Engineering & aerospace
The West of England is home to several major international engineering and aerospace businesses which includes a leading regional space hub. These businesses manufacture aircraft, helicopters, military transport, satellites, and communication systems.

Facts & figures
The West of England homes over 10 world-leading aerospace companies.
The area is Europe’s aerospace powerhouse, with specialist expertise in areas like composites, robotics, and additive-layer manufacturing.
These businesses design and manufacture aircraft, helicopters, military transport, satellites, and communication systems.
Career progression
There are a wide range of entry level jobs across engineering and aerospace. These include:
- Engineering Apprentice
- Vehicle Technician
- Repair Technician
Learn more about career 'levels' in our FAQs.
With experience you can progress within engineering and aerospace taking on more responsibility with higher earning potential:
Learn more about career 'levels' in our FAQs.
More advanced careers in engineering and aerospace relate to management or more specific roles related to the running of a business such as marketing, finance, and Human Resources.
Learn more about career 'levels' in our FAQs.
Most advertised roles within this sector in the West of England include:
Top skills requested by employers
Skills for engineering and aerospace jobs can be split between ‘general’ skills and ‘specialist’ skills. General are transferrable between sectors and sought by most employers, whilst specialist skills are more focused on the sector.
Communications
Management
Planning
Problem Solving
Customer Service
Project Management
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Continuous Improvement Process
Machinery
Green engineering & aerospace
Many engineering companies are working to become more sustainable and develop more sustainable products. There are green elements featured in many roles and a rise in green jobs, including:
- Flood Risk Engineer
- Hydrogeologist
- Sustainability Principal Research Engineer
- Alternative Fuel Researcher
- Aircraft Recycling Specialist
- Carbon Composites Engineer
- Data Analyst

Labour market information
All teachers, students and parents should have access to high-quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities both nationally and locally.
To access a downloadable copy of the data featured on this page please see link below.
