Defence industry guns for digital skills as crisis looms

It seems the marketing industry is not the only sector facing a digital and data skills crisis, with the UK’s defence industry the latest to be at risk of falling behind due to a shortage of STEM talent, with leaders concerned that this will result in a deterioration of UK capabilities.

That is according to the Delivering the Defence Workforce of the Future report from workforce specialist Guidant Global.

Produced in conjunction with Defence Online, the report reveals that a staggering 83% of key decision makers and influencers in the sector believe that the country will fall behind in terms of technology development due to a lack of skills.

A further 77% are concerned that the UK’s defence capabilities will deteriorate as a result, with 72% also indicating that economic growth is at risk – both heightened concerns at a time of global uncertainty.

According to the statistics, engineering skills are particularly difficult to source, with 48% of employers in the defence sector experiencing a shortage of these attributes. Cyber and digital (33%) and manufacturing and mechanical (25%) skills were al so cited as lacking in the defence labour market.

While half of employers are directly engaging with colleges, schools and universities to build a more sustainable pipeline of skills, Guidant Global has warned that too few are also looking at more immediate and innovative solutions.

Guidant Global client solutions director Joel Forrester, who is also an army veteran, said: “While it’s no secret that the UK is facing a shortage of STEM skills, the potential impact this could have on the defence sector is a concern. In the summer of 2023, the Ministry of Defence published its revised Defence Command Paper, acknowledging that more needs to be done to recruit and retain key skills in the sector.

“While there is a clear recognition of the challenges we face, the majority of employers are focused on longer-term solutions to skills shortages. Engaging with emerging talent will have a positive impact on bolstering the defence sector’s labour market in the years to come, but the immediate threat remains.

“Just 16% of those we surveyed said that they were working with specialist STEM providers, for example, which suggests that potential means of boosting much needed skills are being overlooked for success both now, and in the long term.

“With the UK’s defence sector at risk of falling behind other countries if current trends continue, it is imperative that more strategic action is taken promptly. At Guidant Global we will continue to work with our partners to future-proof the sector and help employers overcome the core people barriers they face.”