
( All engineering)
Employment in London’s
Metals Sector
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Metals % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in
London.
Top ten occupations within London within the Metals sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1,580
1,360
220
13,000
12%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
1,430
1,300
130
44,290
3%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,010
980
30
16,050
6%
910
900
10
2,320
39%
5215 Welding trades
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
580
530
50
6,130
9%
5213 Sheet metal workers
540
540
0
1,150
47%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
520
510
10
1,850
28%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
480
480
0
1,300
37%
390
10
380
81,510
0%
350
70
280
84,360
0%
4215 Personal assistants and other secretaries
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers; other
financial clerks
Source: Census 2001
194
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in London were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
CNC Machine Operation
Tool setting
Fabrication
Metal workers
Tool makers
Carpentry / woodwork
Machine operator (unspecified)
All engineering manufacturing sectors in London
92% of the Engineering workforce in London is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
London accounts for 3% of all Engineering employment and 7% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in London employs 44,200 people in 4,390 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, electronics and
mechanical equipment.
97% of engineering establishments in London employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Barking and Dagenham,
Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
Over 3,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in London during March
2006/7.
There were an estimated 505 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in London
during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (29%) and technicians
(22%) vacancies.
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of Engineering employees in London have no qualifications and many more are underqualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 22,300 people
across management and core technical occupations (31% of the current workforce)
This represents
2,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,700 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
3,300 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,200 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the London, to replace those retiring.
195
Skills Gaps
•
Employers in London expected skills gaps for professionals, technicians and skilled
trades (craft) would have the most significant effect on their business.
•
The main skills identified as lacking in employees were technical and engineering skills at
all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD),
materials requirement planning (MRP)
general machining.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
5.14.4 Metals North East
North East metals industry
There were around 22,700 people employed in 1,180 companies in the metals sector in the
North East in 2007. This represents 6% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal products
companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors in the region with 15,800
employees. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent
economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 4,875 employees will be
needed in the metals sector in the North East between 2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
8125 Metal working machine operatives
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
5215 Welding trades
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
5213 Sheet metal workers
5214 Metal plate workers; shipwrights; riveters
8117 Metal making and treating process operatives
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
Source: Census 2001
Male
Female
Metals % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in the
North East.
Employment in the North
East Metals Sector
Total people employed in
this occupation in the
North West.
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the North East within the Metals sector
3,010
2,870
140
13,370
23%
2,090
1,920
1,960
1,910
120
10
13,520
5,010
15%
38%
1,900
1,880
20
14,980
13%
1,810
1,300
920
790
650
560
1,700
1,290
910
780
650
560
110
10
10
10
0
0
14,820
3,830
1,640
2,180
960
9,720
12%
34%
56%
36%
67%
6%
196
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in the North East were:
•
•
•
•
•
Metal workers
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Welding skills
Craft skills
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North East
96% of the Engineering workforce in the North East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The North East accounts for 5% of all Engineering employment and 3% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the North East employs 63,200 people in 2,310
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, metal products
and automotive.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the automotive and
electronics sectors when compared to Great Britain.
90% of engineering establishments in the North East employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Newcastle upon Tyne,
Gateshead, Sunderland and Sedgefield.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 6,700 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 730 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for professionals (39%), skilled
trades (32%) and process plant and machine operative (22%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
8% of engineering employees in the North East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 20,700
people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
1,900 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
5,800 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
6,900 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,850 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North East, to replace those retiring.
197
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the North East expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), managers and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Metal working,
Welding
Materials requirement planning (MRP) skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
5.14.5 Metals North West
North West metals industry
There were around 44,300 people employed in 3,700 companies in the metals sector in the
North West in 2007. This represents 11% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal products
companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors with 36,800 employees.
Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic
situation it was estimated that there would be an expansion in metals employment in the
region and that a total requirement of 13,595 employees will be needed in the metals sector in
the North West between 2007 and 2014.
Top ten occupations within the North West within the Metals Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the North
West. (All engineering)
Metals % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in the
North West.
Employment in the North
West Metals Sector
6,530
5,960
560
6,530
21%
4,650
4,230
420
4,650
9%
4,000
3,960
40
4,000
43%
3,380
3,350
40
3,380
9%
Occupation
Total
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
5215 Welding trades
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
5213 Sheet metal workers
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers;
other financial clerks
1132 Marketing and sales managers
Source: Census 2001
Male
Female
2,170
2,140
30
2,170
32%
2,060
2,050
10
2,060
49%
2,050
1,100
1,910
1,090
140
10
2,050
1,100
11%
40%
1,070
200
870
1,070
2%
1,070
910
160
1,070
3%
198
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in the North West were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Technical drawing
Welding skills
General engineering skills
Moulding skills
Fabrication
Metal workers
Grinding
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the North West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The North West accounts for 11% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the North West employs 143,300 people in 7,620
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and aerospace.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and marine
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the North West employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Fylde, Knowsley, Crewe
and Nantwich, Stockport, Oldham and Preston.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,800 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,100 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (40%) and
process plant and machine operative (28%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
•
9% of engineering employees in the North West have no qualifications. Around 28% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up
skill more than 52,200 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
6,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,100 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
11,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,200 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,400 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,400 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North West, to replace those retiring.
199
5.14.6 Metals South East
South East metals industry
There were around 33,000 people employed in just over 4,300 companies in the metals
sector in the South East in 2007. This represents 8% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal
products companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors in the region
with 27,100 employees. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before
the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 10,120 employees
will be needed in the metals sector in the South East between 2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
3,650
3,340
310
82,550
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2,940
2,730
210
23,230
13%
5215 Welding trades
2,580
2,560
20
7,250
36%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,740
1,710
30
38,060
5%
4%
5213 Sheet metal workers
1,440
1,430
10
3,140
46%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
1,420
1,370
50
7,090
20%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
1,400
1,230
170
17,000
8%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
1,300
1,300
0
3,530
37%
810
690
120
80,190
1%
770
130
640
87,980
1%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers; other
financial clerks
Source: Census 2001
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in the South East were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Metals % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in the
South East
Employment in the South East
Metals Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the South
East. (All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the South East within the Metals sector
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Welding skills
Assembly line/ production robotics
CNC Machine Operation
Fabrication
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Tool setting
Craft skills
General machining
Metal workers
Precision Engineering
Foundry skills
200
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South East
93% of the Engineering workforce in the South East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
The South East accounts for 12% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the South East employs 157,000 people in 10,640
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, mechanical equipment and
metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and electrical
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around West Berkshire,
Basingstoke and Deane, Milton Keynes, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Crawley and Medway.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 12,400 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,115 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (31%) and skilled trades (26%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in the South East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
84,500 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
13,800 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
21,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
18,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,500 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,900 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South East, to replace those retiring.
201
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South East expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades (craft)
and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main skill gaps in:
•
•
•
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Welding skills.
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
5.14.7 Metals South West
South West metals industry
There were around 31,400 people employed in just under 2,870 companies in the metals
sector in the South West in 2007. This represents 8% of the total GB metals workforce.
Metal products companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors in the
region with 26,400 employees. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing,
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 7,460
employees will be needed in the metals sector in the South West between 2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Total people employed in
this occupation in the
South West (All
engineering)
Employment in the South
West Metals Sector
Metals % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in the
South West.
Top ten occupations within the South West within the Metals sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2,870
2,700
170
19,650
15%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
2,370
2,150
230
40,160
6%
5215 Welding trades
2,340
2,330
10
6,060
39%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,510
1,470
40
27,630
5%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
1,190
1,010
180
16,760
7%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
1,180
1,150
40
6,200
19%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
910
910
10
2,540
36%
5213 Sheet metal workers
870
850
10
1,830
47%
4150 General office assistants/clerks
570
90
480
71,400
1%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
Source: Census 2001
500
420
80
26,910
2%
202
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in the South West were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Tool setting
Welding skills
General Engineering skills
Fabrication
Precision Engineering
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the South West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The South West accounts for 8% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the South West employs 129,400 people in 6,470
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the marine and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the South West employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Tewkesbury,
Cheltenham, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, South Somerset, Poole
and Plymouth.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,530 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (43%) and skilled trades/craft (37%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
7% of engineering employees in the South West have no qualifications. About a third of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to
up skill around 52,300 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents
4,700 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,500 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,900 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,750 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South West, to replace those retiring.
203
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), technicians
and professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Computer aided engineering (CAE).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
IT/computer skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills.
5.14.8 Metals West Midlands.
West Midlands metal industry
There were around 86,300 people employed in 5,850 companies in the metals sector in the
West Midlands in 2007. This represents 21% of the total GB metals workforce, the largest
number employed in the sector for any region or nation. Metal products companies employed
the largest of the three types of metals sectors in the region with 61,100 employees. The
West Midlands also has the highest numbers of people employed in basic metals (16,400
people) and wholesale metal and scrap (8,800 people) for the whole of GB. Whilst some
occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was
estimated that a total requirement of 15,730 employees will be needed in the metals sector in
the West Midlands between 2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
Male
14,040
11,01
0
Female
3,030
Metals % of all
engineering employees
in this occupation in the
West Midlands.
Employment in the West
Midlands metals sector
Total people employed in
this occupation in the
West Midlands (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within the West Midlands within the metals sector
42,620
33%
9,610
8,780
820
50,640
19%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
5215 Welding trades
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
7,650
5,240
7,190
5,070
460
170
18,570
13,350
41%
39%
4,580
3,990
600
22,340
21%
4,570
4,390
180
32,190
14%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
8117 Metal making and treating process operatives
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers;
other
9149 Other goods handling and storage
occupations n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
4,140
2,760
4,110
2,570
30
190
7,540
4,140
55%
67%
2,340
470
1,870
49,040
5%
2,310
2,070
240
47,680
5%
204
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in the West Midlands were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Fabrication
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Welding skills
General Engineering skills
General machining
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Tool setting
Moulding skills
Metal workers
Grinding
Plating
Pattern making
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the West Midlands
95% of the Engineering workforce in the West Midlands is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The West Midlands accounts for 17% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
The Engineering industry in the West Midlands employs 213,000 people in 10,430
establishments.
93% of engineering establishments in the West Midlands employ less than 50 people.
The West Midlands has particular concentrations of employment in the automotive and
metals sectors when compared to the rest of Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Birmingham, Sandwell,
Walsall, Coventry, Dudley and Telford and Wrekin.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 15,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the West Midlands
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 3,480 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
West Midlands during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades (68%) and
process plant and machine operatives (18%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
205
17% of engineering employees in the West Midlands have no qualifications. Around 40% of
the workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to
up skill more than 110,000 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
15,400 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
5,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
36,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
39,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,700 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the West Midlands, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the West Midlands expected that skills gaps for operators and professionals
would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skill given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting,
Fabrication,
Materials requirement planning (MRPII)
Welding.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
206
5.14.9 Metals Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber metals industry
There were around 57,900 people employed in 3,580 companies in the metals sector in
Yorkshire and the Humber in 2007. This represents 14% of the total GB metals workforce,
the second highest percentage for GB. Metal products companies employed the largest of
the three types of metals sectors in the region with 38,400 employees. The Yorkshire and the
Humber region also has high percentages of people employed in the basic metals (14,000
People) and wholesale metal and scrap companies (5,500 people) compared to the rest of
GB. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic
situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 13,595 employees will be needed in the
metals sector in Yorkshire and the Humber between 2007 and 2014.
Total
Male
Female
Total people in this
occupation in Yorkshire
and the Humber. (All
engineering)
Occupation
Employment in Yorkshire
and the Humber Metals
Sector
Metals % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in
Yorkshire and the
Humber.
Top ten occupations within Yorkshire and the Humber - Metals
8125 Metal working machine operatives
7,800
7,270
530
24,660
32%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
5,080
4,790
290
25,360
20%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
5,010
4,680
330
37,950
13%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
3,980
3,930
40
28,150
14%
5215 Welding trades
3,910
3,810
100
8,060
48%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
3,360
3,300
70
7,680
44%
8117 Metal making and treating process operatives
2,040
2,010
20
2,820
72%
5213 Sheet metal workers
1,530
1,520
10
2,930
52%
1,340
1,330
10
2,390
56%
1,320
1,130
200
39,770
3%
5214 Metal plate workers; shipwrights; riveters
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
n.e.c.
Source: Census 2001
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in Yorkshire and the Humber were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
General Engineering skills
Metal workers
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Tool setting
Moulding skills
Manufacturing
207
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Yorkshire and the Humber
95% of the Engineering workforce in Yorkshire and the Humber is employed on a full-time
basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
Yorkshire and the Humber accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 10% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the Humber employs 118,900 people in 6,780
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
98% of engineering establishments in Yorkshire and the Humber employ less than 50
people.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the metals and mechanical
equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Sheffield, Leeds,
Bradford, Kirklees, Rotherham and Kingston upon Hull.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Nearly 8,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the
Humber during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Yorkshire and the Humber during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant
and machine operatives (39%) and skilled trades/craft (28%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
General lack of applicants
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in Yorkshire and the Humber have no qualifications. Around
28% of those employed in management and core technical occupations are under-qualified
for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 40,600 people across
management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
3,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,300 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,100 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,100 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Yorkshire and the Humber, to replace those
retiring.
208
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Yorkshire and the Humber expected skills gaps for technicians,
professionals and operators would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Materials requirement planning (MRP)
General engineering skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
5.14.10 Metals England
England Metals industry
There were around 354,100 people employed in 29,800 companies in the metals sector in
England in 2007. This represents 86% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal products
companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors in England with 267,400
employees. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent
economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 87,265 employees will be
needed in the metals sector in England between 2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Total people in this
occupation in England
(All engineering)
Employment in England Metals
Sector
Metals % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in
England.
Top ten occupations within England within the Metals sector
8125 Metal working machine operatives
48,710
43,130
5,580
214,820
23%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
36,350
33,290
3,070
412,500
9%
5215 Welding trades
26,750
26,330
420
66,520
40%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
22,500
22,040
460
251,090
9%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
21,280
20,560
720
65,140
33%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
20,340
18,360
1,990
156,290
13%
5213 Sheet metal workers
11,840
11,740
90
24,430
48%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers; other
financial clerks
11,100
11,020
80
25,870
43%
8,310
1,700
6,610
475,100
2%
7,970
6,810
1,160
345,230
2%
1132 Marketing and sales managers
Source: Census 2001
209
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in metals in England were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Welding skills
Fabrication
Metal workers
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Tool setting
All engineering manufacturing sectors in England
A very high proportion of the Engineering workforce in England is employed on a full-time
basis, accounting for about 94% of total employment in the industry.
•
•
•
England accounts for 86% of all Engineering employment and 90% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
Based on the Annual Business Inquiry 2006 there are an estimated 1.1 million employees
and over 65,000 employers in the Engineering industry in England 11 .
93% of engineering establishments in England employ less than 50 people.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
11% of engineering employees in England have no qualifications. Around 33% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential
to up skill nearly half a million people in England across management and core technical
occupations.
This represents:
76,000 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
57,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
96,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
132,000 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
135,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
11
The Annual Business Inquiry figures on employment excludes those self employed and casual labour,
so is likely to under-estimate the total number of people working in the sector.
210
Skills Gaps
Engineering establishments in England were most likely to report skill gaps in skilled trades
(8% of establishments), process plant and machine operative occupations and administrative
and secretarial occupations (7% of establishments in each case).
•
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the four main skills gaps in:
CNC Machine Operation,
Computer Aided Design (CAD),
Welding skills
Assembly line/production robotics.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in England is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, there are a relatively high proportion of females
working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (29%) and a relatively low
proportion of females working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors
(12% or less in each case) within England.
4.9% of English residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (3.0%) being Asian or Asian British and 1.0% Black or
Black British. This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or Minority
Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in England.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
English economy. 43% of the Engineering workforce in England is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in England. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering sectors
since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
211
5.14.11 Metals Scotland
Scotland metals industry
There were around 28,500 people employed in just over 2,000 companies in the metals
sector in Scotland in 2007. This represents 7% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal
products companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors in Scotland
with 23,600 employees. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before
the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 7,140 employees
will be needed in the metals sector in Scotland between 2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
Male
5215 Welding trades
2,630
2,610
Female
20
7,350
36%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2,530
2,370
160
18,410
14%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
1,910
1,790
130
33,660
6%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
1,650
1,630
20
26,120
6%
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
1,090
1,010
80
13,190
8%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
1,080
1,070
10
4,370
25%
810
800
10
1,310
62%
5211 Smiths and forge workers
5213 Sheet metal workers
750
740
10
1,680
45%
5214 Metal plate workers; shipwrights; riveters
570
570
0
2,080
28%
550
60
490
83,490
1%
4150 General office assistants/clerks
Source: Census 2001
Metal skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in metals in Scotland were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Metals % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in
Scotland.
Employment in Scotland
Metals Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Scotland.
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within Scotland within the Metals Sector
CNC Machine Operation
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Metal workers
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Assembly line/ production robotics
Tool setting
General Engineering skills
Craft skills
Fabrication
Mechanical Engineering
Turners
212
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Scotland
95% of employment within the Engineering industry in Scotland is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Scotland and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scotland accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 6% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Scotland employs around 94,600 people in 6,090
establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Scotland employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, metal products and
mechanical equipment.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the marine and electronics
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around the City of Glasgow, Fife,
South Lanarkshire, the City of Aberdeen, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
Training and skills and recruitment
9% of engineering employees in Scotland have no qualifications. Around 24% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 29,000 people across management and
core technical occupations.
This represents:
900 Managers requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
5,700 Professional Engineers requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
6,400 Technicians requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
7,500 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
8,400 Operators requiring development to SVQ Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,600 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Scotland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Scotland expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Materials requirement planning (MRPII).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
213
Demographics
81% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (31%). The proportion of females
working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors (12% and 11%
respectively) on the other hand is extremely low within Scotland.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 6% of Scotland’s Engineering workforce had a limiting
long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in the nation, and marginally lower
than the figure for the UK.
0.8% of Scotland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British and Chinese or
‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or
Minority Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in the Scottish economy.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
Scottish economy. 42% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in Scotland. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
214
5.14.12 Metals Wales
Wales metals industry
There were around 30,000 people employed in just under 1,450 companies in the metals
sector in Wales in 2007. This represents 7% of the total GB metals workforce. Metal
products companies employed the largest of the three types of metals sectors in Wales with
15,900 employees although there were also large numbers employed in basic metals
manufacturing companies, around 12,300. Whilst some occupations within the sector are
decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of
4,350 employees will be needed in the metals sector in the Wales between 2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
Male
Female
Total people employed in
this occupation in Wales.
