There is a need to up-skill the current workforce and to recruit new entrants to meet new skills requirements. Skill deficiencies are evident in a large number of areas which include:

• professional engineers: scientists and technologists design engineers, design and development engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, radio systems design engineers, systems engineers, software engineers
• technicians: operators, programmers, sales engineers
• craftsmen/women: electrical maintenance, sheet metal workers, pipefitters, toolmakers, vehicle body builders, welders, turners

Skills gaps vary by occupations, some examples follow:

• machine operatives and sales staff – customer handling and communications
• skilled trades – technical and practical skills, problem solving skills
• managers and senior officials – management skills

Source: Spilsbury Research/SEMTA 2004