UK Defence Sector Faces Growing Skills Gap Amid Expansion
The UK defence sector is confronting a persistent and potentially widening skills gap across both traditional crafts such as electrical engineering and welding, as well as emerging areas including digital, cyber, and green technologies. This challenge is becoming more acute as defence spending increases.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently announced a £1 billion investment in AI-powered battlefield systems alongside the creation of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command designed to enhance defence capabilities. However, the sector competes with technology firms for STEM and digital talent, raising concerns about whether the school system can adequately supply the required skills.
Recruitment efforts are also influenced by Gen Z employees' ethical considerations and their preference for greener, purpose-driven employers. This has prompted defence firms to engage in outreach to reframe defence work and attract entry-level talent. Companies like Thales are promoting internal mobility and upskilling, recruiting career switchers from civilian technology sectors and non-graduates, and collaborating with universities to better align curricula to industry needs.
While ex-military recruitment remains common, it may limit the overall candidate pool, with some experts suggesting that broader skill sets could be more valuable for defence roles. Smaller defence firms might appeal more to young entrants seeking cutting-edge work, whereas traditional prime contractors are sometimes viewed as rigid. Universities do not always serve as effective pipelines for defence recruitment, although about half of Bath's computer systems engineering students, for example, spent their year in industry with defence or defence-adjacent companies, indicating some level of engagement.
Personal experiences highlight the recruitment challenges faced by the sector. For instance, a candidate named Caleb was initially attracted to defence for salary and job security but was deterred by ethical concerns regarding working on lethal technology. Such concerns contribute to the difficulties in attracting and retaining talent within the UK's defence industry.