(All engineering)
Employment in Wales
Metals Sector
Metals % of all
engineering employees in
this occupation in Wales.
Top ten occupations within Wales within the Metals sector
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
4,240
4,050
190
20,560
21%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
3,610
3,390
220
15,550
23%
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
2,860
2,840
20
18,480
15%
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
2,500
2,310
190
17,120
15%
5215 Welding trades
2,480
2,460
20
5,120
48%
8117 Metal making and treating process operatives
1,200
1,180
20
1,590
75%
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
1,030
1,030
10
10,260
10%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
810
800
10
3,300
25%
2129 Engineering professionals n.e.c.
700
670
30
3,030
23%
650
650
0
1,650
39%
5222 Tool makers; tool fitters and markers-out
Source: Census 2001
Metals skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the metals sector in Wales were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Fabrication
CNC Machine Operation
Welding skills
General Engineering skills
General machining
Electrical Engineering
Precision Engineering
Machine operator (unspecified)
215
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Wales
97% of employment within the Engineering industry in Wales is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Wales and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wales accounts for 6% of all Engineering employment and 4% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Wales employs 79,600 people in 4,940 establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Wales employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are automotive, basic metals, mechanical
equipment and aerospace.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the basic metals and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Flintshire, Neath Port
Talbot, Newport, Rhondda, Cynon and Taff, Bridgend and Wrexham.
Training and skills and recruitment
11% of engineering employees in Wales have no qualifications. Around 29% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 27,900 people across management and
core technical occupations
This represents
•
•
•
•
•
2,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
2,200 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 2,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Wales, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Wales expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main technical skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD)
CNC machine operations and tool setting.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
216
Demographics
84% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment sector (32%). The proportion of females working within the
metals (11%) automotive (11%) and other transport equipment sectors (8%) is extremely low
within Wales.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 7% of the Welsh Engineering industry workforce had a
limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in Wales and the UK.
1.1% of Welsh residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British, Mixed (0.3%) and
Chinese or ‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This broadly mirrors the position within all sectors
within Wales, although there are a slightly higher proportion of Asian or Asian British workers
in Wales as a whole.
40% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is aged 45-64 compared with 39% across all
sectors in the Welsh economy. This profile is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
217
5.14.13 Metals Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland metals industry
There were around 600 people employed in the basic metals sector, 7,400 in metal products
and 800 in wholesale metal and scrap in Northern Ireland in 2007 12 . Representing 1% of UK
basic metals employment, 2% of UK metal products employment and 2% of UK wholesale
metals and scrap. Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the
recent economic situation it was estimated that there would be a slight expansion of the
metals workforce with a need for 500 employees per year in the metals sector in Northern
Ireland between 2005 and 2014.
Total people in this
occupation in Northern
Ireland (All engineering)
Employment in Northern
Ireland Metals Sector
Occupation
Total
5215 Welding trades
Male
1,400
1,390
8125 Metal working machine operatives
850
800
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
570
570
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
550
500
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
350
320
5315 Carpenters and joiners
180
5213 Sheet metal workers
5311 Steel erectors
Female
3,590
39%
50
6,960
12%
<10
10,040
6%
50
8,220
7%
20
5,930
6%
180
0
11,850
2%
180
170
<10
700
25%
180
180
0
470
37%
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
140
140
0
810
17%
4150 General office assistants/clerks
110
10
90
28,800
0%
7,560
6,770
780
686,640
1%
All Occupations
Source: NI Census 2001
<10
Metals % ofall
engineering employees in
this occupation in
Northern Ireland.
Top ten occupations in the Northern Ireland Metals sector
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Northern Ireland
96% of the Engineering workforce is employed on a full-time basis.
•
•
•
•
•
12
Northern Ireland accounts for 3% of all UK Engineering employment and 2.5% of all UK
Engineering establishments.
The Engineering industry in Northern Ireland employs over 33,200 people (39,600
including self employed and casual labour) in 1,780 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are the electrical and electronics sector
and the metals sectors.
Northern Ireland has above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
electronics sectors when compared to the UK.
95% of establishments employ less than 50 people.
Source: Northern Ireland Census of Employment 2007, NISRA
218
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 2,500 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Northern Ireland
between March 2006 and 2007.
There were an estimated 535 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Northern Ireland during 2006. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (56%)
and professional occupations (16%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills,
Lack of applicants with required work experience
General lack of applicants.
13% of engineering employees in Northern Ireland have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
14,000 people across management and core technical occupations:
This represents:
950 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
150 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
1,650 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
`3,300 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
8,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,350 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Northern Ireland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Northern Ireland expected skills gaps for operators, craftspersons and
technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the main technical skills gaps in:
Welding,
CNC machine operations,
Mechanical engineering skills,
Metalworking
Electrical engineering skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Management skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Marketing or selling skills
219
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, 18% of the Engineering workforce in Northern
Ireland is female, mirroring the figure for the UK as a whole. There is a relatively high
proportion of females working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (28%)
which traditionally has a concentration of women employed in assembly roles. The
predominance of women in these roles could increasingly become an issue if the engineering
manufacturing sector maintains the trend of moving assembly type occupations to countries
where labour is cheaper. There are a relatively low proportion of females working within the
automotive and other transport equipment sectors (10-11%) within Northern Ireland.
Based on data from the NI Census 2001, 6% of Northern Ireland Engineering industry
workforce had a limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in
Northern Ireland and the UK.
0.5% of Northern Ireland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black
or minority ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being classified as Chinese or ‘Other’ ethnic
group.
Only 32% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is aged 45-64 compared with 42%
of the UK Engineering workforce. Although Engineering in Northern Ireland has a relatively
low age profile, in the longer term the age profile of the workforce could be an issue if not
enough young people are recruited into the industry (only 12% of the current Engineering
workforce is aged 16-24 years old).
220
6. Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace
6.1 A brief description of what the transport equipment sector covers at UK and GB
level
The transport equipment manufacturing sector is split into three smaller sub sectors;
aerospace, marine and other transport. Sometimes the data and information available for a
particular sub sector, for instance marine or other transport, for a region or nation is small and
therefore, it cannot be shown. Where the labour market information is too small to report, it
will be added together and shown as transport equipment.
Aerospace
The Aerospace industry covers the manufacture of a range of aircraft and spacecraft such as
satellites, as well as the manufacture of essential mechanical and electrical components such
as rotors on helicopters, avionics (aircraft electrical systems) and jet engines. The sector also
includes companies that employ people to maintain, repair and overhaul aircraft. These MRO
companies as they are known, are very diverse, ranging from small specialist workshops
carrying out repairs, to large international companies looking at design, manufacture and
maintenance of integrated systems such as the electronics, hydraulics or engine components.
Many people seeking a career in the sector may only consider working on the maintenance
and overhaul of aircraft where there are limited jobs available, when in fact there are a broad
range of interesting roles in companies that are involved in the development, design, testing,
assembly and manufacture of the many components.
Workplaces and employment aerospace
There were nearly 720 aerospace workplaces in Great Britain in 2006/2007. These
companies employed in the region of 96,800 people with 84% of the workforce in England,
10% in Wales and 6% in Scotland. (See separate data for Northern Ireland)
The greatest concentrations of employment in the aerospace industry within Great Britain are
in the North West, South West and East Midlands.
Marine
The marine sector includes companies that employ people involved in designing, developing,
building and maintaining large cargo ships, ferries, warships, and fishing boats. Companies
that construct floating and submersible drilling platforms, barges and floating docks are also
represented by Semta. There have been several recent commissions from the MOD for large
ships and the UK also has strengths with the many companies involved in the manufacture of
pleasure and sporting boats such as sail and motor boats, canoes and inflatables. People
employed to maintain and repair these types of boat are also covered by the marine sector.
Workplaces and employment marine
There were nearly 1,620 marine workplaces in Great Britain in 2006/2007. These companies
employed in the region of 33,600 people with 80% of the workforce in England, 2% in Wales
and 18% in Scotland. (See separate data for Northern Ireland)
The greatest concentrations of employment in the marine industry within Great Britain are in
the South West, Scotland and the North West and South East of England. Boatbuilding and
leisure marine equipment manufacture is a growth sector in the UK. In the luxury powerboat
market, a number of British companies and a very small number of high quality equipment
suppliers have made great advances. Some powerboat builders export more than 90% of
production.
221
Other transport
The other transport sub sector has a smaller number of employers than marine and
aerospace but includes companies that employ people to manufacture railway and tramway
locomotives and rolling stock, motorcycles and bicycles and invalid carriages
Workplaces and employment other transport
There were nearly 600 other transport workplaces in Great Britain in 2006/2007. These
companies employed in the region of 14,800 people with 88% of the workforce in England,
5% in Wales and 7% in Scotland. (See separate data for Northern Ireland)
The greatest concentrations of employment in the other transport sector within Great Britain
are in the East Midlands and West Midlands.
Number employed in the transport equipment industry in GB
Nation or Number and Number and
Number and
Total
Region
percentage
percentage
percentage
number
employed
employed
employed
employed
England
Scotland
Wales
Total GB
England
regions
East of
England
East
Midlands
London
North East
North
West
South
East
South
West
West
Midlands
Yorkshire
and The
Humber
Other
transport
13,000
88%
1,100
7%
700
5%
14,800
All transport
manufacture
121,400
12,600
11,200
145,200
Percentage
All GB
transport
manufacture
workforce
84%
9%
8%
Aerospace
Marine
81,400
5,500
9,900
96,800
84%
6%
10%
27,000
6,000
600
33,600
80%
18%
2%
6,400
7%
1,400
4%
400
3%
8,200
6%
14,900
1,200
*
15%
1%
*
1,600
100
1,100
5%
<1%
3%
3,700
1,400
*
25%
9%
*%
20,200
2,700
1,100
14%
2%
<1%
22,300
23%
4,900
15%
1,300
9%
28,500
20%
10,600
11%
4,900
15%
1,100
7%
16,600
11%
17,700
18%
11,500
34%
1,300
9%
30,500
21%
5,700
6%
900
3%
2,700
18%
9,300
6%
2,600
3%
600
2%
1,100
7%
4,300
3%
Source ABI 2007 (NB percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding) * Figures too small to be
reported where <20 companies.
Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) in Northern
Ireland
See section 6.14.13 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and
aerospace) Northern Ireland
222
Main technical and engineering skills gaps in the other transport, aerospace and
marine sectors.
The main skills gaps for the marine, aerospace and other transport sectors reported by
engineering employers in the UK during the 2007 labour market survey (base of 700
engineering employers) are:
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Assembly line/ production robotics
CNC Machine Operation
Electronics
Further details for each Nation and English region are provided in each section.
Demographics.
Gender
Only 19% of the UK Engineering workforce is female and this proportion has not varied much
in the last 10 years. .The percentage of 19% is for women employed in all occupations in the
engineering manufacturing sectors including assembly type occupations, office staff and sales
and marketing. For employment in technical, professional and management roles, women
are particularly under represented with women making up only 17% of all engineering
management roles and 7% of professional roles.
Age
The ageing of the current workforce is an issue for many employers with skilled and
experienced workers reaching retirement age and a need to replace them with other skilled
craft, technical and professional workers.
Further details are included in the following sections
6.14.10 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) England
6.14.11 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) Scotland
6.14.12 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) Wales
6.14.13 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) Northern
Ireland
6.2 Information on careers available and new emerging jobs, transferability of skills
career paths and opportunities for progression
a) Careers currently available
There are a wide range of career options across the whole of the transport equipment
manufacturing that include labouring and machine operator jobs as well as job roles working
on some of the largest and most technical vehicles that are manufactured in the world. In the
marine sector this could include skilled craft jobs such as welding, sheet metal working,
maintenance and assembly of large ships and floating rigs.
223
In the aerospace sector this could include the maintenance and assembly of large
components such as aircraft wings or landing gear or someone may be employed at a
company that carries out maintenance and safety checking of particular aircraft components.
These skilled craft jobs such as welding, toolmaking and maintenance require people who
have background, knowledge and experience in problem solving, practical skills and expertise
in using a range of tools, equipment and machinery as well as being able to interpret
drawings and diagrams. Whilst there are opportunities for working on large projects, many of
the job roles will be with smaller employers involved in producing aircraft components and
smaller leisure marine craft, in the leisure craft industry there are also occupations for
carpenters and people who can process plastics for the boat interiors and hull construction. .
Roles for science and engineering technicians are often difficult to fill for employers since
often they require people not only with practical expertise and training but with a thorough
understanding of mathematics and science having studied at HNC/HND level.
Professional occupations such as mechanical engineer, aerospace engineer and design
engineer will be people whose studies have usually involved a university degree although
graduates in other disciplines such as aeronautical engineering or physics may also be
recruited into professional occupations in the transport equipment industry.
Other roles within the transport equipment sector will involve all the people needed to manage
and run the business including sales and marketing, departmental and team managers,
product development, accounts and stores people.
Often, with such large and expensive products being produced, there are roles for people that
can plan efficiently and manage the chain of suppliers ensuring that the products that they
supply for the final vehicle as well as those people that ensure that everything operates
efficiently with the minimum amount of waste and cost.
Self employment and part time working in the UK
96% of the marine workforce work full time. 13
4% of the marine workforce work part time
97% of the aerospace workforce work full time. 14
3% of the aerospace workforce work part time
95% of the other transport workforce work full time. 15
5% of the other transport workforce work part time
Self employment in engineering is quite a low percentage, around 6% for all engineering
occupations as shown in the table below. Managers and senior officials and people working
in skilled trades have slightly higher percentages of people being self employed. Due to the
number of micro companies, there may be more self employment for managers who actually
own those companies.
13
2008 LFS data
2008 LFS data
15
2008 LFS data
14
224
Table showing percentage employment status for all engineering
Major occupation group
(main job)
1 Managers and Senior
Officials
2 Professional occupations
3 Associate Professional and
Technical
4
Administrative
and
Secretarial
5 Skilled Trades Occupations
6
Personal
Service
Occupations
7 Sales and Customer Service
Occupations
8 Process, Plant and Machine
Operatives
9 Elementary Occupations
Total
Source LFS 2008 data
Employee
Employment status main job (reported)
Self
Government
Unpaid family
employed
scheme
worker
Total
91%
9%
0%
0%
100%
94%
6%
0%
0%
100%
97%
3%
0%
0%
100%
96%
4%
0%
0%
100%
91%
9%
0%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
0%
100%
96%
2%
1%
1%
100%
99%
1%
0%
0%
100%
96%
94%
4%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
225
Major Job roles in the transport equipment sector ( including marine and aerospace)
include the following,
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Aerospace Engineer
Design Engineer
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Marine Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Naval Architect
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Associate professional and technical occupations
Aerospace Engineering Technician
Laboratory Technician
Marine engineering technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Marine Craftsperson
Sheet Metal Worker
Shipwright / riveter /plater
Welder
Process, plant and machine operatives
Engineering Operative
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
226
b) New and emerging jobs
Aerospace
The UK already plays a leading role in wing, engine, weapon and rotor design within
international groups of aerospace companies. Aerospace companies are diversifying into
other complementary sectors such as automotive and electronics by exploiting intellectual
property acquired through aerospace research.
New jobs are likely to emerge for skilled managers and professional engineers capable of
good project management and the ability to coordinate design, technology, delivery and
support globally.
Roles for multidisciplinary engineers, materials specialists and engineering technicians
capable of using a range of specialist software are likely to emerge as the sector increasingly
turns to development of the use of composite technologies to produce lighter aircraft
structures that can carry heavier loads and reduce fuel consumption.
Already, many manufacturers are exploring the possibilities of producing quieter more
efficient engines in the light of rising fuel costs and increased regulation on air pollution and
noise. Particularly in the areas of defence, electronic systems and components will be
developed to improve surveillance technology and better protect aircraft:
As with most modern engineering manufacture, in addition to the development of the vehicles
and components themselves there will be developments in the design and manufacturing
processes to make material and energy use more efficient, minimise waste and reduce the
time taken to get a new product from the idea stage to manufacture and sales.
Marine
There are many areas of future development in the marine sector in the field of large
shipbuilding, leisure craft industries and wave energy development. New jobs are likely to
emerge for skilled managers and professional engineers capable of good project
management and the ability to coordinate design, technology, delivery and support globally.
Roles for multidisciplinary engineers, materials specialists and engineering technicians
capable of using a range of specialist software are likely to emerge. The new developments
are likely to include research and development into new fuel sources for ships and boats such
as biomass as well as the use of renewable energy systems such as photo voltaic power.
It is expected that there will be greater use of advanced materials for example self cleaning
composite materials or coatings on the boat hulls. Another growth area for the sector is the
design and development of autonomous or remote controlled unmanned marine vehicles that
can have applications in surveying the sea bed for offshore rigs and also for protection
against theft or terrorism for example. There is also likely to be a need for engineers with a
knowledge and understanding of power generation from sources such as wave energy.
As with most modern engineering manufacture, in addition to the development of the vehicles
themselves there will be developments in the design and manufacturing processes to make
material and energy use more efficient, minimise waste and reduce the time taken to get a
new product from the idea stage to manufacture and sales.
227
c) Transferability of skills within the transport equipment sector ( including marine and
aerospace).
Elementary occupations
Those employed in these roles may have skills in using specialist lifting and transport/storage
equipment, knowledge of different types of materials that are moved around the company.
Some may have experience of completing stock sheets or component lists or completing
forms to sign in or take out specialist equipment. Some may have undergone health and
safety training for lifting and transporting materials and safe working practices in a
manufacturing production area. Most if not all of these skills would be relevant to all sectors
within engineering manufacture.
Process, plant and machine operatives
People in these types of roles would be familiar with completing forms and documents relating
to the number and types of product assembled or completed by them in their work, some of
this recording is likely to be carried out on a computer database.
Health and safety training is likely to have been undertaken and understanding of safe
working practices would be transferable across all sectors. Attention to detail when
assembling or machining products and visual checking to ensure that faulty items from the
machine are not sent to the next stage of production will be part of most roles within this
category and would be transferable across all sectors. Some people employed within these
roles may have received specialist training using particular machines or processes such as
laminating for example.
Skilled trades occupations
Most people employed in these roles will have undertaken an apprenticeship and a period of
practical experience combined with further studies in some cases. They may be skilled in a
particular area such as maintenance or toolmaking but they will all have skills related to
understanding and interpreting drawings and diagrams, communicating and working as part
of a larger team and often health and safety in the workplace knowledge and experience.
Some employees in this group may have skills in setting, programming or using modern
numerically controlled machine tools or specialist diagnostic equipment all very desirable and
transferable skills to other engineering sectors.
