Job market information
Finding out about metals
The metals industry is part of the engineering manufacturing, science and mathematics sector, represented by Semta Sector Skills Council. This sector also includes the following industries: automotive manufacture; electronics and electrical equipment manufacture; mechanical equipment manufacture; transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace; and science. Across the sector as a whole, the workforce comprises approximately 2 million people, working across around 75,000 companies. UK engineering and science turnover is over £250 billion. British engineering exports amount to 37% of total UK exports of goods and services. The UK is Europe’s top location for investment in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development.
The UK metals industry comprises:
- Manufacture of basic metals – companies that are involved in the smelting and refining of ferrous (e.g. iron and steel) and non‐ferrous metals (e.g. copper, silver, aluminium) as well as those that produce bars, rods, tubes and carry out casting of metals.
- Manufacture of fabricated metal products – companies that manufacture structural metal products (such as tanks, reservoirs, prefabricated metal buildings, steam generators), treating and coating of metal, manufacture of cutlery, tools and general hardware and other fabricated metal products (such as metal packaging, screws, washers and other metal fasteners). This has the largest number of employees of all of the metals sub‐industries.
- 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. There is much interest in how to make‐up components with a view to disassembly and recycling at the end of a products lifecycle.
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.
Key facts:
- There are an estimated 412,600 people employed in the metals industry, across 33,240 workplaces in Great Britain.
- The greatest concentrations of employment in the metals industry are in the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West.
- 90% of the metals workforce is full‐time.
- In engineering, an estimated 6% of the workforce is self‐employed.
Jobs in the industry range from: metallurgist, materials technician, materials engineer/scientist, foundry moulder/coremaker, foundry patternmaker, heat treatment operator, foundry process operator, manufacturing production manager, quality control inspector, sheet metal worker, welder, labourers in process and plant operations.
Entry and progression
Within the metals industry, there are opportunities in labouring and machine operator jobs, as well as job roles as skilled craft jobs such as welding, toolmaking and maintenance.
There is a range of relevant industry endorsed courses (at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level), apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and training schemes available. Entry requirements vary considerably in the industry. The following gives an overview of some of the qualifications required at different levels:
- Managers and senior officials – Often have a degree in an engineering discipline; or in a management or production management subject; or a higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND) combined with work experience, such as having completed an advanced apprenticeship.
- Professionals – Most would usually have a degree in an engineering specific discipline or a subject physical science, such as physics or chemistry. Specific levels of study and experience would be required for professional engineers seeking to become a chartered or incorporated engineer.
- Associate professional and technical occupations – Most enter through Advanced Apprenticeships, which require GCSEs. Most technician apprentices study for Level 3 qualifications. Specific levels of experience and study would be required by those seeking professional registration as engineering technicians.
- Administrative and secretarial occupations – There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role although mathematics, English and IT skills are advantageous.
- Skilled trades occupations – Most enter through Advanced Apprenticeships, which require GCSEs. Many will have work‐based competencies to Level 3 and have gained the relevant vocational qualifications.
- Process, plant and machine operatives – Some employees enter through Apprenticeships. Some working in specialised jobs may have work‐based competencies to Level 2 and have gained the relevant vocational qualifications.
- Elementary occupations – There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role although mathematics, English and IT skills are advantageous. Some labourers may be qualified to drive a fork‐lift truck, use lifting equipment or hold health and safety certificates.
There are a wide range of opportunities at levels for those wishing to change career direction and enter the industry. 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 work experience in an engineering environment.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
412,600 |
|---|
| Number of UK employers: |
33,240 |
|---|
| Gender: |
19% of the UK engineering workforce across all occupations is female, including assembly type occupations, office staff and sales and marketing |
|---|
| 17% of all engineering management roles are occupied by women |
| 7% of professional roles are occupied by women |
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry, 2007.]
Employment trends and future prospects
Due to the recent economic climate, it is not possible to predict the long term figures for company requirements for numbers of employees, but many companies are trying to reduce costs without closing their businesses.
