Graduates are choosing not to take up careers in aerospace and aviation because they are considered not green enough, a conference has heard. Several speakers at the Farnborough Aerospace Conference said the trend was exacerbating an already difficult situation recruiting in the industry.

With the UK being a world leader in aerospace, growth could be compromised unless more talent enters the sector, delegates were told.

Stephen Cowan, Vice-President for Supplier Development and Strategic Sourcing at GKN Aerospace Defence, and former Chairman of the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP), was amongst those who raised concern. He said:

“Education places a strong emphasis on sustainability and the environment, and there is a common view that the aerospace industry's journey to net-zero will take decades."

“It is admirable that young people are concerned about the environment and sustainability, and if young people really want to change things then going into aerospace is a great option because it is a leading industry in innovation."

“It is creating sustainable fuels, new power systems with batteries and hydrogen, and there is a real commitment to get to net-zero flight. All these embryonic technologies are advancing quickly and will also be used to benefit other sectors."

"There's a common misconception that shop floor manufacturing is outdated, while industries like automotive are viewed as more modern and clean. In reality, aerospace is advancing rapidly, with smart technologies and innovation driving significant changes across the sector."

“At GKN Aerospace, we have global technology centres where hundreds of engineers collaborate closely with colleagues in the eco-system and from universities and knowledge institutes to develop and mature sustainable technologies, such as lightweight composites and hydrogen propulsion, ensuring we stay at the forefront of net-zero aviation."

“This shift isn't just limited to engineering and manufacturing – HR, finance, and other office-based roles also benefit from this dynamic environment. While young talent may be drawn to industries perceived as more environmentally or socially responsible, aerospace is equally committed to sustainability and offers rewarding, impactful career opportunities in these areas."

"We need talented minds to join us in staying at the forefront of sustainable aviation development, ensuring we continue to lead in innovation and progress. The new government has put an emphasis on growth and acknowledged that aerospace is an important sector. What we need now is for graduates and school leavers to go into aerospace."

“STEM teaching and apprenticeships have made a difference, but the work must start in primary schools.

“Aerospace and aviation are on the cusp of a revolution that will have the same sort as impact as Whittle’s jet engine did. Everyone in the sector wants clean, sustainable flight and it is achievable. It is now enshrined in law by the UK Government by 2050. The more bright minds who take up the challenge, the quicker we’ll have it.”

Harriet Woollerton, service director for ADS, the aerospace, defence, security and space trade association, told the conference:

“The Great Rocket Challenge is an example of how schools can introduce children to the sector, but business should play its part. The Great Rocket Challenge is an example of what can be done, but schools have budget constraints so this is something where businesses can help."

“Donating a few hundred pounds to a school so it can enter the challenge and then perhaps lend some employees to help build a rocket would enable the students to compete against schools from other countries.”

Other delegates spoke about the ignorance of children when it came to aerospace and that awareness about it as a career was vital.

Alan Fisher, FAC’s CEO, said:

“We engage with industry, government, and academia to address skills issues not just in the south-east where aerospace is centered, but countrywide. There is a perception issue. Aerospace is responsible for less than two per cent of the world’s emissions but you’d think it was 99 per cent if you listen to some commentators."

“Most goods around the world are carried by ships which are often extremely bad for the environment.

“People don’t often see shipping, but they will see planes overhead and notice the contrails and that reinforces the perception."

“We had a series of excellent speakers, several of whom noted that young people were choosing not to enter the industry because it was considered harmful to the environment. But sustainability is not just an add-on anymore in aerospace, it’s essential for future business.”

Dr Stephen Curran, an education expert who advised the government on the 2014 curriculum, said:

“I’m very much in favour of technological advance. We need to deal with environmental problems through technology and innovation – not by stopping things. So we definitely need more emphasis on these types of careers. And we need to introduce children to them from a young age, then as they get older they are more likely to pursue them."

“In Germany, for example, 70 per cent of students move in a vocational direction at 14 years of age. We don’t do that here. Also in Germany only 30 per cent or so of its young people go to university. The others are in vocational and technical training."

“We have introduced ‘T’ Levels; technical-based qualifications that employers and businesses helped develop and are two-year courses for 16-18-year-olds. These are a good idea and should be developed."

“There is also the messaging about climate and the environment. It is important of course but it has to be contextualised and clearly if industry has identified an issue it must be addressed.”