Particularly in the marine and aerospace sectors, skilled craftspeople may have specific skills
related to specialised welding, sheet metal work, laminating and forming using plastics and
composite materials or will have a thorough understanding of the need for thorough checking,
testing and careful handling of materials and components.
Associate professional and technical occupations
People in these job roles will have similar practical transferable skills to those in skilled trades
occupations but they may have greater responsibility for identifying, organising and using
resources effectively, completing tasks whilst considering the cost, quality, safety and
environmental impact. They will have the ability to apply their mathematical and scientific
knowledge when undertaking their work and may often need to work without close
supervision accepting responsibility for the work of themselves and others. These skills are
transferable across all engineering sectors.
Particularly in the aerospace sector where employees are involved in the maintenance, repair
and overhaul of aircraft, particular work carried out on an aircraft must be certified (signed-off)
by an appropriately licensed engineer, so some aircraft maintenance engineers will hold a
license to prove their competence.
228
Professional occupations
Professional engineers will usually have a background and degree in a particular engineering
discipline and many of these engineering disciplines are transferable across all engineering
sectors.
Transferable skills would include the ability to organise ideas, produce comprehensive
reports, work in teams as part of the day to day operating of the organisation, problem
solving, costing solutions, responsibility, involvement in decision making, planning, project
and time management skills and the use of specialist computer and software packages to
carry out various activities.
Managers and senior officials
A level of experience is expected from these roles and transferable skills to other engineering
sectors would be those of team and department leadership, decision making, understanding
of production and manufacturing costs, planning and funding.
d) Career paths and opportunities for progression.
There are many opportunities to develop and progress in an engineering career. The
‘Engineering Planner’
was devised by Semta to provide useful information about
qualifications and levels of responsibility for particular job roles and act as guidance for
people wanting to progress to different roles through training and further study.
See the engineering planner:
See separate progression section in each job title description
229
6.3 Information on pay scales in the transport equipment sector ( including marine and
aerospace)
Pay scales for all of these roles will vary depending on the amount of experience the
employee has, the level of responsibility and where the work is based geographically, so pay
scales given are based on estimates from a number of sources. Also bear in mind that many
large engineering manufacturing companies may offer incentives for those working shifts or
nights.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
The starting salary for new graduates or those new to the role is around £19,000 to £23,000.
An experienced production manager may earn on average around £38,500.
Some managers with high levels of responsibility earn more than £56,000 a year.
Professional occupations
Aerospace Engineer
Starting salaries for graduate engineers may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced aerospace engineers can earn around £38,000 or more, depending on their
professional status and experience. Chartered aerospace engineers in senior roles may earn
around £45,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
Design Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced design engineers can earn on average around £35,000 or more, depending on
their professional status. Senior design engineers may earn around £45,000 or more.
Marine Engineer
Starting salaries for graduate engineers may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced marine engineers can earn around £38,000 or more, depending on their
professional status and experience. Chartered marine engineers in senior roles may earn
around £45,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
Mechanical Engineer
Starting salaries for graduate engineers may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced mechanical engineers can earn around £38,000 or more, depending on their
professional status and experience. Chartered mechanical engineers in senior roles may
earn around £45,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
Naval Architect
Starting salaries for graduate naval architects may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced naval architects can earn around £38,000 or more, depending on their
professional status and experience. Chartered naval architects in senior roles may earn
around £55,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
Production Engineer
Salaries for production engineers new to the role can start at around £23,000 a year.
Production engineers with experience earn around £33,000 on average. Some production
engineers with high levels of responsibility can earn over £44,000 per year.
230
Associate professional and technical occupations
Aerospace Engineering Technician
The starting salary for an aerospace engineering technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced aerospace engineering technician may earn around
£30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility can earn
over £38,000.
Engineering Maintenance Technician
The starting salary for an engineering maintenance technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced engineering maintenance technician may earn
around £30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility
can earn over £38,000.
Laboratory Technician
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500.
Experienced laboratory technicians earn around £20,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £30,000 per year.
Marine engineering technician
The starting salary for a marine engineering technician undergoing training may be around
£15,000 a year. An experienced marine engineering technician may earn around £30,000 a
year although if the work involves being away at sea and having additional responsibilities,
earnings could be in excess of £38,000
Mechanical Engineering Technician
The starting salary for a mechanical engineering technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced mechanical engineering technician may earn around
£30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility can earn
over £38,000.
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Starting salaries for stores assistants are from £10,000 to £14,000 a year.
An experienced person could earn £17,500 a year on average.
Stores managers can earn over £25,000.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Newly-qualified craft machinists
may earn around £18,000 a year and the average for an experienced machinist is around
£26,000.
Senior machinists with higher levels of responsibility or those working shifts and overtime may
earn over £30,000 a year.
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. The average pay for an
engineering maintenance fitter is around £27,000. Highly-skilled and experienced
maintenance fitters may earn over £40,000.
231
Marine Craftsperson
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. The average pay for a marine
craftsperson is around £27,000. Highly-skilled and experienced workers may earn over
£40,000.
Sheet Metal Worker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified sheet metal workers
are likely to earn up to £23,000 a year although this could be higher for those working shifts
and overtime. Highly skilled sheet metal workers can earn up to £28,000 a year.
Shipwright / riveter /plater
Starting salaries may range from around £18,000 to £20,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified platers are likely to earn
£25,000 a year on average although this could be higher for those involved in offshore
contracts or work where they are away from home. Those with management responsibility
could earn over £30,000..
Toolmaker
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Average salaries for an
experienced toolmaker may be around £25,000 a year although this can be higher for those
involved in shift work or overtime. Highly skilled toolmakers with management responsibilities
may earn over £38,000 a year.
Welder
Starting salaries may range from around £15,500 to £17,500 a year with first year craft
apprentices starting at between £8,000 and £10,000 a year. Qualified welders are likely to
earn on average £24,000 a year although this can be higher with overtime and shift work.
Highly skilled welders with specialist qualifications or those carrying out specialist work
overseas or underwater work, can earn over £31,500 a year.
Process, plant and machine operatives
Engineering Operative
Starting salaries may be around £12,500 a year. Starting salaries for Apprentices may range
from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Experienced engineering operatives may earn up to
£21,000 a year on average although this could be more for those working shifts and overtime.
The most skilled and experienced operatives with management responsibilities may earn
£28,000 or more with overtime and piecework.
Quality Control Inspector
Salaries for quality control inspectors may start at around £13,000 a year.
With some experience, an inspector may earn around £20,000.
Inspectors with wider responsibilities may earn over £28,000 and, in certain industries (such
as the aerospace sector), as much as £35,000.
232
6.4 Information on entry requirements, and application processes for transport
equipment manufacture ( including marine and aerospace).
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about application processes and further sources of assistance are provided under
each of these headings.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
Recruitment of an Honours Degree graduate or equivalent.
•
Internal promotion of Senior Team Leader.
•
External recruitment of an experienced Manager.
•
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
•
It may be possible to start in other areas of manufacturing and progress to supervisor
and then manager.
233
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines as well
as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are
often used to secure staff for roles at this level and internal promotion and recruitment is also
a method of recruitment and development.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/ British marine federation, includes vacancy and careers
section.
http://www.marineresources.co.uk Marine recruitment services.
http://www.raes.org.uk Royal aeronautical society
http://www.imarest.org/ Institute of Marine engineering, science and technology.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Marine and
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/aerospace Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Professional occupations
Aerospace Engineer
Design Engineer
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Marine Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Naval Architect
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
234
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of a graduate or equivalent
External recruitment of Professional Engineer
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
Vacancies are often advertised in trade journals and engineering institution magazines as well
as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices. Recruitment agencies are
often used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to companies through the
recruitment sections of their websites are also recommended since initiative and
communication skills are valued in these roles. Craftspeople and technicians may have the
opportunity to secure further studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the
company where they are working.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/ British marine federation, includes vacancy and careers
section.
http://www.marineresources.co.uk Marine recruitment services.
http://www.raes.org.uk Royal aeronautical society
http://www.imarest.org/ Institute of Marine engineering, science and technology.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Marine and
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/aerospace Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
235
Associate professional and technical occupations
Aerospace Engineering Technician
Laboratory Technician
Marine engineering technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an Engineering Technician
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Vacancies for experienced technicians are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines as well as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices.
Recruitment agencies may be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to
companies through the recruitment sections of their websites are recommended since
initiative and communication skills are valued in these roles. Apprentices may have the
opportunity to secure further studies and development in order to transfer to such roles in the
company where they are working and sometimes may be enrolled on a scheme that ensures
their opportunity to progress to this type of role.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/ British marine federation, includes vacancy and careers
section.
http://www.marineresources.co.uk Marine recruitment services.
http://www.raes.org.uk Royal aeronautical society
http://www.imarest.org/ Institute of Marine engineering, science and technology.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Marine and
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/aerospace Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
Those with a particular interest in laboratory technician work may find the following
sources useful
http://www.labnewsjobs.co.uk/ Laboratory news
http://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist
236
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver to serve an Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an experienced stock controller/stores assistant
Vacancies advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes recruitment
via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Marine Craftsperson
Sheet Metal Worker
Shipwright / riveter /plater
Welder
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or adult employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of skilled Craftspeople
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Adults seeking to progress from an operative role to an advanced apprenticeship leading to a
skilled craft role, should speak to someone in their company responsible for training or human
resources.
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website . For those
with a particular interest in an apprenticeship in the aerospace sector, opportunities are
particularly competitive and early direct approaches to companies through the recruitment
sections of the websites are recommended.
237
Vacancies for experienced craftspeople are often advertised in trade journals and engineering
institution magazines as well as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices.
Recruitment agencies may be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to
companies through the recruitment sections of their websites are also recommended.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/ British marine federation, includes vacancy and careers
section.
http://www.marineresources.co.uk Marine recruitment services.
http://www.raes.org.uk Royal aeronautical society
http://www.imarest.org/ Institute of Marine engineering, science and technology.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Engineering, Mathematics
and computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Marine and
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/aerospace Professional and
management vacancies as well as some industry news, useful for researching companies.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
238
Process, plant and machine operatives
Engineering Operative
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Apprenticeship.
External recruitment of a trained Operative or assembler
Advancement from the Young Apprenticeship
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
External recruitment of an experienced labourer.
External recruitment of a person who will undertake further training.
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
6.5 Qualifications
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Administrative and secretarial occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about qualifications are provided under each of these headings.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Often have a degree; this may be in an engineering discipline or in a subject specific
to management or production management.
May have a higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND) combined with extensive
working experience such as having completed an advanced apprenticeship.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
239
Professional occupations
Aerospace Engineer
Design Engineer
Marine Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Naval Architect
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Would usually have a degree in an engineering specific discipline but it may be in a
subject specific to a physical science such as physics or chemistry.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Particular levels of study would be required for professional engineers seeking to
become a chartered or incorporated engineer and details can be obtained from the
Engineering Council. (ECUK)
Associate professional and technical occupations
Aerospace Engineering Technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Marine engineering technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Qualifications •
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Some technician apprentices first study full time for Level 3 qualifications, such as A
levels, BTEC National Diplomas or Certificates, or City & Guilds awards.
Particular levels of experience and study would be required by those seeking
professional registration as engineering technicians ( EngTech) and details can be
obtained from the Engineering Council Engineering Technician page. (ECUK)
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some stores assistants are required to have a driving licence and be qualified to drive
a fork-lift truck whereas others may have qualifications related to the use of lifting
equipment or health and safety certificates.
240
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Marine Craftsperson
Sheet Metal Worker
Shipwright / riveter /plater
Welder
Qualifications
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Many will have work based competencies at level 3 in subjects such as Fabrication
and Welding Engineering, Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering
Maintenance, Engineering Toolmaking etc.
Process, plant and machine operatives
Assembler (Light Industry)
Electronics Assembler
Engineering Operative
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Operative
Qualifications
•
•
When entering this career through an apprenticeship, GCSE grades D to G or
equivalent are required although some employers will require levels of skills using IT
mean that higher grades at GCSE will become increasingly prevalent.
Some people working in specialised jobs may have work-based competence - N/SVQ
Levels 1and 2 in subjects such as Performing engineering operations, or
qualifications related to safe working or lifting practices.
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
Qualifications
•
•
There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role
although English, maths and ICT skills are an advantage.
Some labourers may be qualified to drive a fork-lift truck whereas others may have
qualifications related to the use of lifting equipment or health and safety certificates.
241
6.6 Data on employment and labour market trends and forecasts for transport
equipment manufacture ( including marine and aerospace).
The current view
In the political and financial climate of early to late 2009 there were many news stories
regarding the manufacturing industry both globally and in the UK. It is not an easy task to
accurately predict what might happen in the transport equipment sectors but it should be
noted that many companies are involved in trying to reduce costs without closing their
businesses completely and whilst press stories often focus on redundancy numbers, these do
not always fully represent the situation for the way in which the employer is managing the
challenges which may be through improving production methods, short closures, adapting
working times or upgrading skills.
Some companies particularly in the marine and aerospace sectors continue to win new
contracts and most have long term plans since often a large development project could take 5
to ten years to complete. At this current time it is not possible to predict the long term figures
for company requirements for numbers of employees, but it is considered that the approach
taken by many of the lead manufacturers will lead to employment opportunities for skilled and
experienced workers as the economic climate improves.
6.7 Skill shortages
All sectors in the economy face major skill challenges as the nature of work alters and global
competition intensifies although the pace of change is likely to be particularly rapid within
most parts of the Engineering industry. Those in the workforce with no qualifications are likely
to face particular challenges
Detailed information for each region and nation are included in the following sections.
6.14.1 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) East Midlands.
6.14.2 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) East of
England
6.14.3 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) London
6.14.4 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) North East
6.14.5 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) North West
6.14.6 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)South East
6.14.7 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) South West
6.14.8 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) West Midlands.
6.14.9 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) Yorkshire and
the Humber
6.14.10 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) England
6.14.11 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) Scotland
6.14.12 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) Wales
6.14.13 Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) Northern
Ireland
242
6.8 Information on opportunities for adults changing career direction
At the craft, technician, professional and management occupational levels there are
opportunities for people who hold relevant degrees, Further Education qualifications or other
industry recognised certificates and who have working experience in an engineering
environment.
It is expected that the number of operator and assembly job roles are likely to decrease in the
transport equipment sector although as the business climate improves; there will still be
employment opportunities due to retirement of current employees.
Whilst formal
qualifications are not always required for these roles, transferable skills such as team
working, an ability to follow diagrams and instructions, basic mathematical understanding and
practical skills are all relevant to people wishing to transfer to these occupations.
6.9 Entry or transfer into the transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace)
sector from another area/sector.
The technical nature or practical experience required to work in the craft, technician,
professional and management occupations means that those without the relevant
qualifications or experience will need to consider courses and training relevant to the role they
wish to pursue.
Where formal qualifications or skills for operator or assembly job roles are required, the
careers services can assist in advising on courses and qualifications that may be available
locally. Where formal qualifications and experience are not required, application through
agencies and direct to the employer are recommended.
243
6.10 Job profiles
Major Job roles in the transport equipment sector include the following
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles.
Managers and senior officials
Manufacturing Production Manager
Professional occupations
Aerospace Engineer
Design Engineer
Marine Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Naval Architect
Production Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Associate professional and technical occupations
Aerospace Engineering Technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Laboratory Technician
Marine engineering technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Administrative and secretarial occupations
Stock Controller/Stores Assistant
Skilled trades occupations
Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist
Engineering Maintenance Fitter
Marine Craftsperson
Sheet Metal Worker
Shipwright / riveter /plater
Welder
Process, plant and machine operatives
Engineering Operative
Elementary occupations
Labourers in process and plant operations
244
6.11 Case studies transport equipment occupations ( including marine and aerospace)
Jobs4U Case studies
Aeronautical engineer/ engine fitter Sally Martin
Avionics engineer Peter Stupart
CAD (Computer aided design) engineering draughtsperson Lee Warner
Engineering maintenance fitter Stephen Blake
First stage boatbuilder/carpenter Russell Purdy
Marine engineer Lisa Wooderson
Mechanical engineering technician Kieran Jordan
Naval Architect Jo Assael
Sheet metal plater/fabricator Christopher Hackett
Weapons Engineer Technician Daniel Monks
Welding technician Samuel Emm
6.12 FAQs
Q) Do people working in the marine industry need to be away at sea?
A) For some people the opportunity to work and travel at sea may combine their own interest
in sailing with an interesting career although it is not essential for all job roles in the marine
sector. Some companies are involved in research and development using large water tanks
and computer equipment to test new designs. Many leisure craft such as yachts and motor
boats are built and fitted in large sheds, sometimes quite a way from the sea.
Q) Is it possible to transfer from maintenance in a manufacturing company to work in
aircraft maintenance?
A) Some aspects of the job such as following a maintenance schedule and following safe
procedures for carrying out fault finding and maintenance are similar although it is likely to be
an expectation of a commercial company that someone in this role would have experience of
aircraft maintenance. Other opportunities may be available through the military. Being a
licensed aircraft maintenance technician can improve the likelihood of securing work so it is
advisable to explore courses that are available and visit employer websites to see what
opportunities are available. Some people employed in these roles make aircraft and flying
part of their hobby too and may be members of flying or gliding clubs or members of the air
cadets. http://www.caa.co.uk/homepage.aspx
Q) I thought that boat and shipbuilding in the UK was a dying industry, are there still
opportunities available?
A) Large traditional shipbuilding is still an important employer in parts of the UK as shipyards
are awarded MOD contracts. In addition to this, the UK has great strengths in the
manufacture and maintenance of what are known as leisure craft, these could be small
sailing, sports or river going craft or sea going luxury yachts. Using web sources such as
those listed in the additional web links section will enable you see news items about the
companies that are employers in parts of the UK.
245
6.13 Sources of additional information, web-links etc
Specific to transport equipment, marine and aerospace
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
British marine federation, includes vacancy and careers
sectionhttp://www.britishmarine.co.uk/.
Marine recruitment services http://www.marineresources.co.uk .
Royal aeronautical society http://www.raes.org.uk
Institute of Marine engineering, science and technologyhttp://www.imarest.org/.