There will be a replacement demand for operator and assembly jobs as people retire, there is likely to be a decrease in people employed in these occupations in the mechanical equipment industry. 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 those wishing to transfer to these occupations.
Skill requirements and shortages
All sectors in the economy face major skill challenges as the nature of work alters and global competition intensifies. The pace of change is likely to be particularly rapid within most parts of the engineering industry. Employees with no qualifications are likely to face particular challenges.
The ageing of the current workforce is a concern for many employers. Because many skilled and experienced workers are approaching retirement age and, there will be a need to replace them with other skilled craft, technical and professional workers.
The main skills gaps for the metals industry are:
- CNC Machine Operation
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Welding skills
- Fabrication
- Metal workers
Occupational trends
Occupations crucial for the future across the whole sector include:
- Design engineers
- Electronic engineers
- Production engineers
- Technicians – equipment, process and product
- Maintenance
- Toolmaking
- Prototyping
The following will affect new and emerging jobs:
- The industry has an important role in the future as both they and their customers come under regulations to produce more energy efficient vehicles using components that need to be cheaper, lighter, perform at higher temperatures and do not need replacing for longer periods of time. 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 demand for engineering and science professionals able to understand the behaviour of materials and make best use of new technological advancements. There are likely to be roles for people who are skilled at running manufacturing departments with consideration for how waste can be minimised and how products can be recycled at the end of its life as well as being able to design products and manufacturing processes that reduces the amounts of material used.
- Special coatings that can extend the life of metal cutting tools, reducing the amount of sharpening and replacement required, will need to be developed in the future.
- Computer software is introducing design and modelling opportunities for the metals industry. 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.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 37,700 employees in the regional workforce, in over 2,900 companies. There is a total requirement of 8,530 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: metal workers; Computer Aided Design (CAD); assembly line/production robotics; tool setting; tool makers; pattern making; and foundry skills. 48% of the workforce is employed as sheet metal workers. The largest industries in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment, aerospace and automotive. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Derby City, Leicester City, South Derbyshire, Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth and Ashfield.
East of England – There are an estimated 28,100 employees in the regional workforce, in just over 3,340 companies. There is a total requirement of 9,960 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: welding skills; Computer Aided Design (CAD); tool setting; fabrication; Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM); Material Requirement Planning (MRP11); assembly line/production robotics; manufacturing; and toolmakers. 51% of the workforce is employed as sheet metal workers. The largest industries in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics and metal products. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire, Luton and Basildon.
London – There are an estimated 12,700 employees in the regional workforce, in just over 2,030 companies. There is a total requirement of 8,700 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: Computer Aided Design (CAD); Material Requirement Planning (MRP11); CNC machine operation; tool setting; fabrication; metal workers; toolmakers; carpentry/woodwork; and machine operator (unspecified). 47% of the workforce is employed as sheet metal workers. The largest industries in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics and metal products. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Barking and Dagenham, Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
North East – There are an estimated 22,700 employees in the regional workforce, in 1,180 companies. There is a total requirement of 4,875 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: metal workers; Computer Aided Design (CAD); Materials requirement Planning (MRP11); welding skills; and craft skills. 56% of the workforce is employed as sheet metal workers. The largest industries in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, metal products and automotive. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and Sedgefield.
North West – There are an estimated 44,300 employees in the regional workforce, in 3,700 companies. There is a total requirement of 13,595 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; technical drawing; welding skills; general engineering skills; moulding skills; fabrication; metal workers; and grinding. 49% of the workforce is employed as sheet metal workers. The largest industries in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment and aerospace. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Fylde, Knowsley, Crewe and Nantwich, Stockport, Oldham and Preston.
South East – There are an estimated 33,000 employees in the regional workforce, in just over 4,300 companies. There is a total requirement of 10,120 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: Computer Aided Design (CAD); welding skills; assembly line/production robotics; 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; and foundry skills. 46% of the workforce is employed as sheet metal workers. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around West Berkshire, Basingstoke and Deane, Milton Keynes, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Crawley and Medway.
