BAE calling upon UK effort to develop skills for industry
BAE Systems have called upon industry, government and the education sector to make a concentrated effort to prepare the UK for the benefits of the digital revolution and Industry 4.0.
The Chief Technology Officer at BAE, Nigel Whitehead, said that the defence, aerospace, engineering and manufacturing sectors must work together and invest further in digital and ‘soft skills’, upskilling, retraining, supporting supply chains and SMEs.
This should all be done in response to the estimated levels of complexity in industrial and business systems, as well as the demand from technologies like artificial intelligence.
He also suggested that business involved in those sectors needed to create more diverse, inclusive and flexible workplaces, reflecting different working preferences and lifestyles.
Whitehead also called upon a nationwide programme to be implemented, with the goal of improving the perception of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and careers.
However, he also spoke of the engineering industry having to consider recruiting people with applicable skills traditionally associated with art subjects, like creativity and problem solving.
‘I am personally really excited by the opportunities in today’s highly connected world and what the future will bring, but we cannot be complacent’ he said at a launch event at BAE’s Academy for Skills & Knowledge in Samlesbury, Lancashire.
‘By taking tangible action now and capitalising on the ambition of young people coupled with the UK’s traditions and advantages – education, strong legal frameworks, technical innovations and leadership – we can exploit the digital revolution and compete on the world stage.’
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
![Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align]()
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
![New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”]()
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
![Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes]()
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