Merchant Navy http://www.careersatsea.org/
Sea Vision UK a national campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea
and maritime activities http://www.seavisionuk.org
Royal Airforce http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/
Royal Navy http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers
Website of the institution of Engineering and Technology.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm
Covers all engineering, technology and science.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engineering Diploma Development Partnership, c/o Semta, the Sector Skills Council
for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Second Floor, Weston
House, 246 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EX. 020 7269 9840. Website:
www.engineeringdiploma.com
Engineering & technology careers & news from the Engineering and Technology
Board (ETB) website http://www.scenta.co.uk and http://www.enginuity.org.uk
Futuremorph, Science Council Careers Website http://www.futuremorph.org/
Inside Careers http://www.insidecareers.co.uk
New Outlooks in Science and engineering http://www.noisemakers.org.uk/index.cfm
Science, So What? So Everything DirectGov website
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/
Semta Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies http://www.semta.org.uk
UK resource centre for women in science, engineering and
technology.http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/
246
6.14 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace Regional and
National Information
6.14.1 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace East
Midlands. East Midlands Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 20,200 people employed in around 240 companies in transport equipment
manufacture in the East Midlands in 2007. This represents 14% of the total GB transport
equipment workforce. The largest group of employees were involved in aerospace
manufacture (14,900) and the second largest was other transport (3,700). The largest
percentage of the other transport workforce, were based in the East Midlands. Whilst some
occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation, it was
estimated that a total requirement of 2,690 employees will be needed in the transport
equipment sector in the East Midlands between 2007 and 2014.
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
2122 Mechanical engineers
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
2129 Engineering professionals n.e.c.
5315 Carpenters and joiners
3113 Engineering technicians
2126 Design and development engineers
Source: Census 2001
Total
Male
2,240
2,010
1,270
1,030
980
750
670
660
470
460
2,200
1,930
1,180
1,000
860
740
600
660
450
440
Female
40
80
90
30
120
10
60
*
20
20
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the East
Midlands.
Occupation
Employment in the East
Midlands other transport
equipment sector
Total people in this
occupation in the East
Midlands. (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within the East Midlands within the transport equipment sector
27,370
24,370
40,810
6,710
9,750
7,160
5,940
17,150
3,820
5,410
8%
8%
3%
15%
10%
10%
11%
4%
12%
9%
Transport equipment( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in the East Midlands
were:
•
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
247
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East Midlands.
94% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East Midlands is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East Midlands accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East Midlands employs 115,100 people in 6,260
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment,
aerospace and automotive.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the East Midlands employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Derby City, Leicester
City, South Derbyshire, Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth and Ashfield.
Training, skills and recruitment
Over 10,200 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East Midlands during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,190 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East Midlands during 2007, particularly for skilled trades (55%), professionals (17%) and
process plant and machine operative (16%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills.
Lack of applicants with required working experience.
11% of engineering employees in the East Midlands have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
46,100 people across management and core technical occupations (29% of the current
workforce).
This represents
5,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,300 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
7,600 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,100 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
248
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the East Midlands expected skills gaps for operators, technicians and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
CNC machine operations,
Assembly line/production
Robotics
Materials requirement planning skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills (such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem
solving and working with others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
6.14.2 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace East of
England
East of England Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 8,200 people employed in 360 companies in the transport equipment
sector in the East of England in 2007. This represents 6% of the GB transport equipment
workforce. The largest group of employees were involved in aerospace manufacture (6,400)
and the second largest was marine (1,400). Whilst some occupations within the sector are
decreasing before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of
2,740 employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in the East of England
between 2007 and 2014.
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
2122 Mechanical engineers
8125 Metal working machine operatives
5315 Carpenters and joiners
2126 Design and development engineers
3113 Engineering technicians
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
Source: Census 2001
Total
Male
1,870
1,400
1,060
930
830
420
380
380
360
330
1,840
1,260
1,040
890
830
410
370
380
330
310
Female
30
140
20
40
*
20
10
*
30
20
Transport equipment %
of total occupational
employment in region
Occupation
Employment in the East of
England Other transport
Equipment Sector
Total occupational
employment in region
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the East of England within the Transport equipment sector
28,500
50,040
9,090
23,560
23,680
7,960
4,570
5,910
19,680
8,080
7%
3%
12%
4%
4%
5%
8%
6%
2%
4%
249
Transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in the East of
England were:
•
•
•
•
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Tool setting
Mechanical Engineering
Carpentry / woodwork
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the East of England
93% of employment within the Engineering industry in the East of England is full-time.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The East of England accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the East of England employs 116,500 people in 7,890
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and
mechanical equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
95% of engineering establishments in the East of England employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Peterborough,
Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire, Luton and Basildon.
Training, skills and recruitment
•
Over 10,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the East of England
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
East of England during 2007. There vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (50%) and
process plant and machine operatives (14%) vacancies.
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of engineering employees in the East of England have no qualifications and many more
are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is need to up skill more than
54,600 people across management and core technical occupations (34% of the current
workforce).
This represents
9,900 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above.
7,600 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above.
8,800 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,400 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,000 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the East of England, to replace those retiring.
250
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the East of England expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades
(craft) and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in
Computer aided design (CAD),
Tool setting
Welding skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills.
6.14.3 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace London
London Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 2,700 people employed in 140 companies in the transport equipment
sector in London in 2007. This represents 2% of the GB transport equipment workforce. The
largest group of employees were involved in other transport manufacture (1,400) and the
second largest was aerospace (1,200). Whilst some occupations within the sector are
decreasing before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of
465 employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in London between 2007
and 2014.
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2122 Mechanical engineers
2132 Software professionals
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
4122 Accounts and wages clerks; book-keepers; other
financial clerks
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
4150 General office assistants/clerks
Source: Census 2001
Male
Female
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in London.
Occupation
Employment in London’s
Other transport Equipment
Sector
Total people employed in
this occupation in
London ( All engineering)
Top ten occupations within London within the Transport equipment sector
640
410
320
240
190
160
150
630
370
300
230
160
150
140
10
40
20
10
30
20
10
16,050
44,290
13,000
8,040
50,930
4,890
1,850
4%
1%
2%
3%
0%
3%
8%
150
140
130
60
130
50
90
10
80
84,360
15,290
103,940
0%
1%
0%
251
All engineering manufacturing sectors in London
92% of the Engineering workforce in London is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
London accounts for 3% of all Engineering employment and 7% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in London employs 44,200 people in 4,390 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, electronics and
mechanical equipment.
97% of engineering establishments in London employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Barking and Dagenham,
Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
Over 3,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in London during March
2006/7.
There were an estimated 505 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in London
during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (29%) and technicians
(22%) vacancies.
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
13% of Engineering employees in London have no qualifications and many more are underqualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 22,300 people
across management and core technical occupations (31% of the current workforce)
This represents
2,300 managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,700 professional engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,800 skilled trades (craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
3,300 operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,200 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the London, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
Employers in London expected skills gaps for professionals, technicians and skilled
trades (craft) would have the most significant effect on their business.
•
The main skills identified as lacking in employees were technical and engineering skills at
all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD),
materials requirement planning (MRP)
general machining.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
252
6.14.4 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace North East
North East Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were over 1,100 people employed in just over 40 companies in the transport equipment
sector in the North East in 2007. This represents <1% of the GB transport equipment
workforce. There are some Aerospace and other transport equipment companies in the North
East but the number of companies are quite small in the region. The largest group of
employees were employed in marine companies (1,100). Whilst some occupations within the
sector are decreasing before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total
requirement of 850 employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in the
North East between 2007 and 2014.
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
5214 Metal plate workers; shipwrights; riveters
5215 Welding trades
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
5216 Pipe fitters
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations
n.e.c.
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
8141 Scaffolders; stagers; riggers
Source: Census 2001
690
580
520
300
300
Male
690
580
520
300
290
Female
0
0
0
0
10
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the North
East.
Occupation
Employment in the North
East Other transport
Equipment Sector
Total people employed in
this occupation in the
North West.
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the North East within the Transport equipment sector
14,980
2,180
5,010
9,720
13,370
5%
27%
10%
3%
2%
260
260
0
3,830
7%
250
250
0
1,690
15%
250
240
0
13,520
2%
210
150
200
150
10
0
14,820
2,000
1%
8%
Transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in transport equipment in the North East were:
•
•
Assembly line/ production robotics
Metal workers
253
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North East
96% of the Engineering workforce in the North East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
The North East accounts for 5% of all Engineering employment and 3% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
• The Engineering industry in the North East employs 63,200 people in 2,310
establishments.
• The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, metal products
and automotive.
• There are above average concentrations of employment in the automotive and
electronics sectors when compared to Great Britain.
• 90% of engineering establishments in the North East employ less than 50 people.
• Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Newcastle upon Tyne,
Gateshead, Sunderland and Sedgefield.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 6,700 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 730 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for professionals (39%), skilled
trades (32%) and process plant and machine operative (22%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
8% of engineering employees in the North East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 20,700
people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
1,900 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
1,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
5,800 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
6,900 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,850 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North East, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the North East expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), managers and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels with the three main skills gaps in:
Metal working,
Welding
Materials requirement planning (MRP) skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
254
6.14.5 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace North West
North West Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 28,500 people employed in 260 companies in the transport equipment
sector in the North West in 2007. This represents 20% of the GB transport equipment
workforce.
The largest group of employees were involved in aerospace manufacture
(22,300) This is the region with the largest percentage of the aerospace workforce in GB
(23%). The second largest employer in the region was other transport (4,900). Whilst some
occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was
estimated that a total requirement of 4,000 employees will be needed in transport equipment
manufacture in the North West between 2007 and 2014.
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
2122 Mechanical engineers
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
3113 Engineering technicians
2132 Software professionals
2128 Planning and quality control Engineers
2126 Design and development Engineers
Source: Census 2001
Male
Female
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the North
West.
Occupation
Employment in the North
West Other transport
Equipment Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the North
West ( All engineering )
Top ten occupations within the North West within the Transport equipment Sector
5,540
5,460
70
38,160
15%
2,220
2,120
100
30,370
7%
1,740
1,730
1,260
970
880
850
770
710
1,640
1,680
1,240
930
840
770
690
690
110
60
20
50
40
80
80
20
51,240
9,530
24,280
10,400
5,100
23,850
4,790
6,860
3%
18%
5%
9%
17%
4%
16%
10%
Transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in the North West
were:
•
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Welding skills
Fabrication
255
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the North West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the North West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The North West accounts for 11% of all Engineering employment and 11% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the North West employs 143,300 people in 7,620
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and aerospace.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and marine
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the North West employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Fylde, Knowsley, Crewe
and Nantwich, Stockport, Oldham and Preston.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,800 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the North West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,100 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
North West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (40%) and
process plant and machine operative (28%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
•
9% of engineering employees in the North West have no qualifications. Around 28% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up
skill more than 52,200 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
6,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,100 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
11,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,200 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,400 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 5,400 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the North West, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the North West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft) and
professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees was technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting
Welding skills.
256
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills.
6.14.6 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace South East
South East Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 16,600 people employed in 640 companies in the transport equipment
sector in the South East in 2007. This represents 11% of the GB transport equipment
workforce. The largest group of employees were involved in aerospace manufacture (10,600)
and the second largest was marine (4,900). Whilst some occupations within the sector are
decreasing before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of
2185 employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in the South East
between 2007 and 2014.
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2132 Software professionals
5315 Carpenters and joiners
2122 Mechanical engineers
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
4150 General office assistants/clerks
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
2126 Design and development engineers
Source: Census 2001
Total
Male
3,880
2,460
1,270
1,090
1,080
960
960
750
730
690
3,840
2,270
1,210
1,000
1,070
940
880
180
720
680
Female
40
190
60
90
10
20
80
570
10
10
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the South
East.
Occupation
Employment in the South
East Other transport
Equipment Sector
Total people in this
occupation in the South
East (All engineering)
Top ten occupations within the South East within the Transport equipment sector
38,060
82,550
23,230
53,570
32,710
15,120
27,790
125,000
7,090
11,470
10%
3%
5%
2%
3%
6%
3%
1%
10%
6%
Transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in the South East
were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Aircraft Engineering
257
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South East
93% of the Engineering workforce in the South East is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
The South East accounts for 12% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the South East employs 157,000 people in 10,640
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, mechanical equipment and
metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the electronics and electrical
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around West Berkshire,
Basingstoke and Deane, Milton Keynes, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Crawley and Medway.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 12,400 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South East during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 2,115 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South East during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (31%) and skilled trades (26%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
•
•
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in the South East have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
84,500 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
•
•
•
•
•
13,800 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
21,500 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
18,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
18,500 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,900 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South East, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South East expected skills gaps for professionals, skilled trades (craft)
and technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main skill gaps in:
•
•
•
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Welding skills.
258
The generic skills gaps highlighted were:
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
IT/computer skills
6.14.7 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace South West
South West Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 30,500 people employed in 480 companies in the transport equipment
sector in the South West in 2007. This represents 21% of the GB transport equipment
workforce the largest percentage in GB. The largest group of employees were involved in
aerospace manufacture (17,700) and the second largest was marine (11,500). The region
has the second highest number of people employed in aerospace manufacture (18%) and the
highest number of people employed in the marine sector (34%). Whilst some occupations
within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a
total requirement of 6,530 employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in
the South West between 2007 and 2014.
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
2122 Mechanical engineers
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
8125 Metal working machine operatives
5315 Carpenters and joiners
2126 Design and development engineers
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
2132 Software professionals
4150 General office assistants/clerks
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
Source: Census 2001
Total
Male
4,320
2,740
2,620
2,250
1,550
1,180
980
840
810
790
4,260
2,660
2,400
2,170
1,520
1,140
930
770
230
780
Female
60
90
220
90
30
30
40
60
590
20
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in the South
West
Occupation
Employment in the South
West Other transport
Equipment Sector
Total people employed in
this occupation in the
South West (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within the South West within the Transport equipment sector
27,630
9,270
40,160
19,650
22,930
6,430
7,000
21,680
71,400
16,370
16%
30%
7%
11%
7%
18%
14%
4%
1%
5%
Transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in the South West
were:
•
•
CNC Machine Operation
Aircraft engineering
259
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the South West
94% of the Engineering workforce in the South West is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The South West accounts for 8% of all Engineering employment and 9% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in the South West employs 129,400 people in 6,470
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics
and metal products.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the marine and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
94% of engineering establishments in the South West employ less than 50 people.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Tewkesbury,
Cheltenham, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, South Somerset, Poole
and Plymouth.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 9,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the South West during
March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,530 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
South West during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant and machine
operatives (43%) and skilled trades/craft (37%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
7% of engineering employees in the South West have no qualifications. About a third of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to
up skill around 52,300 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents
4,700 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
7,500 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
10,900 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,900 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
15,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 3,750 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the South West, to replace those retiring.
260
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the South West expected skills gaps for skilled trades (craft), technicians
and professionals would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Computer aided engineering (CAE).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
IT/computer skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills.
6.14.8 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace West
Midlands.
West Midlands Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 9,300 people employed in 230 companies in the transport equipment
sector in the West Midlands in 2007. This represents 6% of the GB transport equipment
workforce. The largest group of employees were involved in aerospace manufacture (5,700)
and the second largest was other transport (2,700). Whilst some occupations within the
sector are decreasing before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total
requirement of 1,110 employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in the
West Midlands between 2007 and 2014.
Total
Male
1,490
1,430
60
42,620
4%
1,240
1,230
20
32,190
4%
1,050
980
70
50,640
2%
880
870
10
18,570
5%
2122 Mechanical engineers
630
610
20
7,880
8%
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
550
500
40
11,250
5%
2126 Design and development engineers
380
370
10
7,990
5%
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
370
340
20
14,840
2%
8132 Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
350
270
80
15,710
2%
3113 Engineering technicians
350
340
10
4,030
9%
8125 Metal working machine operatives
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
5221 Metal machining setters and setteroperators
Female
Total people in this
occupation in West
Midlands (All
engineering)
Occupation
Employment in the West
Midlands other transport
equipment sector
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in West
Midlands.
Top ten occupations within the West Midlands within the Transport equipment sector
Source: Census 2001
261
Transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in the West Midlands
were:
•
Multi-skills
All engineering manufacturing sectors in the West Midlands
95% of the Engineering workforce in the West Midlands is employed on a full-time basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
The West Midlands accounts for 17% of all Engineering employment and 15% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
The Engineering industry in the West Midlands employs 213,000 people in 10,430
establishments.
93% of engineering establishments in the West Midlands employ less than 50 people.
The West Midlands has particular concentrations of employment in the automotive and
metals sectors when compared to the rest of Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Birmingham, Sandwell,
Walsall, Coventry, Dudley and Telford and Wrekin.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Over 15,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in the West Midlands
during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 3,480 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in the
West Midlands during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades (68%) and
process plant and machine operatives (18%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
17% of engineering employees in the West Midlands have no qualifications. Around 40% of
the workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to
up skill more than 110,000 people across management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
15,400 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
5,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
13,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
36,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
39,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,700 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in the West Midlands, to replace those retiring.
262
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in the West Midlands expected that skills gaps for operators and professionals
would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skill given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Tool setting,
Fabrication,
Materials requirement planning (MRPII)
Welding.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
6.14.9 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace Yorkshire
and the Humber Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market
trends and forecasts, and skill shortages
Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace) Yorkshire and
the Humber
There were around 4,300 people employed in 170 companies in the transport equipment
sector in the West Midlands in 2007. This represents 3% of the GB transport equipment
workforce. The largest group of employees were involved in aerospace manufacture (2,600)
and the second largest was other transport (1,100). Whilst some occupations within the
sector are decreasing before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total
requirement of 815 employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in
Yorkshire and the Humber between 2007 and 2014.
263
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
2122 Mechanical engineers
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
2128 Planning and quality control engineers
Source: Census 2001
1,520
660
460
270
270
220
200
200
200
180
Male
Female
1,500
630
440
250
260
210
180
200
190
150
10
20
20
10
0
10
20
0
10
30
Transport equipment % all
engineering employees in
this occupation in
Yorkshire and the Humber.
Occupation
Employment in Yorkshire
and the Humber Other
transport Equipment Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Yorkshire
and the Humber. (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within Yorkshire and the Humber - Transport equipment sector
28,150
24,660
37,950
7,830
18,750
4,960
25,360
3,470
7,680
2,970
5%
3%
1%
3%
1%
4%
1%
6%
3%
6%
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Yorkshire and the Humber
95% of the Engineering workforce in Yorkshire and the Humber is employed on a full-time
basis.
Employment in the region
•
•
•
•
•
•
Yorkshire and the Humber accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 10% of all
Engineering establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the Humber employs 118,900 people in 6,780
establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment
and automotive.
98% of engineering establishments in Yorkshire and the Humber employ less than 50
people.
