Job market information
Finding out about transport equipment manufacturing (including marine and aerospace)
The transport equipment manufacturing 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; metals; 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 transport equipment manufacturing industry comprises:
- Aerospace – 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). It also includes companies that employ people to maintain, repair and overhaul aircraft.
- Marine – covers 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 included.
- Other transport – covers a smaller number of employers that employ people to manufacture railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock, motorcycles and bicycles and invalid carriages.
Key facts:
- Aerospace:
- There are an estimated 96,800 people employed in the industry, across 720 companies in Great Britain.
- The greatest concentrations of employment in the aerospace industry are in the North West, South West and East Midlands.
- 97% of the workforce is full‐time.
- Marine:
- There are an estimated 33,600 people employed in the industry, across nearly 1,620 companies in Great Britain.
- The greatest concentrations of employment in the marine industry 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.
- Some powerboat builders export more than 90% of production.
- 96% of the workforce is full‐time.
- Other transport:
- There are an estimated 14,800 people employed in the industry, across nearly 600 companies in Great Britain.
- The greatest concentrations of employment in the other transport are in the East Midlands and West Midlands.
- 95% of the workforce is full‐time.
Jobs in the industry range from: aerospace engineer, design engineer, marine engineer, mechanical engineer, naval architect, laboratory technician, manufacturing production manager, quality control inspector, marine craftsperson, sheet metal worker, welder, shipwright/riveter/plater, labourers in process and plant operations.
Entry and progression
Within the transport equipment manufacturing industry, there are opportunities in 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.
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 extensive 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: |
145,200 |
|---|
| Number of UK employers: |
2,940 |
|---|
| 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.
Whilst 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 overall. 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 industry are:
- Materials Requirement Planning (MRP 11)
- Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
- Assembly line/ production robotics
- CNC Machine Operation
- Electronics
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:
- 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.
In 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 industry 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.
In Marine:
- 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).
- There will be greater use of advanced materials, such as self‐cleaning composite materials or coatings on the boat hulls. Another growth area is the design and development of autonomous or remote controlled marine vehicles that can have applications in surveying the seabed for offshore rigs and also for protection against theft or terrorism. There is also likely to be a need for engineers with a knowledge and understanding of power generation from sources such as wave energy.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 20,200 employees in the regional workforce, in around 240 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in aerospace manufacture (14,900) and the second largest was other transport (3,700). There is a total requirement of 2,690 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: Statistical Process Control (SPC). 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 8,200 employees in the regional workforce, in 360 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in aerospace manufacture (6,400) and the second largest was marine (1,400). There is a total requirement of 2,740 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: Material Requirement Planning (MRP11); tool setting; mechanical engineering; and carpentry/woodwork. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire, Luton and Basildon.
London – There are an estimated 2,700 employees in the regional workforce, in 140 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in other transport manufacture (1,400) and the second largest was aerospace (1,200). There is a total requirement of 465 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Barking and Dagenham, Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
North East – There are an estimated 1,100 employees in the regional workforce, in just over 40 companies. The largest group of employees are employed in marine companies (1,100). There is a total requirement of 850 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: assembly line/production robotics; and metal workers. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and Sedgefield.
North West – There are an estimated 28,500 employees in the regional workforce, in 260 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in aerospace manufacture (22,300). There is a total requirement of 4,000 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; welding skills; and fabrication. 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 16,600 employees in the regional workforce, in 640 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in aerospace manufacture (10,600) and the second largest was marine (4,900). There is a total requirement of 2,185 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: Computer Aided Engineering (CAE); Computer Aided Design (CAD); Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM); Materials Requirement Planning (MRP); Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11); and aircraft engineering. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around West Berkshire, Basingstoke and Deane, Milton Keynes, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Crawley and Medway.
South West – There are an estimated 30,500 employees in the regional workforce, in 480 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in aerospace manufacture (17,700) and the second largest was marine (11,500). There is a total requirement of 6,530 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; and aircraft engineering. There are above average concentrations of employment in the marine and aerospace industries. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, South Somerset, Poole and Plymouth.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 9,300 employees in the regional workforce, in 230 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in aerospace manufacture (5,700) and the second largest was other transport (2,700). There is a total requirement of 1,110 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: multi‐skills. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall, Coventry, Dudley and Telford and Wrekin.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 4,300 employees in the regional workforce, in 170 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in aerospace manufacture (2,600) and the second largest was other transport (1,100). There is a total requirement of 815 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Rotherham and Kingston upon Hull.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 5,400 employees in the workforce. There is a total requirement of 150 employees needed per year between 2005 and 2014. 63% of the workforce is metal plate workers, shipwrights and riveters. Skills gaps include: welding; CNC machine operations; mechanical engineering skills; metalworking; and electrical engineering skills. Northern Ireland has above average concentrations of employment in the aerospace sector.
Scotland – There are an estimated 12,600 employees in the workforce, in just over 200 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in marine manufacture (6,000) and the second largest was aerospace (5,500). There is a total requirement of 2,170 employees needed between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: assembly line/production robotics; electronics; and mechanical fitters. 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 11,200 employees in the workforce, in 160 companies. The largest group of employees are involved in aerospace manufacture (9,900) and the second largest was other transport (700). There is a total requirement of 1,470 employees needed between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: general engineering skills; electronics; and electrical engineering. 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:
- Aerospace/Marine/Mechanical Engineer – starting salaries for graduates are between £18,000 and £21,000. Experienced engineers can earn £38,000 or more, depending on their professional status and experience. Chartered aerospace/marine/mechanical engineers in senior roles can earn around £45,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
- Naval architect – starting salaries for graduates are between £18,000 and £21,000. Experienced architects can earn on £38,000 or more, depending on their professional status and experience. Chartered naval architects in senior roles can earn around £55,000 or more depending on their levels of responsibility.
- Aerospace Engineering Technician – starting salaries for a technician undergoing training may be around £15,000, which can rise to around £30,000 with experience. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility can earn over £38,000.
- Marine Craftsperson – starting salaries can range from around £15,500 to £17,500, with first year craft apprentices starting between £8,000 and £10,000. The average pay for a marine craftsperson is around £27,000. Highly‐skilled and experienced workers may earn over £40,000.
- Shipwright/riveter/plater – starting salaries can range from around £18,000 to £20,500, with first year craft apprentices starting between £8,000 and £10,000. Qualified platers can earn £25,000. This could be higher for those involved in offshore contracts or work away from home. Those with management responsibility could earn over £30,000.
- Engineering Operative – starting salaries can be around £12,500, with apprentices starting between £8,000 and £10,000. Experienced engineering operatives can earn up to £21,000, but this could be higher for those working shifts and overtime. The most skilled and experienced operatives with management responsibilities can earn £28,000 or more with overtime and piecework.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using SEMTA AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
