Skills

THE NUMBER 1 AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IN EUROPE

As the number one aerospace industry in Europe, the UK appeals to global aerospace manufacturers because of its world class capabilities.

This high-technology, high-skill industry features a broad range of high-value disciplines, including engineering, science, project management, production, service, training and finance. As such, it remains at the forefront of new research and development (R&D). The UK aerospace sector directly employs almost 110,000 people across the country and many more in the supply chain, with an advanced manufacturing base providing work for around 3,000 companies of all sizes.

In particular, south west England has a strong presence of global players and generates a breadth of specialist technical knowledge for the aerospace sector. The region has a proven ability to produce spin-out companies with linkages and diversification into related sectors and has the largest amount of investment in aerospace for R&D in the UK. As a result, leading academic institutions produce high calibre graduates, and the region benefits from expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, composites, ceramics, avionics and other higher value added technologies.


Universities and Colleges

Universities and colleges offering advanced engineering courses in the South West:

 

Resources

News and Posts

FIA Masterclass Webinar: Key Takeaways Ahead of This Year’s Show

A big thank you to everyone who joined the ADS South West team for our Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) Masterclass webinar, and especially to our speakers who shared their time, experience and honest advice on how to get the most out of this year’s Farnborough...

Cheltenham & Gloucester Cluster Meeting Round Up

WEAF hosted its last Cluster meeting as we transition into ADS South West our latest Cheltenham & Gloucester Cluster meeting at Dowty Propellers, Gloucester, bringing together a cross-section of the region’s aerospace and advanced engineering community, including...

Somerset Cluster AI Workshop: Round Up

​On 19th February we hosted our Somerset Cluster meeting at the iAero. We were joined by members New Icon who provided a practical workshop on AI. The session explored how AI and automation can be applied in practical, low-risk ways across aerospace and advanced...

First V Levels subjects revealed as part of landmark reforms

Young people will be able to take the very first V Levels in education, finance, and digital in 2027, under landmark reforms to help young people secure well-paid jobs.   Too many young people have been held back by a system that didn’t value every route to success....