There are above average concentrations of employment in the metals and mechanical
equipment sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Sheffield, Leeds,
Bradford, Kirklees, Rotherham and Kingston upon Hull.
•
264
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
Nearly 8,000 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Yorkshire and the
Humber during March 2006/7.
There were an estimated 1,650 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Yorkshire and the Humber during 2007. These vacancies were mainly for process plant
and machine operatives (39%) and skilled trades/craft (28%).
•
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were:
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills
General lack of applicants
Lack of applicants with required work experience.
10% of engineering employees in Yorkshire and the Humber have no qualifications. Around
28% of those employed in management and core technical occupations are under-qualified
for their roles. It is estimated that there is a need to up skill more than 40,600 people across
management and core technical occupations.
This represents:
3,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
4,600 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,300 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
12,100 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
14,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 4,100 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Yorkshire and the Humber, to replace those
retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Yorkshire and the Humber expected skills gaps for technicians,
professionals and operators would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Materials requirement planning (MRP)
General engineering skills.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
265
6.14.10 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace England
England Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 121,400 people employed in 2,560 companies in the transport equipment
sector in England in 2007. This represents 84% of the GB transport equipment workforce.
The largest group of employees were involved in aerospace manufacture (81,400) and the
second largest was marine (27,000). Whilst some occupations within the sector are
decreasing before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of
21,390 employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in England between
2007 and 2014.
Occupation
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
1121 Production; works and maintenance
managers
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2122 Mechanical engineers
5315 Carpenters and joiners
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
2126 Design and development engineers
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
2132 Software professionals
Source: Census 2001
21,930
11,620
11,450
8,730
4,990
4,960
4,790
4,160
4,000
3,810
Male
21,64
0
10,74
0
10,97
0
8,490
4,930
4,610
4,730
4,030
3,940
3,480
Female
Transport equipment
% of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in
England.
Employment in England Other
transport Equipment Sector
Total people in this
occupation in
England (All
engineering)
Top ten occupations within England within the Transport equipment sector
290
251,090
9%
880
412,500
3%
480
250
60
350
60
140
60
340
214,820
73,580
196,750
72,940
65,140
55,830
167,370
230,890
5%
12%
3%
7%
7%
7%
2%
2%
Transport equipment skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in England were:
•
•
•
•
•
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11)
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
CNC Machine Operation
Multi-skills
Aircraft engineering
266
All engineering manufacturing sectors in England
A very high proportion of the Engineering workforce in England is employed on a full-time
basis, accounting for about 94% of total employment in the industry.
•
•
•
England accounts for 86% of all Engineering employment and 90% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
Based on the Annual Business Inquiry 2006 there are an estimated 1.1 million employees
and over 65,000 employers in the Engineering industry in England 16 .
93% of engineering establishments in England employ less than 50 people.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
11% of engineering employees in England have no qualifications. Around 33% of the
workforce overall are under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential
to up skill nearly half a million people in England across management and core technical
occupations.
This represents:
76,000 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
57,000 Professionals requiring development to Level 4 and above
96,000 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
132,000 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
135,000 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Skills Gaps
Engineering establishments in England were most likely to report skill gaps in skilled trades
(8% of establishments), process plant and machine operative occupations and administrative
and secretarial occupations (7% of establishments in each case).
•
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the four main skills gaps in:
CNC Machine Operation,
Computer Aided Design (CAD),
Welding skills
Assembly line/production robotics.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Management skills
IT/computer skills
Marketing or selling skills
16
The Annual Business Inquiry figures on employment excludes those self employed and casual labour,
so is likely to under-estimate the total number of people working in the sector.
267
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in England is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, there are a relatively high proportion of females
working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (29%) and a relatively low
proportion of females working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors
(12% or less in each case) within England.
4.9% of English residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (3.0%) being Asian or Asian British and 1.0% Black or
Black British. This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or Minority
Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in England.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
English economy. 43% of the Engineering workforce in England is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in England. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering sectors
since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
268
6.14.11 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace Scotland
Scotland Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 12,600 people employed in 200 companies in the transport equipment
sector in Scotland in 2007. This represents 9% of the GB transport equipment workforce. The
largest group of employees were involved in marine manufacture (6,000) and the second
largest was aerospace (5,500). Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 2,170
employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in Scotland between 2007 and
2014.
Occupation
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
5214 Metal plate workers; shipwrights; riveters
5215 Welding trades
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
2122 Mechanical engineers
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
5315 Carpenters and joiners
Source: Census 2001
Total
Male
2,900
1,250
950
770
760
720
640
530
520
390
2,880
1,220
900
760
750
710
610
530
460
390
Female
20
30
50
10
10
10
30
0
60
0
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in Scotland.
Employment in Scotland
Other transport Equipment
Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Scotland.
(All engineering)
Top ten occupations within Scotland within Transport equipment sector
26,120
18,410
33,660
2,080
7,350
19,600
7,270
4,370
7,740
26,900
11%
7%
3%
37%
10%
4%
9%
12%
7%
1%
Transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in Scotland were:
•
•
•
Assembly line/ production robotics
Electronics
Mechanical fitters
269
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Scotland
95% of employment within the Engineering industry in Scotland is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Scotland and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scotland accounts for 9% of all Engineering employment and 6% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Scotland employs around 94,600 people in 6,090
establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Scotland employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are electronics, metal products and
mechanical equipment.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the marine and electronics
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around the City of Glasgow, Fife,
South Lanarkshire, the City of Aberdeen, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
Training and skills and recruitment
9% of engineering employees in Scotland have no qualifications. Around 24% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 29,000 people across management and
core technical occupations.
This represents:
900 Managers requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
5,700 Professional Engineers requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
6,400 Technicians requiring development to SVQ Level 4 and above
7,500 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to SVQ Level 3 and above
8,400 Operators requiring development to SVQ Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,600 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Scotland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Scotland expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the three main skills gaps in:
CNC machine operations,
Computer aided design (CAD)
Materials requirement planning (MRPII).
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
270
Demographics
81% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (31%). The proportion of females
working within the automotive and other transport equipment sectors (12% and 11%
respectively) on the other hand is extremely low within Scotland.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 6% of Scotland’s Engineering workforce had a limiting
long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in the nation, and marginally lower
than the figure for the UK.
0.8% of Scotland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British and Chinese or
‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This represents a somewhat lower proportion of working Black or
Minority Ethnic residents than the average for all employment in the Scottish economy.
The profile of the Engineering workforce is an ageing one when compared to all sectors in the
Scottish economy. 42% of the Engineering workforce in Scotland is aged 45-64 compared
with 38% in all sectors in Scotland. This is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
271
6.14.12 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace Wales
Wales Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 11,200 people employed in 160 companies in the transport equipment
sector in Wales in 2007. This represents 8% of the GB transport equipment workforce. The
largest group of employees were involved in aerospace manufacture (9,900) and the second
largest was other transport (700). Whilst some occupations within the sector are decreasing
before the recent economic situation it was estimated that a total requirement of 1,470
employees will be needed in transport equipment manufacture in Wales between 2007 and
2014.
Top ten occupations within Wales within the Transport equipment sector
Total
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
2122 Mechanical engineers
3113 Engineering technicians
8125 Metal working machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
9139 Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.
3119 Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
5241 Electricians; electrical fitters
4150 General office assistants/clerks
Source: Census 2001
3,120
930
680
610
480
340
310
260
240
230
Male
Female
3,080
920
670
560
450
280
280
250
230
40
40
10
10
50
30
60
20
10
10
190
Total people in this
occupation in Wales.
(All engineering)
Occupation
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in Wales.
Employment in Wales Other
transport Equipment Sector
18,480
3,750
2,850
15,550
17,120
20,560
9,500
4,740
10,260
36,270
Transport equipment ( including marine and aerospace) skills gaps.
The main technical and Engineering skills gaps across craft, operator, technician and
professional Engineering occupations in the transport equipment sector in Wales were:
•
•
•
General Engineering skills
Electronics
Electrical Engineering
272
17%
25%
24%
4%
3%
2%
3%
5%
2%
1%
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Wales
97% of employment within the Engineering industry in Wales is full-time. This proportion of
full-time employment is similar across all Engineering sectors in Wales and is similar to the
proportion of full time workers in engineering in Great Britain.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wales accounts for 6% of all Engineering employment and 4% of all Engineering
establishments in Great Britain.
The Engineering industry in Wales employs 79,600 people in 4,940 establishments.
91% of engineering establishments in Wales employ less than 50 people.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are automotive, basic metals, mechanical
equipment and aerospace.
There are particular concentrations of employment in the basic metals and aerospace
sectors when compared to Great Britain.
Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Flintshire, Neath Port
Talbot, Newport, Rhondda, Cynon and Taff, Bridgend and Wrexham.
Training and skills and recruitment
11% of engineering employees in Wales have no qualifications. Around 29% of the current
workforce in management and core technical occupations is under-qualified for their roles. It
is estimated that there is a potential to up skill nearly 27,900 people across management and
core technical occupations
This represents
•
•
•
•
•
2,600 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
2,200 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
4,200 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
6,700 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
12,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 2,000 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Wales, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Wales expected skills gaps for professionals to have the most significant
effect on their business
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels, with the three main technical skills gaps in:
Computer aided design (CAD)
CNC machine operations and tool setting.
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
IT/computer skills
Management skills
Marketing or selling skills
273
Demographics
84% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is male.
Women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled, professional
and management job roles, although there are a relatively high proportion of females working
within the electrical equipment sector (32%). The proportion of females working within the
metals (11%) automotive (11%) and other transport equipment sectors (8%) is extremely low
within Wales.
Based on data from the Census 2001, 7% of the Welsh Engineering industry workforce had a
limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in Wales and the UK.
1.1% of Welsh residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black or
Minority Ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being Asian or Asian British, Mixed (0.3%) and
Chinese or ‘other’ ethnic group (0.3%). This broadly mirrors the position within all sectors
within Wales, although there are a slightly higher proportion of Asian or Asian British workers
in Wales as a whole.
40% of the Engineering workforce in Wales is aged 45-64 compared with 39% across all
sectors in the Welsh economy. This profile is an area of concern to all of the engineering
sectors since retirement represents the loss of skilled and experienced employees.
274
6.14.13 Transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace Northern
Ireland .
Northern Ireland Transport equipment manufacture, ( including marine and aerospace)
There were around 5,400 people employed in aerospace, 300 in marine and 400 in other
transport equipment sector in Northern Ireland in 2007 17 . This represents 5% of the UK
aerospace, 1% UK marine and 3% of UK other transport equipment workforce. Whilst some
occupations within the sector are decreasing, before the recent economic situation it was
estimated that a requirement of 150 employees per year would be needed in transport
equipment manufacture in Northern Ireland between 2005 and 2014. Northern Ireland has
above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace sector.
5223 Metal working production and maintenance
fitters
8125 Metal working machine operatives
8129 Plant and machine operatives
1121 Production; works and maintenance managers
5214 Metal plate workers; shipwrights; riveters
8133 Routine inspectors and testers
2122 Mechanical Engineers
5213 Sheet metal workers
9149 Other goods handling and storage occupations
8116 Plastics process operatives
Source: NI Census 2001
17
Total
Male
2,210
550
370
350
250
250
210
210
190
190
2,200
520
300
330
250
240
210
210
180
170
Female
10
30
70
30
0
10
<10
0
<10
20
10,040
6,960
1,210
8,220
400
2,160
1,160
700
8,540
1,150
Transport equipment %
of all engineering
employees in this
occupation in NI.
Occupation
Employment in Northern
Ireland Other transport
Equipment Sector
Total people in this
occupation in Northern
Ireland. (All engineering)
Top ten occupations within Northern Ireland within the Transport Equipment sector
22%
8%
31%
4%
63%
12%
18%
30%
2%
16%
Source: Northern Ireland Census of Employment 2007, NISRA
275
All engineering manufacturing sectors in Northern Ireland
96% of the Engineering workforce is employed on a full-time basis.
•
•
•
•
•
Northern Ireland accounts for 3% of all UK Engineering employment and 2.5% of all UK
Engineering establishments.
The Engineering industry in Northern Ireland employs over 33,200 people (39,600
including self employed and casual labour) in 1,780 establishments.
The largest sectors in terms of employment are the electrical and electronics sector
and the metals sectors.
Northern Ireland has above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace and
electronics sectors when compared to the UK.
95% of establishments employ less than 50 people.
Training and skills and recruitment
•
•
•
Over 2,500 people were recruited into the Engineering industry in Northern Ireland
between March 2006 and 2007.
There were an estimated 535 hard-to-fill vacancies within engineering companies in
Northern Ireland during 2006. These vacancies were mainly for skilled trades/craft (56%)
and professional occupations (16%).
The main reasons given by employers for hard-to-fill vacancies were
Lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills,
Lack of applicants with required work experience
General lack of applicants.
13% of engineering employees in Northern Ireland have no qualifications and many more are
under-qualified for their roles. It is estimated that there is a potential to up skill more than
14,000 people across management and core technical occupations:
This represents:
950 Managers requiring development to Level 3 and above
150 Professional Engineers requiring development to Level 4 and above
1,650 Technicians requiring development to Level 4 and above
`3,300 Skilled Trades (Craft) requiring development to Level 3 and above
8,200 Operators requiring development to Level 2 and above
Additionally, there is an annual requirement for training about 1,350 new recruits across all
occupations into the Engineering sector in Northern Ireland, to replace those retiring.
Skills Gaps
•
•
Employers in Northern Ireland expected skills gaps for operators, craftspersons and
technicians would have the most significant effect on their business.
The main skills given by employers as lacking in employees were technical and
engineering skills at all levels; with the main technical skills gaps in:
Welding,
CNC machine operations,
Mechanical engineering skills,
Metalworking
Electrical engineering skills.
276
•
The generic skills gaps highlighted were
Management skills
Key or core personal skills
(such as communication, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and working with
others.)
Marketing or selling skills
Demographics
82% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is male.
Although women are under represented across all sectors of engineering in craft, skilled,
professional and management job roles, 18% of the Engineering workforce in Northern
Ireland is female, mirroring the figure for the UK as a whole. There is a relatively high
proportion of females working within the electrical equipment and electronics sector (28%)
which traditionally has a concentration of women employed in assembly roles. The
predominance of women in these roles could increasingly become an issue if the engineering
manufacturing sector maintains the trend of moving assembly type occupations to countries
where labour is cheaper. There are a relatively low proportion of females working within the
automotive and other transport equipment sectors (10-11%) within Northern Ireland.
Based on data from the NI Census 2001, 6% of Northern Ireland Engineering industry
workforce had a limiting long-term illness in 2001, mirroring the figure for all sectors in
Northern Ireland and the UK.
0.5% of Northern Ireland residents working within the Engineering industry were from a Black
or minority ethnic group, with the majority (0.3%) being classified as Chinese or ‘Other’ ethnic
group.
Only 32% of the Engineering workforce in Northern Ireland is aged 45-64 compared with 42%
of the UK Engineering workforce. Although Engineering in Northern Ireland has a relatively
low age profile, in the longer term the age profile of the workforce could be an issue if not
enough young people are recruited into the industry (only 12% of the current Engineering
workforce is aged 16-24 years old).
277
7. Science Industries (Bioscience sector)
7.1 A brief description of what the sub-sector covers at UK and GB level
Bioscience is a blanket term generally employed to describe situations and sectors where
biological processes and/or knowledge is used in the development and manufacturing of
innovative new products. It is a strongly science influenced area and utilises a range of
STEM disciplines in its endeavours.
The bioscience sector relies heavily on research and development, although its
manufacturing operations are also becoming increasingly dependent on additional scientific
skills. The bulk of the bioscience research, development and manufacturing takes place in
private companies but public bodies also have a major role to play with government funded
university research being a rich source of new concepts to explore and the NHS being a
valuable partner in translating innovations in the life sciences to real patient benefit. The
sector skills councils Semta and Cogent both have an interest in companies carrying out this
work and the people employed there. The manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal
chemicals and botanical products are covered by Cogent SSC. and the following describes
the areas of occupation that Semta covers.
Science Industries (Bioscience sector) and Semta
The Bioscience areas of employment and employers that Semta represents can be described
by the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Research based pharmaceutical companies that discover, develop, market and
distribute medication and drugs;
Research and development in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies;
Bioscience companies that are a spin-off from university research departments;
The application of bioscience to produce innovative medicines, therapeutics and
medical devices;
The application of bioscience for the processing and production of materials i.e. the
use of bioscience in engineering industries. (Excluding agricultural bio-technology
and bioscience that is for the processing and production of chemicals and energy)
Research and experimental development.
Standard Industrial Codes covered by Science Industry (Bioscience)
Science Industries (Bioscience)
Drug development, testing, approval,
Pharmaceuticals 24.41 & 24.42 (covers
manufacture and administration
Research and Development (R&D) activity
within Pharmaceuticals (24.4)
Manufacture of medical and surgical
equipment and orthopaedic appliances
(33.10)
Science and Engineering R & D (73.10)
Bioinformatics, diagnostics, therapeutics,
medical biotechnology, devices
Mathematics, physics, astronomy,
chemistry, life sciences,
medical sciences, earth sciences,
agriculture
Source: Office for National Statistics, Standard Industrial Classification, 2003
278
The structure of the Science Industry (Bioscience) sector footprint
Workplaces
Many areas within the science industry are relatively young and are developing all the time.
Total employment is difficult to estimate due to the structure of the businesses and ways in
which the businesses are defined. An estimated employment figure of 191,000 includes
those involved in research and development with science qualifications as well as those with
other qualifications and job roles that are not science related but are essential to the
business. This figure in terms of UK employment is based on these three major specialist
areas:
•
•
•
Biotechnology
Research and Development within the Pharmaceutical Industry, and
Research and Development resulting in the production of medical devices and
equipment;
Bioscience-related companies tend to be located in clusters, sometimes on what are known
as science parks and sometimes linked with university hospitals, one of the most significant
cluster groups is around what is known as the ‘golden triangle‘, of Cambridge, Oxford and
London. There is also a large cluster in the North West of England, where there is a long
established pharmaceutical industry. In Scotland clusters are centered around the Dundee,
Edinburgh, Glasgow triangle. In Wales and Northern Ireland clusters of companies are
centered around their main universities.
279
Bioscience and the manufacture of medical and surgical equipment covers a wide range of
companies from large multinational enterprises to micro companies with fewer than 10
employees. A significant number of the smaller companies begin as University spin offs,
where a scientific discovery at the university has prompted university staff to establish a
business to assess the commercial / technological potential of that science
This map shows the distribution of employees in the science sectors across GB.
