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

Is Aerospace Recruitment Giving You a Headache?

Here’s What We Learned at the WEAF Somerset Cluster Meeting The WEAF Somerset Cluster meeting held on 23rd January witnesses a hub of lively debate, as WEAF members gathered at Metaltech Precision, part of the Expromet Group, to tackle one of the biggest challenges...

WEAF Set to Empower Industry & Members at Annual Event

As the UK strives to maintains its status as a global leader in aerospace, particularly in wings and rotorcraft, the South West remains a pivotal hub which houses the country’s largest aerospace cluster and the second largest in Europe.   Therefore, the WEAF Annual...

WEAF CEO Update

Back with refreshed optimism and an insightful outlook on the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors, Colin Turner led the first WEAF CEO Industry Update of 2025. Colin provided attendees an overview of the UK government landscape and details on global...

Government pushes regulators to unlock growth

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, is advocating for strategies to stimulate growth across the UK through a recent series of recent announcements.   She aims to "turbocharge" investment and push regulators to eliminate barriers in technology, manufacturing,...