South West – There are an estimated 31,400 employees in the regional workforce, in just under 2,870 companies. There is a total requirement of 7,460 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; Computer Aided Design (CAD); Computer Aided Engineering (CAE); Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM); Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11); tool setting; welding skills; general engineering skills; fabrication; and precision engineering. 47% of the workforce is employed as sheet metal workers. The largest industries in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics and metal products. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, South Somerset, Poole and Plymouth.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 86,300 employees in the regional workforce, in 5,850 companies. There is a total requirement of 15,730 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: 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; and pattern making. 67% of the workforce is employed as metal making and treating process operatives. The largest industries in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment and automotive. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall, Coventry, Dudley and Telford and Wrekin.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 57,900 employees in the regional workforce, in 3,580 companies. There is a total requirement of 13,595 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11); general engineering skills; metal workers; Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM); assembly line/production robotics; tool setting; moulding skills; and manufacturing. 72% of the workforce is employed as metal making and treating process operatives. The largest industries in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment and automotive. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Rotherham and Kingston upon Hull.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 8,800 employees in the metals workforce. There is a total requirement of 500 employees needed per year between 2005 and 2014. 39% of the workforce is employed in the welding trades. Skills gaps include: welding; CNC machine operations; mechanical engineering skills; metalworking; and electrical engineering skills. The largest industries in terms of employment are electrical and electronics industry and the metals industry.
Scotland – There are an estimated 28,500 employees in the workforce, in just over 2,000 companies. There is a total requirement of 7,140 employees needed between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: 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; and turners. 62% of the workforce is employed as smiths and forge workers. The largest industries in terms of employment are electronics, metal products and mechanical equipment. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around the City of Glasgow, Fife, South Lanarkshire, the City of Aberdeen, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
Wales – There are an estimated 30,000 employees in the workforce, in just under 1,450 companies. There is a total requirement of 4,350 employees needed between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: Computer Aided design (CAD); fabrication; CNC machine operation; welding skills; general engineering skills; general machining; precision engineering; and machine operator (unspecified). 75% of the workforce is employed as metal making and treating process operatives. The largest industries in terms of employment are automotive, basic metals, mechanical equipment and aerospace. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Flintshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Rhondda, Cynon and Taff, Bridgend and Wrexham.
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry, 2007, Census, 2001, and Northern Ireland Census of Employment, 2007.]
Salary levels
Pay scales in this industry vary depending on individual experience, level of responsibility and location of job. So, the following only provides an indication of the average annual salaries of the current workforce:
- Materials Engineer/Scientist – starting salaries for graduates are between £18,000 and £21,000. Experienced materials engineers can earn on average around £36,000. Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £46,000.
- Metallurgist – starting salaries for graduates are around £18,500. Experienced metallurgists can earn on average around £30,000. Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn over £38,000.
- Materials Technician – starting salaries range from £12,000 to £16,000. With experience this can rise to around £23,000. Highly‐skilled technical staff or those with management responsibilities can earn over £30,000.
- Foundry Moulder/Coremaker – starting salaries range from £15,500 to £17,500, with first year craft apprentices starting between £8,000 and £10,000. Qualified and experienced employees can earn £21,000. This could be higher for those involved in high levels of responsibility or who work shifts or overtime.
- Foundry Patternmaker – starting salaries range from around £8,000 to £10,000 a year. Qualified patternmakers can earn over £26,000. This could be higher for those involved in high levels of responsibility or who work shifts or overtime.
- Sheet Metal Worker – starting salaries range from £15,500 to £17,500, with first year craft apprentices starting between £8,000 and £10,000. Qualified and experienced workers can earn up to £23,000. This could be higher for those involved in high levels of responsibility or who work shifts or overtime. Highly skilled sheet metal workers can earn up to £28,000 a year.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using SEMTA AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