Distribution of employment in the Science Industries
Science Industries Employment
5,000+
(4)
1,000 to 4,999 (54)
500 to 999 (51)
250 to 499 (54)
100 to 249 (84)
0 to
99 (133)
Source: ABI 2007. Data are not available for Northern Ireland.
Note: The numbers in brackets refer to the total number of local authorities in this employment band.
280
Science Industries sector employment
Science Industries
Sic Code
24.4
33.1
73.1
24.4,
33.1,
73.1
Sector
Pharmaceutical
(24.41 & 24.42)
Manufacture of
medical and surgical
equipment and
orthopaedic
appliances
R&D
Total Science
Industries (pharma,
R&D and medical
equipment)
Northern
Ireland
England
Scotland
Wales
UK Total
39,500
3,500
3,600
1,700
48,300
28,900
97,600
2,400
8,400
2,500
1,500
700
700
34,500
108,200
166,000
14,300
7,600
3,100*
191,000
Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2008, ONS NI figures taken from NI Annual Business Inquiry 2008
* Figure been based on NI Annual Business Inquiry 2007
Number of Science Industry establishments
Science Industries
SIC Code
33.1
73.1
Sector
Pharmaceutical
(24.41 & 24.42)
Manufacture of
medical and surgical
equipment and
orthopaedic
appliances
R&D
24.4,
33.1,
73.1
Total pharma, R&D
and medical
equipment
24.4
Northern
Ireland
England
Scotland
Wales
UK Total
550
30
30
20
630
1,590
3,460
100
350
90
150
60
60
1,840
4,020
5,600
480
270
140
6,490
Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2008, ONS
281
The following map highlights that the South East and East of England have the largest
Science Industry (Bioscience) employment in the UK.
Distribution of employment and establishments around the UK
Scotland
Establishments: 480
Employment: 14,300
North East
Establishments: 200
Employment: 7,600
Northern Ireland
Establishments: 140
Employment: 3,100
North West
Establishments: 580
Employment: 17,800
Yorkshire and the Humber
Establishments: 450
Employment: 10,800
East Midlands
Establishments: 390
Employment: 8,700
West Midlands
Establishments: 420
Employment: 5,300
Wales/Cymru
Establishments: 270
Employment: 7,600
South West
Establishments: 560
Employment:15,500
East of England
Establlishments: 900
Employment: 30,500
South East
Establishments: 1,260
Employment: 49,200
London
Establlishments : 840
Employment: 20,400
Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2008, ONS Please note Northern Ireland Figures based on NI Annual
Business Inquiry 2007, IDBR 2008
282
This map shows the distribution of companies across GB
Distribution of establishments in the Science Industries
Science Industries Establishments
100+
(2)
50 to 99 (10)
25 to 49 (47)
0 to 24 (321)
Source: ABI 2007. Data are not available for Northern Ireland.
Note: The numbers in brackets refer to the total number of local authorities in this establishment band.
283
Demographics
Gender
From the 2006 survey 18 , it was found that women were well represented in roles such as
laboratory technicians (59%) and laboratory scientists (52%). Women account for
approximately 42% of the workforce with 30% of companies surveyed employing a majority of
women. Looking more closely at the gender breakdown by occupational group, there are
smaller percentages of women working in professional and managerial roles for instance only
36% of senior researchers and 27% of science managers from the surveyed companies are
female.
Age Profile
Employment in bioscience has a young age profile. Most employees working for the 178
companies surveyed 19 were in the 25-44 age group (56%), 13% were aged under 25, 22%
were aged between 45 and 54, and 8% were aged over 55.
Employers at 17% of the companies reported that retirement of crucial scientific staff was
causing a problem and this is an issue across a range of occupations from senior scientists,
managers, laboratory scientists and technicians, researchers and production and design
engineers, to sales and marketing staff.
7.2 Information on careers available and new emerging jobs, transferability of skills
career paths and opportunities for progression
a) Careers currently available
Careers in science, research and development are all about making best use of scientific
knowledge and pushing forward the knowledge frontiers in science and technology. This
work could include ways to improve medicines and the methods in which they are delivered,
sophisticated equipment to aid doctors in diagnosing illness, and technology to improve
materials used in, for example, active skin grafting for burns patients as well as the
fundamental research that has potential to generate medical and technological
breakthroughs.
There are many research and development roles that require scientists from the areas of
biology, physics, chemistry and specialist areas such as those combining these disciplines
with mathematics, materials science and medical technology. This is particularly true for
biologists and chemists, who may find employment in the health, biotechnology and
pharmaceuticals sectors. Scientific roles may include scientific research where medicinal
chemists, synthetic chemists, biologists and molecular biologists may be involved in drug
discovery, laboratory technicians who may be responsible for designing and running
screening tests as well as working with research scientists and junior laboratory technicians
who may carry out some of the routine testing and monitoring tasks in the laboratory.
Many universities have cutting edge research and development departments themselves
employing researchers, senior scientists and technicians who carry out work that may lead to
discoveries and developments that could be the basis of new understanding or treatments for
disease. Some of these people may work between universities and an employer or even
between a research and development company and a hospital or other health related
organisation.
18
Between July and August 2006 a telephone interview survey was undertaken by Semta asking about
the skills and training issues of the pharmaceutical and bioscience sectors. The survey collected data
from 178 employers in the pharmaceutical and bioscience industrial sector, employing nearly 27,500
people.18.
19
Semta Bioscience labour market survey 2006 and Bioscience Sector Skills agreement.
284
Other roles might include clinical researchers involved in developing products and ensuring
they are safe for medical applications through trials and testing, medical writers and patent
staff who may be involved in drafting patent applications to secure the rights of scientists or
companies’ inventions and breakthroughs.
In some bioscience companies manufacturing can be involved and in these cases there
would be roles for people involved in engineering such as maintenance engineers and
technicians who have background, knowledge and experience in problem solving, practical
skills, production methods and expertise in using a range of tools, equipment and machinery
as well as being able to interpret drawings and diagrams.
Some areas of the Bioscience sector, particularly the development of medical and diagnostic
equipment, may require professional engineers and designers with an understanding of the
medical applications of electronics and materials for developing pacemakers, prosthetic limbs
and medical devices that may be used in surgery. Close working with biological scientists
and medical specialists is essential though and knowledge of biological processes and human
physiology will be essential. In larger manufacturing companies there may also be roles
available for people to operate packing machines, quality check products or oversee the
manufacturing processes.
285
Top 25 occupations within the Science industry in the UK
These top 25 occupations shown in the table accounted for 59% of the workforce within the
sector in the UK, with the top five specific occupational groups accounting for 37% of the
Science Industry workforce in the UK 20 .
Top 25 occupations within the Science Industry in the UK
% of all occupations
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
2112 Bio scientists & biochemists
1132 Marketing & sales managers
1137 Research & development managers
3542 Sales representatives
4150 General office assistants or clerks
8114 Chemical & related process operatives
1121 Production works & maintenance managers
2111 Chemists
3111 Laboratory technicians
1136 Information & communication technology managers
9134 Packers, bottlers, canners, fillers
2321 Scientific researchers
3218 Medical & dental technicians
4215 Personal assistants & other secretaries
8139 Assemblers & routine operatives nec.
4122 Accounts wages clerk, bookkeeper
1141 Quality assurance managers
2329 Researchers n.e.c.
3113 Engineering technicians
2132 Software professionals
2213 Pharmacists & pharmacologists
3543 Marketing associate professionals
2423 Management consultants, actuaries, economists & statisticians
2422 Management accountants
5249 Electrical & electronic engineer n.e.c.
All Other Occupations
8%
4%
4%
4%
3%
3%
3%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
41%
Source: Labour Force Survey 2008, ONS
20
Analysis is based on LFS 2008 data
286
Top 10 occupations in Pharmaceuticals
The top 10 occupations within the UK’s Pharmaceutical sector accounted for 41% of the
workforce within the sector, with the top five specific occupational groups accounting for 27%
of the pharmaceutical sector workforce in the UK.
Top 10 occupations within the Pharmaceutical sector in the UK
% of all occupations
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
2112 Bio scientists & biochemists
8114 Chemical & related process operatives
3542 Sales representatives
1132 Marketing & sales managers
9134 Packers, bottlers, canners, fillers
1121 Production works & maintenance managers
2111 Chemists
1137 Research & development managers
2213 Pharmacists & pharmacologists
4150 General office assistants or clerks
All Other Occupations
8%
6%
5%
4%
4%
4%
3%
3%
2%
2%
59%
Source: Labour Force Survey 2008, ONS
Top 10 occupations in Medical Devices
The top 10 occupations within the UK’s Medical Devices sector accounted for 43% of the
workforce within the sector, with the top five specific occupational groups accounting for 35%
of the medical devices sector workforce in the UK.
Top 10 occupations within the Medical Devices sector in the UK
% of all occupations
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
3218 Medical & dental technicians
4150 General office assistants or clerks
1132 Marketing & sales managers
3542 Sales representatives
1121 Production works & maintenance managers
8139 Assemblers & routine operatives nec.
4122 Accounts wages clerk, bookkeeper
8125 Metal working machine operatives
2112 Bio scientists & biochemists
3113 Engineering technicians
All Other Occupations
7%
6%
6%
6%
4%
4%
3%
3%
2%
2%
57%
Source: Labour Force Survey 2008, ONS
287
Top 10 occupations in Science and Engineering Research and Development
The top 10 occupations within the UK’s Science and Engineering R&D sector accounted for
51% of the workforce within the sector, with the top five specific occupational groups
accounting for 36% of the research and development sector workforce in the UK.
Top 10 occupations within the Science and Engineering R&D sector in the UK
% of all occupations
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
2112 Bio scientists & biochemists
1137 Research and development managers
3111 Laboratory technicians
2329 Researchers n.e.c.
1136 Info & communication technology managers
2111 Chemists
4150 General office assistants or clerks
2321 Scientific researchers
1132 Marketing & sales managers
4215 Personal assistants & other secretaries
All Other Occupations
14%
9%
5%
4%
4%
4%
3%
3%
3%
2%
49%
Source: Labour Force Survey 2008, ONS
Self employment and part time working in the UK
91% of the pharmaceuticals workforce work full time. 21
9% of the pharmaceuticals workforce work part time
88% of the medical devices workforce work full time
12% of the medical devices workforce work part time
Self employment in science is quite a low percentage, around 6% for all science occupations
as shown in the table below. Associate professionals and professional occupations have the
highest percentages in self employment, this could be due to consultancy roles being more
common in those occupations.
Table showing percentage employment status for Science
Major occupation group
(main job)
1 Managers and Senior Officials
2 Professional occupations
3 Associate Professional and Technical
4 Administrative and Secretarial
5 Skilled Trades Occupations
6 Personal Service Occupations
7 Sales and Customer Service
Occupations
8 Process, Plant and Machine
Operatives
9 Elementary Occupations
Total
Source LFS 2008 data
21
Employment status main job (reported)
Self
Government Unpaid
employed scheme
family
worker
95%
5%
0%
0%
92%
8%
0%
0%
89%
11%
0%
0%
96%
4%
0%
1%
100%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%
Employee
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
94%
0%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
100%
2008 LFS data
288
Some major job roles in the sector include the following:
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles. Some of the occupations listed describe people
that will most usually be employed within the healthcare services and NHS (covered by the
Sector Skills Council Skills for Health), although science, bioscience and science research
and development companies will also employ people in similar occupational roles.
Managers, Senior researchers/Scientists and professional science occupations
Analytical chemist or Analytical scientists
Biochemist 22
Biomedical engineer 23
Biomedical scientist
Biologist
Biotechnologist
Clinical scientist
Microbiologist
Physicist
Research Scientist
Associate professional and technical occupations
Education Lab Technician
Laboratory technicians
Medical laboratory assistant
Scientific laboratory technician 24
Engineering / manufacturing roles within science companies
Biochemical Engineer 25
Chemical engineer (also see Cogent job titles)
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Manufacturing Production Manager
Process / product Design Engineer
Production Engineer
b) New and emerging jobs
The businesses are competitive and fast moving with pressure to protect new ideas and
inventions and ensure that products such as medicines and medical devices are safely tested
and developed before being introduced for public use. The equipment and software that is
being developed for the industry and the skills that will be needed to analyse the millions of
samples and tests for drug development, will require people with strong mathematical
understanding, the area of bioinformatics has already been identified as an area where it is
difficult to recruit people with the required experience and skills. Future science professionals
will need to have even greater strengths in both IT and mathematical analysis alongside their
knowledge of biology and chemistry, and such multidisciplinary understanding is already
being identified by some employers as an area that some new graduates are lacking.
22
Careers Advisory Service profile
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
24
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
25
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
23
289
Diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes are
under constant review as breakthroughs in understanding are made and greater knowledge of
the causes of and treatment for these diseases are made. Whilst these may not make the
news every day, scientists in this sector explore these new findings and constantly seek to
improve the drugs and treatments available and even the way in which the drugs if required,
may be delivered. This will require professional scientists and research managers who can
understand these breakthroughs and develop even more effective medicines and treatments
based on these findings.
In the medical devices sector, future developments are likely in the equipment used to scan,
identify and diagnose disease. These improvements could lead to earlier diagnosis, assisting
doctors and medical teams in their efforts to improve a person’s chance of recovery by
treating and identifying disease early or by improving a patient’s quality of life by developing
better equipment or improved drugs delivery for those with long term conditions. Professional
scientists, engineers and those with an understanding of the needs of the medical industry
are likely to be needed in future to further improve and develop both the diagnostic and
scanning equipment as well as improving the materials and devices used in other medical
applications.
With scientific developments proceeding rapidly, employers will be seeking some highly
specialist skills which require specialist training and courses. These areas may include
bioprocessing and biomanufacturing as the sector moves to the biological delivery of drugs
and medicines. There is also a need for multidisciplinary approaches covering genetics,
molecular biology, biochemistry, IT, mathematics and statistics. Some of this training is
provided in the workplace from the companies that sell the computer driven equipment and
software.
c) Transferability of skills (within the sector, sections 8 and 9 examine transferability
from other sectors)
Science roles within the sector
Associate professional and technical occupations
People in these occupations will have the transferable skills of attention to detail, the ability to
record, plan and accurately repeat tests as well as use databases, computers and specialist
equipment. If they have higher levels of responsibility, they may plan and set up laboratory
equipment and oversee that tests and records are maintained accurately and thoroughly.
They may often need to work without close supervision accepting responsibility for the work of
themselves and others and will often be relied upon by professional scientists and managers
to provide essential support and resource for research and projects being undertaken by the
department or the company.
Managers, Senior researchers/Scientists and professional science occupations
Occupations at professional level within the science and bioscience areas will tend to be
people with extensive experience and high qualification levels, sometimes in very specific
areas of scientific expertise. Some may be PhD research graduates, others may have some
years of responsibility and experience of working in a laboratory, research and development,
or a science related manufacturing company.
290
Transferable skills would include the ability to lead teams, manage projects and understand
the required reporting systems, procedures and ethical responsibilities required by the
science and medical industries.
Skills such as innovation, ability to organise and
communicate ideas clearly, analytical thinking and critical problem solving skills will also be
part of this level of role. Involvement in decision making, planning, project and time
management skills and the use of specialist computer and software packages to carry out
various activities whilst often working with minimal supervision will also be transferable across
other scientific and technical occupations.
Engineering roles within the sector
Managers and senior officials
A level of experience is expected from these roles and transferable skills to other engineering
and science sectors would be those of team and department leadership, decision making,
understanding of production and manufacturing costs, planning and funding.
Professional occupations
Professional engineers and scientists will usually have a background and at least a first
degree in a particular engineering or science discipline and many of these disciplines are
transferable across the engineering and some science sectors. Transferable skills would
include the ability to organise ideas, produce comprehensive reports, work in teams as part of
the day to day operating of the organisation, problem solving, costing solutions, responsibility,
involvement in decision making, planning, project and time management skills and the use of
specialist computer and software packages to carry out various activities.
Associate professional and technical occupations
People in these job roles will have similar practical transferable skills to those in skilled trades
occupations but they may have greater responsibility for identifying, organising and using
resources effectively, completing tasks whilst considering the cost, quality, safety and
environmental impact. They will have the ability to apply their mathematical and scientific
knowledge when undertaking their work and may often need to work without close
supervision accepting responsibility for the work of themselves and others. These skills are
transferable across the science and engineering sectors.
Skilled trades occupations
Most people employed in these roles will have undertaken an apprenticeship and a period of
practical experience combined with further studies in some cases. They may be skilled in a
particular area such as maintenance in engineering or operating particular test and laboratory
equipment in the sciences, but they will all have skills related to understanding and
interpreting drawings diagrams and data sets, communicating and working as part of a larger
team and have health and safety in the workplace knowledge and experience.
Some employees in this group may have skills in setting, programming or using modern
numerically controlled machine tools or specialist diagnostic and laboratory equipment, which
are all very desirable and transferable skills to other science and engineering sectors.
Process, plant and machine operatives
People in these types of roles would be familiar with completing forms and documents relating
to the number and types of product packaged, checked or completed by them in their work,
some of this recording is likely to be carried out on a computer database.
Health and safety training is likely to have been undertaken and understanding of safe
working practices would be transferable across all sectors. Attention to detail when packing
or checking products and visual checking to ensure that faulty items from the machine are not
sent to the next stage of packing or manufacture will be part of most roles within this category
and would be transferable across engineering and science sectors. Some people employed
within these roles may have received specialist training using particular machines.
291
7.3 Information on pay scales in the sector
Pay scales for all of these roles will vary depending on the amount of experience the
employee has, the level of responsibility and where the work is based geographically, so pay
scales given are based on estimates from a number of sources. Also bear in mind that many
large science and engineering manufacturing companies may offer incentives for those
working shifts or night working.
Managers, Senior researchers/Scientists and professional science occupations
Analytical chemist
The starting salary for new graduates is around £20,000 to £23,000.
An experienced analytical chemist may earn on average around £33,500.
Some analytical chemists with high levels of responsibility earn more than £37,000 a year.
Biochemist
The starting salary for new graduates is around £20,000 to £23,000.
An experienced biochemist may earn on average around £33,500.
Some analytical chemists with high levels of responsibility earn more than £50,000 a year.
Biomedical engineer
The starting salary for new graduates is around £20,000 to £24,000.
An experienced biomedical engineer may earn on average around £32,500.
Some biomedical engineers with high levels of responsibility earn more than £60,000 a year.
Bimoedical scientist
Salaries range from at least £20,225 a year for a newly-qualified biomedical scientist.
This may earn in the range of up to £64,000 a year for some biomedical scientists at
professional manager level.
