Key Takeaways:
- The defence sector is facing a skills gap due to a lack of interest from young technologists and competition from other industries.
- Ethical concerns about working on lethal technology and a perceived lack of purpose are contributing to the skills gap.
- The sector is working to rebrand itself and highlight its work in areas such as cybersecurity and disaster relief.
- Defence companies are looking to attract non-traditional candidates, including career switchers and non-graduates.
- The sector needs to adapt to the changing needs and values of younger generations, including a desire for purpose, flexibility, and cutting-edge technology.
Introduction to the Skills Gap
The defence sector is facing a significant challenge in attracting young technologists due to a range of factors, including ethical concerns about working on lethal technology and a perceived lack of purpose. This has resulted in a skills gap that could widen as the UK government increases defence spending and faces an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. The Ministry of Defence has announced significant investments in AI-powered battlefield systems and cybersecurity, but the sector faces fierce competition from technology firms and other industries for specialists in these areas.
Ethical Concerns and Perceptions
Ethical concerns about the military and lethal technology are not new, but they are becoming more pronounced among younger generations. Phil Bearpark, a recruitment specialist, notes that support for the military does not seem as strong as it did in the past, and this can impact the defence industry. Louise Reed, solutions director at Reed, adds that Gen Z has a different mindset when it comes to work and morals, and they want to work for companies that have a purpose and give back. The defence sector recognizes this and is working to counter these perceptions by highlighting its work in areas such as disaster relief and cybersecurity.
Rebranding the Defence Sector
The defence sector is working to rebrand itself and highlight its work in areas beyond lethal technology. Colin Hillier, CEO of Mission Decisions, notes that a small proportion of the sector’s work is focused on making weapons, and that the same technology used for military operations can also be used for rescues and disaster relief. Thales, a French technology giant, highlights its work in cybersecurity and critical national infrastructure, and emphasizes that it creates technology that protects people throughout their lives. The company is also doing outreach work to encourage the development of Stem skills and to attract young technologists.
Attracting Young Technologists
The defence sector is also working to attract young technologists by highlighting its work in cutting-edge technology and innovation. Alex Bethell, a final-year student in computer systems engineering, wants to work on cutting-edge tech and is interested in the defence sector, but is concerned about working on older systems. The sector is recognizing the need to adapt to the changing needs and values of younger generations, including a desire for purpose, flexibility, and cutting-edge technology. Thales encourages staff to upskill and move between roles, and is looking to bring in more career switchers from civilian tech companies and outside the sector.
Adapting to Changing Needs
The defence sector is also recognizing the need to look beyond traditional recruitment channels, including universities. Mrs. Reed notes that university isn’t particularly open to all anymore, and that defence firms should look to recruit non-graduates who may have other skills and can be trained. Thales is working with universities and colleges to ensure the skills it needs are on the curriculum, but is also looking to attract career switchers and non-traditional candidates. These efforts may be making some headway, with around half of Alex Bethell’s cohort spending their year in industry with defence or defence-adjacent companies.
Conclusion
The defence sector is facing a significant skills gap due to a range of factors, including ethical concerns and a perceived lack of purpose. However, the sector is working to rebrand itself and highlight its work in areas such as cybersecurity and disaster relief. By adapting to the changing needs and values of younger generations, including a desire for purpose, flexibility, and cutting-edge technology, the defence sector may be able to attract more young technologists and address its skills gap. As Caleb, a computer science graduate, notes, many of his cohort may eventually join the defence sector, even if they wouldn’t have considered it a few years ago, as they realize the need to get a job and make a living.