A strategic sector under intense pressure
The Defence and Aerospace industry in the UK is at the heart of technological innovation and national sovereignty. This strategic activity is marked by geopolitical challenges, with growing security needs and increasing pressure to maintain competitiveness in the face of international competitors.
The race to innovate, increasing regulatory requirements, as well as data security and cybersecurity issues all add to the complexity of this sector. At the same time, the demand for skilled talent remains strong, accentuated by demographic and technological changes.


Major employment challenges in defence and aerospace
Although dynamic, the Defence and Aerospace sectors are facing a marked shortage of specialist talent, particularly for technicians, cybersecurity experts and engineers. Recruitment for these professions is particularly difficult.
These difficulties are compounded by talent volatility and disengagement, linked to the rapid evolution of the skills required. Companies not only need to source candidates with solid technical skills, but also soft skills such as resilience and the ability to adapt to complex environments.
Training, retaining and developing this talent is therefore a constant challenge for companies in this sector.
Overview of employment, talent and innovation in the Defence and Aerospace sectors
Investment in R&D
The industry allocates nearly 15% of its revenues to research and development, with a strong focus on innovation in defence and aircraft technologies.
Job growth
The defence and aerospace sector employs nearly 250,000 people in the UK, with a constant demand for engineering and production positions.
Talent shortage
Jobs for engineers and technicians specialising in aeronautics and cybersecurity are the hardest to fill, with a shortage of qualified candidates forecast until 2035.
Actual Talent’s offer to recruit in the defence and aeronautics sector
As an aerospace recruitment agency, Actual Talent is the partner of choice to help defence and aerospace companies meet these HR challenges.
Humanist approach
We put people at the heart of our strategy. By taking into account the aspirations and well-being of talented people, we ensure sustainable recruitment.
Specialised sector expertise
Our in-depth knowledge of specific industrial sectors means we can offer tailored solutions, particularly in areas where there is a shortage of talent.
Innovations in recruitment
Our Assessment Centres are designed to assess not only technical skills, but also fundamental soft skills such as stress management and collaboration, which are essential in a demanding industry.
Ongoing training
We support talent as they develop their skills through programmes tailored to your evolving needs.
Proactive sourcing
Thanks to early sourcing, we identify high-potential profiles, often still in training, but with the necessary grounding to meet companies’ needs.
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