Biologist
The starting salary for new graduates is around £17,000 to £20,000.
An experienced biologist may earn on average around £32,500.
Some biologists with high levels of responsibility earn more than £45,000 a year.
Biotechnologist
The starting salary for new graduates is around £17,000 to £20,000.
An experienced biotechnologist may earn on average around £32,500.
Some biotechnologists with high levels of responsibility earn more than £44,000 a year.
Clinical scientist
The starting salary for new graduates is around £20,000 to £24,000.
An experienced clinical scientist may earn on average around £32,500.
Some clinical scientists with high levels of responsibility earn more than £60,000 a year.
Microbiologist
The starting salary for new graduates is around £17,000 to £20,000.
An experienced microbiologist may earn on average around £32,500.
Some microbiologists with high levels of responsibility earn more than £50,000 a year.
Physicist
The starting salary for new graduates is around £20,000 to £23,000.
An experienced physisist may earn on average around £38,500.
Some physicists with high levels of responsibility earn more than £44,000 a year.
Research Scientist
Graduate salaries may start at around £18,500 a year.
Experienced research scientists earn around £30,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £38,000 per year.
292
Associate professional and technical occupations
Laboratory Technician
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500.
Experienced laboratory technicians earn around £20,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £30,000 per year.
Education Lab Technician
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500 depending on whether it is a
full or part time role. Experienced education lab technicians earn around £20,000 on
average. Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £30,000 per year.
Medical laboratory assistant
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500.
Experienced medical laboratory assistants earn around £20,000 on average.
Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £25,000 per year.
Scientific laboratory technician 26
Salaries for those new to the role may start at around £10,500 depending on whether it is a
full or part time role. Experienced scientific laboratory technicians earn around £20,000 on
average. Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £30,000 per year.
Engineering / manufacturing roles within the bioscience sector.
Biochemical Engineer 27 and Chemical engineer (also see Cogent job titles)
Starting salary for new graduates can be in the region of ££18,000 and £21,000 a year
Biochemical and chemical engineers with experience can earn around £44,000 a year with
the highest paid being around £48,00 a year.
Engineering Maintenance Technician
The starting salary for an engineering maintenance technician undergoing training may be
around £15,000 a year. An experienced engineering maintenance technician may earn
around £30,000 a year. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility
can earn over £38,000.
Manufacturing Production Manager
The starting salary for new graduates or those new to the role is around £19,000 to £23,000.
An experienced production manager may earn on average around £38,500.
Some managers with high levels of responsibility earn more than £56,000 a year.
Process / Product Design Engineer
Starting salaries for new graduates may be between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced design engineers can earn on average around £35,000 or more, depending on
their professional status. Senior design engineers may earn around £45,000 or more.
Production Engineer
Salaries for production engineers new to the role can start at around £23,000 a year.
Production engineers with experience earn around £33,000 on average. Some production
engineers with high levels of responsibility can earn over £44,000 per year.
26
27
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
293
7.4 Information on entry requirements, application processes (e.g. Apprenticeships)
Job types described fall into the following categories;
Science roles
• Managers, Senior researchers/Scientists and professional science occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering roles
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about application processes and further sources of assistance are provided under
each of these headings.
Science roles
Managers, Senior researchers/Scientists and professional science occupations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
Recruitment of an experienced Phd or masters graduate with extensive research
experience for high responsibility roles.
Recruitment of an experienced Phd or masters graduate
For people working at management and professional levels within companies involved in drug
development and science research and development, entry would require a masters degree
or Phd qualification along with extensive research experience, often in a specific field. In
many cases a job relevant Phd can be the minimum required by employers. For new
graduates and those with professional roles but with less overall responsibility for the
processes, entry would be for people with a first or upper second class degree in a subject
related to the occupation. A well executed final year project could be a bonus for interviewees
as would a period of time spent during a summer placement or sandwich placement with an
employer Relevant subjects might include biochemistry, biology, chemistry, engineering,
genetics, microbiology, physics or physiology. Entry for study leading to work in these roles
usually requires A levels in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics and in some cases
mathematics. People would be best advised to choose two sciences plus maths in most
cases. It is recommended that adults seeking to take a higher education route spend some
time contacting university admission departments and making a plan before choosing A level
subjects or Further education courses, since in some cases the university may have access
courses or particular routes geared to adult applicants that may not be mentioned on the
UCAS details for recent school leavers.
Associate professional and technical occupations
•
•
•
External recruitment of an experienced laboratory technician
External recruitment of a new science graduate
Recruitment of school/college leaver to undertake work based training in a supporting
role or to serve an Advanced Apprenticeship
294
For those working as laboratory technicians or laboratory assistants, entry may be through a
relevant BTEC National Certificate/Diploma or sometimes through an apprenticeship on
completion of A levels. In reality, many people employed in these roles are also graduates
and the number of people undertaking science HNC/Ds and science apprenticeships is low.
Since there is a need to increase the number of capable technicians entering this work, some
employers are beginning to make greater use of work based training such as apprenticeships
and recruitment from sources other than graduates for these job roles.
School or college leavers in England can use the Learning and Skills Council apprenticeship
vacancy website where details about the laboratory based apprenticeships can be available.
Looking for companies in the geographical area that you wish to work and exploring the
companies’ vacancy and recruitment sections on their websites is also recommended.
Vacancies for professional scientists and managers are often advertised in professional
journals and institution websites although the importance of networking and building
professional networks cannot be underestimated for occupational roles at professional and
managerial level. Direct approaches to companies through the recruitment sections of their
websites are also recommended since initiative and communication skills are valued in these
roles. Vacancies for laboratory assistants or technicians are often advertised on general
recruitment sites but also on some of the specialist science recruitment sites listed below.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.abpi-careers.org.uk Very comprehensive site from the Association of the British
Pharmaceutical Industry.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Science, Mathematics and
computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk Science so what? So everything site, ideas and case
studies about working in science and the way science touches lives.
http://www.futuremorph.org/ Site aimed mainly at young people and parents/advisers, has
inspiring ideas and a good introduction to the range of roles that science can lead to.
http://www.newscientistjobs.com Job search at New Scientist Jobs.
http://www.jobs.ac.uk/ Academic and research vacancies
There are a large number of science recruitment and science job search sites on the internet,
one that lists a large number of opportunities is http://www.scienceprospects.com/index.asp
Other sources of vacancy information would be through the regional cluster networks of
bioscience and science companies. See section 7.14 and the professional institutions, some
of which are listed below.
http://www.iop.org Institute of Physics
http://www.ipem.ac.uk/ipem_public Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
http://www.ibms.org The institute of Biomedical Science
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
295
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
What do science employers look for in their graduates?
While employers experience a range of skills shortages and gaps, they are clear that when
they are recruiting, generally at graduate or post graduate level, they are first and foremost
looking for the ability to effectively deploy scientific knowledge and skills, with core capabilities
in chemistry, biology, physics, engineering and mathematics. Employers are also looking for
interdisciplinary awareness, practical skills, experience in industry, the ability to work to
regulatory standards and communication skills.
In terms of first degrees employers have a preference for four-year degrees (batchelor or
masters) and favour degrees with industrial placements. Some combined degrees, if they are
with another science or mathematics subjects are relevant to the sector, but other combined
degrees are not of use to employers. Employers are also looking to recruit graduates with
first or upper second class degrees.
Engineering roles within science companies
Professional occupations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of a graduate or equivalent
External recruitment of Professional Engineer
Advancement from the Advanced Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeship.
For those particularly seeking work in a science related company, it is recommended that they
view the specialist science vacancy sites although some vacancies in the medical equipment
sector may still be advertised in engineering and electronics trade journals and engineering
institution magazines as well as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices..
Direct approaches to companies through the recruitment sections of their websites are also
recommended since initiative and communication skills are valued in these roles.
Craftspeople and technicians may have the opportunity to secure further studies and
development in order to transfer to such roles in the company where they are working.
296
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.abpi-careers.org.uk Very comprehensive site from the Association of the British
Pharmaceutical Industry.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Science, Mathematics and
computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk Science so what? So everything site, ideas and case
studies about working in science and the way science touches lives.
http://www.futuremorph.org/ Site aimed mainly at young people and parents/advisers, has
inspiring ideas and a good introduction to the range of roles that science can lead to.
http://www.newscientistjobs.com Job search at New Scientist Jobs.
http://www.jobs.ac.uk Academic and research vacancies
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electronics
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/jobs/default.aspx Electronics weekly jobs
There are a large number of science recruitment and science job search sites on the internet,
one that lists a large number of opportunities is http://www.scienceprospects.com/index.asp
Other sources of vacancy information would be through the regional cluster networks of
bioscience and science companies. See section 7.14 and the professional institutions, some
of which are listed below.
http://www.iop.org Institute of Physics
http://www.ipem.ac.uk/ipem_public Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
http://www.ibms.org The institute of Biomedical Science
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
297
Associate professional and technical occupations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of an Engineering Technician
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
For those particularly seeking work in a science related company, it is recommended that they
view the specialist science vacancy sites although some vacancies in the medical equipment
sector may still be advertised in engineering and electronics trade journals and engineering
institution magazines as well as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices..
Direct approaches to companies through the recruitment sections of their websites are also
recommended since initiative and communication skills are valued in these roles.
Apprentices may have the opportunity to secure further studies and development in order to
transfer to such roles in the company where they are working and sometimes may be enrolled
on a scheme that ensures their opportunity to progress to this type of role.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.abpi-careers.org.uk Very comprehensive site from the Association of the British
Pharmaceutical Industry.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Science, Mathematics and
computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk Science so what? So everything site, ideas and case
studies about working in science and the way science touches lives.
http://www.futuremorph.org/ Site aimed mainly at young people and parents/advisers, has
inspiring ideas and a good introduction to the range of roles that science can lead to.
http://www.newscientistjobs.com Job search at New Scientist Jobs.
http://www.jobs.ac.uk Academic and research vacancies
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electronics
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/jobs/default.aspx Electronics weekly jobs
There are a large number of science recruitment and science job search sites on the internet,
one that lists a large number of opportunities is http://www.scienceprospects.com/index.asp
Other sources of vacancy information would be through the regional cluster networks of
bioscience and science companies. See section 7.14 and the professional institutions, some
of which are listed below.
http://www.iop.org Institute of Physics
http://www.ipem.ac.uk/ipem_public Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
http://www.ibms.org The institute of Biomedical Science
New graduates may find the following sources useful
http://www.prospects.ac.uk One of the main graduate careers information websites.
298
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Skilled trades occupations
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or adult employee to serve an Advanced
Apprenticeship
External recruitment of skilled Craftspeople
Advancement from the Apprenticeship
Adults seeking to progress from an operative role to an advanced apprenticeship leading to a
skilled craft role, should speak to someone in their company responsible for training or human
resources.
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
For those particularly seeking work in a science related company, it is recommended that they
view the specialist science vacancy sites although some vacancies in the medical equipment
sector may still be advertised in engineering and electronics trade journals and engineering
institution magazines as well as local and national newspapers and in Jobcentre Plus offices..
Recruitment agencies may be used to secure staff for roles at this level. Direct approaches to
companies through the recruitment sections of their websites are also recommended.
A non exhaustive list of useful web sources is given below
http://www.abpi-careers.org.uk Very comprehensive site from the Association of the British
Pharmaceutical Industry.
http://www.techxtra.ac.uk/onestepjobs/ Vacancies from a range of Science, Mathematics and
computing recruitment/job services collected into one search website.
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.scenta.co.uk/home/jobs.cfm The e-portal of the Engineering and Technology
board includes jobs section.
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk Science so what? So everything site, ideas and case
studies about working in science and the way science touches lives.
http://www.futuremorph.org/ Site aimed mainly at young people and parents/advisers, has
inspiring ideas and a good introduction to the range of roles that science can lead to.
http://www.newscientistjobs.com Job search at New Scientist Jobs.
http://www.thecareerengineer.com/engineering-jobs/Electronics
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk includes information about working and jobseeking in
mainland Europe.
http://www.engineeringjobs.co.uk/ Mainly recruitment agency jobs.
http://www.theiet.org/careers/jobs/index.cfm Website of the institution of Engineering and
Technology.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/jobs/default.aspx Electronics weekly jobs
299
There are a large number of science recruitment and science job search sites on the internet,
one that lists a large number of opportunities is http://www.scienceprospects.com/index.asp
Other sources of vacancy information would be through the regional cluster networks of
bioscience and science companies. See section 7.14 and the professional institutions, some
of which are listed below.
http://www.iop.org Institute of Physics
http://www.ipem.ac.uk/ipem_public Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
http://www.ibms.org The institute of Biomedical Science
Gender specific websites and resources for job seeking.
Women interested in advice and guidance to guide them in choosing careers in engineering,
science and technology or for women with qualifications and experience who have taken
career breaks but are keen to rejoin these industries may find the following organisations offer
some interesting support and opportunities.
The UK resource centre for women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Open University course T161 Return to Science Engineering and Technology
Mentoring
Process, plant and machine operatives
Application processes and entry to these types of job roles may be through:
•
•
•
Recruitment of school/college leaver or employee to serve an Apprenticeship.
External recruitment of a trained Operative or assembler
Advancement from the Young Apprenticeship
School or college leavers can use the following useful link that gives web links and
suggestions for securing an apprenticeship Finding an apprenticeship. In addition, in
England, the Learning and Skills Council have an apprenticeship vacancy website
Vacancies may be advertised through local press and Jobcentre Plus offices, sometimes
recruitment via employment agencies and also direct approaches by individuals to employers.
7.5 Qualifications
Job types fall into the following categories;
Science roles within the science sector
•
•
Managers, Senior researchers/Scientists and professional science occupations
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering roles within the science sector
Job types fall into the following categories;
• Managers and senior officials
• Professional occupations
• Associate professional and technical occupations
• Skilled trades occupations
• Process, plant and machine operatives
• Elementary occupations
Information about qualifications are provided under each of these headings.
300
Science roles within the science sector
Managers, Senior researchers/Scientists and professional science occupations
Analytical chemist or Analytical scientists
Biochemist 28
Biomedical engineer 29
Biomedical scientist
Biologist
Biotechnologist
Clinical scientist
Microbiologist
Physicist
Research Scientist
•
•
Usually have a Phd or Masters degree; this may be in a specific science subject or in
the case of a Phd cover a specific area of scientific research.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, the combinations vary depending on the course so checking the
course entry requirements is recommended.
Associate professional and technical occupations
Education Lab Technician
Laboratory technicians
Medical laboratory assistant
Scientific laboratory technician 30
•
•
•
•
Most employed in these occupations have a Masters or BSc degree;
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, the combinations vary depending on the course so checking the
course entry requirements is recommended.
Some employed in these occupations have HNC, HND, BTEC and/or A levels in a
relevant science subject
There is a laboratory apprenticeship framework that some employers may offer.
Engineering / manufacturing roles within science companies
Manufacturing Production Manager
Managers and senior officials
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Often have a degree, this may be in an engineering discipline or in a subject specific
to management or production management.
May have a higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND) combined with extensive
working experience such as having completed an advanced apprenticeship.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
28
Careers Advisory Service profile
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
30
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
29
301
Professional occupations
Biochemical Engineer 31
Chemical engineer (also see Cogent job titles)
Process / product Design Engineer
Production Engineer
Qualifications –
•
•
•
Would usually have a degree in an engineering specific discipline but it may be in a
subject specific to a physical science such as physics or chemistry.
Entry qualifications for degree courses would be at least five GCSEs (A*-C) and two
or three A levels, normally including maths and a science subject or equivalent
qualifications.
Particular levels of study would be required for professional engineers seeking to
become a chartered or incorporated engineer and details can be obtained from the
Engineering Council. (ECUK)
Associate professional and technical occupations
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Qualifications •
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Some technician apprentices first study full time for Level 3 qualifications, such as
A levels, BTEC National Diplomas or Certificates, or City & Guilds awards.
Particular levels of experience and study would be required by those seeking
professional registration as engineering technicians ( EngTech) and details can be
obtained from the Engineering Council Engineering Technician page. (ECUK)
Skilled trades occupations
Qualifications
•
•
Most people enter this career through Advanced Apprenticeships requiring at least
four or five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including English, maths and
science or technology. Equivalent qualifications include Applied GCSEs (double
award) in engineering or manufacturing and will include the new engineering diploma.
Many will have work based competencies at level 3 in subjects such as electrical or
electronic engineering, electronics or electrical servicing or engineering maintenance,
etc.
Process, plant and machine operatives
Qualifications
•
•
31
When entering this career through an apprenticeship, GCSE grades D to G or
equivalent are required although some employers will require levels of skills using IT
mean that higher grades at GCSE will become increasingly prevalent.
Some people working in specialised jobs may have work-based competence - N/SVQ
Levels 1and 2 in subjects such as Performing engineering operations, certificate in
electronics or qualifications related to safe working practices.
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
302
7.6 Data on employment and labour market trends and forecasts
In the 2006 survey 32 when science employers were asked what they expected to be the major
changes in their organisation in the next 3 years, 34% of companies expected a general
expansion and growth in staff numbers and 16% expected that their organisation would move
into new products, service or research areas. This would indicate recruitment of new staff
and a move into new research areas to develop new products and services which will require
training, upskilling and where relevant achievement of appropriate qualifications.
7.7 Skill shortages, gaps and hard to fill vacancies in Bioscience
Skill shortages
For specific scientific areas, the greatest skills shortages are in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Clinical/pharmacology/translational medicine
Bioscience
Analytical and physical chemistry
Process and chemical engineering
In vivo sciences
Bioinformatics.
The following generally scientific skills are identified as being areas where there are
shortages.
•
•
•
•
Biological and medical sciences
Chemical sciences
Process engineering
Mathematics and statistics.
Hard to fill vacancies
The three most common reasons for Hard to Fill Vacancies in the UK science companies
surveyed are:
lack of applicants with required work experience (39 out of 59 companies),
lack of breadth of skills (23),
lack of applicants with required qualifications and skills (21).
29% of employers responding to the survey report skills gaps among their current workforce.
Most often these are among the following occupations:
laboratory scientists,
senior scientists,
other managers,
senior researchers
science managers.
32
Semta Bioscience labour market survey 2006 and Bioscience Sector Skills agreement
303
The following recruitment issues have been raised by employers as having an impact
on their recruitment.
•
•
•
•
•
Bioscience graduates that are weak in chemistry, mathematics and physics, and are
not equipped to cope with the cross-disciplinary of modern bioscience 33 ;
Some core bioscience disciplines (e.g. pharmacology, biochemistry and microbiology)
are not recruiting as well at university as they used to.
Bioscience research is increasingly cross-disciplinary and quantitative, yet too few
people are studying physical sciences or maths 34 ;
Students are not receiving sufficient practical laboratory training at school or
university, leaving them ill-equipped for Research and Development careers 35 ;
There are insufficient numbers pursuing technical courses, making it difficult for
industry to recruit good quality technicians 36
Skills Gaps in the current workforce.
Employers were asked to identify skills gaps that exist in their current workforce and the
following list describes both the scientific and generic skills that were identified.
The main scientific skills gaps were in:
• Bioscience and molecular biology
• Analytical and physical chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology/biopharmaceuticals
• Geomics/proteomics/metabolomics
• Synthetic organic chemistry/medicinal chemistry
• Mathematics or statistics.
The main generic skills gaps were in:
• Business skills
• Management skills
• IT skills (general)
• Project management
• Team working
• Regulation.
7.8 Information on opportunities for adults changing career direction
Science roles within the science sector
At the professional and management occupational levels there are opportunities for people
who hold relevant doctorates and degrees and who have extensive experience of working in a
science research environment. Laboratory technicians and experienced laboratory staff are
identified as being vacancies that are difficult to fill so opportunities also exist for those with
laboratory experience and degrees, A levels, or other scientific qualifications such as BTECs,
HNCs or HNDs.
33
34
35
36
Biosciences
Biosciences
Biosciences
Biosciences
Federation:
Federation:
Federation:
Federation:
Enthusing the next generation 2005
Building on Success 2005
Building on Success 2005
Building on Success 2005
304
Engineering roles within the science sector
At the craft, technician, professional and management engineering occupational levels there
are opportunities for people who hold relevant degrees, Further Education qualifications or
other industry recognised certificates and who have working experience in an engineering or
manufacturing environment. Transfer to engineering roles within science and research
companies can be achieved and networking, background research into potential employers
and using science specific vacancy and recruitment sites may assist in supporting such a
transfer.
Although some machine operator jobs are reducing in number, there are still employment
opportunities due to retirement of current employees. Whilst formal qualifications are not
always required for these roles, transferable skills such as team working, an ability to follow
diagrams and instructions, basic mathematical understanding and practical skills are all
relevant to people wishing to transfer to these occupations.
7.9 Information on points of entry or transfer into a sector from another area sector.
Science roles within the science sector
The level of qualification and scientific research experience required to work in scientific
professional and management occupations means that those without the relevant
qualifications or experience will need to consider degree courses and research experience
relevant to the role they wish to pursue. Exploring the available networks of science and
research companies and developing a network of contacts whilst studying, sometimes
through the university, can improve and expand the opportunities for employment in this area
of work. Likewise gaining a work placement or experience with an employer will also help with
developing a network of contacts and gaining broader understanding of the job role.
Those with experience of laboratory work in other industries such as food or other
manufacturing that may have involved routine testing, recording and attention to detail may
have most of the necessary skills to transfer to some laboratory occupations in the science
field. If this experience has involved recording and project involvement, a level of
management and use of technical recording and testing apparatus, this may enable someone
to transfer to a laboratory technician role.
Where formal qualifications or skills for operator or assembly job roles are required, the
careers services can assist in advising on courses and qualifications that may be available
locally. Where formal qualifications and experience are not required, application through
agencies and direct to the employer are recommended.
Engineering roles within the science sector
The technical nature or practical experience required to work in the craft, technician,
professional and management occupations means that those without the relevant
qualifications or experience will need to consider courses and training relevant to the role they
wish to pursue. For some roles, for instance research and development of medical
equipment manufacture or medical device manufacture, a knowledge or experience of
biological processes or experience of working with people needing medical devices may be
required.
Where formal qualifications or skills for operator or assembly job roles are required, the
careers services can assist in advising on courses and qualifications that may be available
locally. Where formal qualifications and experience are not required, application through
agencies and direct to the employer are recommended.
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7.10 Job profiles
Unless otherwise stated, these job title descriptors are from Connexions-Direct, Jobs4u with
whom Semta work on producing the profiles. Some of the occupations listed describe people
that will most usually be employed within the healthcare services and NHS (covered by the
Sector Skills Council Skills for Health), although science, bioscience and science research
and development companies will also employ people in similar occupational roles.
Managers, Senior researchers/Scientists and professional science occupations
Analytical chemist or Analytical scientists
Biochemist 37
Biomedical engineer 38
Biomedical scientist
Biologist
Biotechnologist
Clinical scientist
Microbiologist
Physicist
Research Scientist
Associate professional and technical occupations
Education Lab Technician
Laboratory technicians
Medical laboratory assistant
Scientific laboratory technician 39
Engineering / manufacturing roles within science companies
Biochemical Engineer 40
Chemical engineer (also see Cogent job titles)
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Manufacturing Production Manager
Process / product Design Engineer
Production Engineer
7.11 Case studies
Science
Biomedical scientist Amie Davies
Biotechnologist Eamonn Meehan
Clinical scientist Mohamed Shamji
Education Laboratory technician Jay Chauhan
Medical laboratory assistant James Fairweather
Plasma Physicist Ian Chapman
Postdoctoral Physicist Helen Czerski
Pre-registration Clinical Biochemist Johnathan Vernazza
Research assistant Rowena Fung
Research Scientist Dr Luke O'Brien
Trainee scientist Jennifer Lupton
37
Careers Advisory Service profile
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
39
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
40
Prospects AGCAS occupational profile
38
306
Engineering in Science companies
Engineering maintenance fitter Stephen Blake
Mechanical engineering technician Kieran Jordan
Materials engineer Melissa Riley
Materials technician Ricky Addie
7.12 FAQs
Q) I am really interested in transferring to a science based career, but I cannot afford to
take time off work to study in order to find out whether it is something I would like to
do as a job. Are there any ways to find out about what work or study would be
involved?
A) There are several ways to find out about the subject that may both expand your
opportunities to find out about potential employers and explore more about the subject.
Registering for a part time science course or science / mathematics related A levels with a
local college or undertaking distance learning through a reputable distance learning University
will enable you to expand your subject and study skills at the same time as gaining an insight
into the types of work and opportunities that may be available. Whilst this does involve
considerable dedication, it could be managed without unnecessarily disrupting your current
working situation.
Q) I am an experienced and qualified female scientist who has taken a long break from
work in order to care for a seriously ill relative. I am now in a position to look for
employment again although I am finding it very difficult to get back into the network of
contacts and employer information. Are there any resources or contacts that may be
able to assist me?
A) Studies have revealed that this is a very familiar situation that female scientists find
themselves in after a career break. There are a number of resources and contacts that you
may find helpful. The best place to start is by visiting the website, UK resource centre for
women in SET http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/ where there are details of mentoring, advice
and schemes aimed at those both planning a career break and for those making plans to
return.
Q) I have decided to change direction and study a science based subject at university,
It has been several years since I left school and I don’t think I have the right A level
subjects, could you advise on what I should do in order to be ready to apply for a
University course?
A) A good starting point is to spend some time making a plan. Before choosing some more A
levels, contact some university science departments where you would like to study and find
out if they have any access routes or schemes aimed at adults. Find out which subjects they
require for entry (telephone or arrange a visit rather than relying completely on the web based
information geared to recent school leavers) from this you will have a better idea of which
subjects will be most relevant to choose for further study and will best prepare you for science
studies in higher education.
307
7.13 Sources of additional information, web-links etc
Specific to bioscience industries
• Medical devices network http://www.medicaldevice-network.com/
• The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), 12 Whitehall, London
SW1A 2DY. 0870 890 4333. Website: http://www.abpi.org.uk
• Biochemical Society, 3rd Floor, Eagle House, 16 Procter Street, London WCIV 6NX.
020 7280 4100. Website: http://www.biochemistry.org
• British Pharmacological Society (BPS), 16 Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1V
2PT. 020 7239 0171. Website: http://www.bps.ac.uk
• Institute of Biology (IOB), 9 Red Lion Court, London EC4A 3EF. 020 7936 5900.
Website: http://www.iob.org
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), 12 Coldbath Square, London EC1R 5HL.
020 7713 0214. Website: http://www.ibms.org
• Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), 1 Carlton House Terrace, London
SW1Y 5DB. 020 7451 7300. Website: http://www.iom3.org
• Institute of Physics (IOP), 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT. 020 7470 4800.
Website: http://www.iop.org
• The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), Fairmount House, 230
Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1ES. 01904 610821. Website: http://www.ipem.ac.uk
• The Institute of Science Technology, Kingfisher House, 90 Rockingham Street,
Sheffield, SE1 4EB. 0114 276 3197. Website: http://www.istonline.org.uk
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 1 Lambeth High Street, London SE1
7JN. 020 7735 9141. Website: http://www.rpsgb.org.uk
• Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA.
020 7437 8656. Website: http://www.rsc.org
• Society for General Microbiology (SGM), Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road,
Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. 0118 988 1800.
Websites:
http://www.sgm.ac.uk and http://www.biocareers.org.uk
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Covers all engineering, technology and science.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engineering Diploma Development Partnership, c/o Semta, the Sector Skills Council
for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Second Floor, Weston
House, 246 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EX. 020 7269 9840. Website:
www.engineeringdiploma.com
Engineering & technology careers & news from the Engineering and Technology
Board (ETB) website http://www.scenta.co.uk and http://www.enginuity.org.uk
Futuremorph, Science Council Careers Website http://www.futuremorph.org/
Inside Careers http://www.insidecareers.co.uk
New Outlooks in Science and engineering http://www.noisemakers.org.uk/index.cfm
Science, So What? So Everything DirectGov website
http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/
Semta Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies http://www.semta.org.uk
UK resource centre for women in science, engineering and
technology.http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/
7.14 Bioscience Regional and National Information Key regional variations for sub-sector,
employment and labour market trends and forecasts, and skill shortages.
There is limited data available from the Semta Bioscience labour market survey to provide
detail for employment and predicted labour market trends for Bioscience in the England
regions and devolved nations, for this reason, an overview of the key science areas for each
nation and England region has been listed under each region and nation heading to give an
overview of the types of activity taking place in that region or devolved nation.
The table below sets out the projected employment shares by occupation for the Science
industry in the UK over the period 2009-2016 and indicates that the proportion of jobs for
Managers & Senior Officials, Professionals and Associate Professionals (Technicians)
occupations will see an increase in employment over this period whereas Admin & secretarial,
skilled trades (Craft), Process, plant & machine operatives and Elementary occupations will
see a decline in employment.
Projected employment shares by occupation for the Science Industry in the UK (20092016)
Occupation
2009
2016
Managers & Senior Officials
18.4%
20.1%
Professionals
15.4%
16.3%
Associate Professionals (Technicians)
17.1%
17.9%
Admin & secretarial
13.6%
11.4%
Skilled trades (Craft)
8.3%
7.8%
Personal Service
1.9%
2.3%
Sales & customer service
3.6%
3.7%
Process, plant & machine operatives
11.9%
11.4%
Elementary
9.7%
9.2%
All Occupations
100.0%
100.0%
Source: Semta/IER Projections 2009
The following Chart sets out projected demand for employees due to expansion of business,
employee replacement demand due to retirement and those leaving and net requirement for
labour within the Science industry as a whole over the period 2010-2016, by occupation.
The largest positive net requirements for labour are expected to be in relation to managerial
occupations (an estimated 12,000 people), Associate Professionals (an estimated 9,300
people) and Professionals (an estimated 9,200 people).
309
In the case of both Admin & Secretarial and Skilled trades (Craft), the scale of expected
expansion demand is to decline.
Projected replacement demand, expansion demand and net requirement for the
Science industry in the UK by occupation (2010-2016)
Managers & Senior Officials
12,000
7,500
4,500
Professionals
9,200
6,200
3,000
Associate Professionals (Technicians)
2,800
3,700
Admin & secretarial
9,300
6,500
6,000
-2,400
3,200
Skilled trades (Craft)
-100
Personal Service
900
900
3,400
1,700
1,700
1,200
500
Sales & customer service
5,400
5,200
Process, plant & machine operatives
200
4,000
4,000
Elementary
-4,000
-2,000
0
Expansion Demand
2,000
4,000
6,000
Replacement Demand
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
Net Requirement
Source: Semta/IER Projections 2009
7.14.1 Bioscience East Midlands. The healthcare sector is important in the East Midlands, with over 450 companies operating in
the following sectors:
• Pharmaceutical
• Biotechnology
• Medical instrument manufacturing
The sector benefits from a network of dedicated, purpose-built technology and business
parks.
7.14.2 Bioscience East of England
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, and skill shortages
The East of England has a thriving bioscience industry, Cambridge being home to:
• Over 185 biotech companies;
• Around 20% of the world's Nobel Prize winners in medicine and chemistry;
• 17 of the UK's publicly quoted biotech companies; and
• A quarter of the public biotechnology companies in Europe.
The following science areas are important to the region:
• Drug discovery and development -organisations are active in all stages of the drug
discovery and development for areas such as cancer, neurological, cardio-vascular, infectious
diseases, diabetes, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases etc).
• Bio-instrumentation and equipment
• Research into novel drug delivery systems
• Food and agricultural biotechnology -
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• Animal Healthcare - The main animal healthcare capability in the region is the Animal Health
Trust (AHT) at Newmarket, a world leader in the treatment of diseases in animals in addition
to undertaking pioneering research into the prevention and detection of diseases in animals.
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7.14.3 Bioscience London
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, and skill shortages
The following are the key activities of the region.
• Therapeutics
• Contract Research Organisations
• Biomedical engineering
• Bioinformatics
• Bionanotechnology
• Food, environment and renewables
• Agricultural bioscience
7.14.4 Bioscience North East
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, and skill shortages
Healthcare is a leading employer in the northeast region, with over 140,000 people working in
biotechnology, healthcare and life science companies, the NHS and associated health
organisations. Collectively, these generate an annual turnover of more than £4 billion.
The following are key areas under investigation in the northeast area:
• Diagnostics
• Medical devices
• Clinical trials
• Pharmaceuticals
High level medical research is being carried out in the region’s universities and institutes
(including the Institute for Ageing & Health, the Life Knowledge Park and many others). There
are also strong clinical capabilities within the region’s hospitals.
7.14.5 Bioscience North West
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, and skill shortages
The northwest’s strength is based on the presence of several major pharmaceutical
companies in the region, a rapidly expanding biotechnology community and internationally
renowned academic and clinical research strengths.
The main types of bio-activity in the region include:
• Biopharmaceutical manufacture and research
• Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• Treatment of infectious diseases
• Clinical trials and informatics
• Cancer research and care
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7.14.6 Bioscience South East
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, and skill shortages
The South East has the highest concentration of health technologies companies in the UK
and employs a third of the sector. It is home to world-renowned universities, medical schools
and institutes undertaking pioneering health research. 30% of the UK's life sciences research
and development activity is carried out in the South East; 9 out of 10 of the world’s leading life
sciences companies; and the top 12 global pharmaceutical companies have operations in the
South East.
The South East region contains over 1000 biotechnology and diagnostics companies
employing over 50,000 people.
The following industries are key to the South East region:
• Health Technologies
• Biotechnology
• Diagnostics
• Medical device
• Pharmaceutical
7.14.7 Bioscience South West
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, and skill shortages
The South West of England is a major centre of biomedical research with internationally
recognised expertise, employing around 15,000 people in 500 companies. Employment in
the sector is growing faster than the national average with a 48% increase between 1998 and
2004.
The following areas are those of key bio-activity in the south west region:
• Biomedical
• Healthcare
7.14.8 Bioscience West Midlands.
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, and skill shortages
According to the Advantage West Midlands report 41 companies already operating in the
region believe that the following sectors provide key
opportunities for the region:
• Materials and their processing through to manufacturing
• Structures for devices, including their control systems and software
• Orthopaedics and assistive technologies
• Telemedicine, especially monitoring of wellness and care in the community
• ICT/e-technology
• Infection control
The West Midlands is also known for:
• The most advanced ophthalmic surgical centre in the UK, located at The Academy of Life
Sciences, Aston University
• Creation of the first pacemakers and plastic heart valve
• Development and commercialisation of the first ‘his and her’ home fertility kits
• Trial and development of the first allergy and herpes vaccines
• Concept and development of first ever device to detect skin cancer - SIAscope
According to the report, there are at least 400 to 500 companies active in the West Midlands
that have some part of their turnover derived from medical technologies. It is known that
around 500 to 600 additional companies have had some recent interest or involvement in
medical technologies. Almost half of the activity in the West Midlands is manufacturing
related and more than a third service oriented.
41
‘Medical Technologies -Cluster Research Project, Advantage West Midlands
313
7.14.9 Bioscience Yorkshire and the Humber
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, and skill shortages
There are four key company types at work in the region:
• Entrepreneurial drug discovery and development
• Tissue engineering and biomaterials • Contract Research Organisations (CROs)
• Plant biotechnology
It should be noted that there is also a strong presence of pharmaceutical and medical device
organisations. In addition, Yorkshire and Humberside has considerable strengths in areas
such as surgical instrumentation, orthopaedics and advanced wound-care.
7.14.10 Bioscience England
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, skill shortages and qualifications.
The particular strengths and focus in the different English regions are as follows:
Region
North West
North East
Yorkshire & the Humber
West Midlands
East Midlands
East of England
South West
South East
London
Priority sector
Biomedical – including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and
healthcare
Biotechnology, healthcare and life sciences
Bioscience, Healthcare technologies
Medical technologies
Healthcare – life and health technologies: pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, medical instrument manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; high technology,
research and development
Biomedical and healthcare
Health Technologies - Pharma Bio and Healthcare, Research
and Development
Life sciences
7.14.11 Bioscience Scotland
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, skill shortages and qualifications.
Scotland has strengths in most aspects of Bioscience, strong research and development
groups and a coordinated policy focus through the Scottish Life Sciences Strategy. Cancer
research, Cardiovascular research, Neuroscience, Genomics, Proteomics and bioinformatics,
Signal transduction biology, Stem cell research and regenerative technology, Virology, and
Immunology are key areas of focus in Scotland.
7.14.12 Bioscience Wales
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, skill shortages and qualifications.
Bioscience enterprise in Wales includes Diagnostics, Medical technology, Clinical trials and
drug development, Systems biology, and Agricultural biotechnology.
7.14.13 Bioscience Northern Ireland
Key regional variations for sub-sector, employment and labour market trends and
forecasts, skill shortages and qualifications.
Northern Ireland’s main focus is on Cancer Biotech and Medical Devices. Other areas where
Northern Ireland has strengths are: tissue engineering, diabetes, bioinformatics, clinical trials,
neurodegenerative diseases and infectious diseases.
314